Grab your bike, strap on your helmet and cycle Sunnyside this weekend

The Sunnyside Family Fun Bike Ride returns to the neighborhood this Saturday. Image courtesy of Sunnyside Family Fun Bike Ride.

By Jonathan Sperling

Sunnyside cyclists will put their pedals to the metal — or asphalt, rather — at the third “Sunnyside Family Fun Bike Ride” this Saturday.

The Sunnyside Family Fun Bike Ride celebrates the neighborhood’s protected bike lanes and promotes sustainable transportation amid the world climate crisis. Organizers invite cyclists of all ages to bike around the blocks.

Riders will meet-up at noon Saturday inside Lou Lodati Playground beyond the GrowNYC Sunnyside Greenmarket, located on Skillman Avenue between 41st Street and 42nd Street. After some mingling, cyclists will circle the neighborhood and return to the playground for complimentary pizza provided by Uncle Jimmy’s Pizzeria and beverages donated by both Turkiyem Market and Skillman Pets.

For the event’s co-founder and organizer, Alan Baglia, the Sunnyside Family Fun Bike Ride began as a way for him to share the convenience of the area’s bike lanes with his neighbors. When the Skillman Avenue bike lane was first constructed, Baglia began using it to transport his daughter to and from school and camp.

“When I saw I could get from Skillman Avenue in Sunnyside to Long Island City it became a perfect solution for me,” Baglia told the Eagle. “The idea came as a way of introducing this to other people who might feel more comfortable in numbers.”

“They’re built, so let’s use them,” Baglia added.

Local lawmakers, including State Sen. Michael Gianaris, State Assemblymember Brian Barnwell, and City Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer will be in attendance.

All participating riders must bring a bicycle in good working order, and all children under the age of 14 are required to wear a helmet. Gloves are recommended.

For more information on the ride, contact Baglia at alanbaglia@gmail.com.