First Friday Rides
On the first Friday of a particular month, community members gather at Hillside Park in Newark to begin a slow ride through and around town and then get together afterward socially. First Friday Rides begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. (riders should have bike lights for dusk and after-dark rides during those times of year) after signing in at 5:45 p.m.
Next event: See First Friday Rides page.
Bicycle-safety Checkpoints
Each semester at the University of Delaware, BikeNewark works with partners DelDOT, the Newark Bike Project, the University of Delaware, and WILMAPCO to offer quick bicycle check-ups and quick fixes, install free bike lights, offer free helmets, and handout safety literature. This event is primarily aimed at University of Delaware students and benefits the entire community.
Family Bike Fest
BikeNewark co-sponsors an annual family-oriented, expo-style event in Newark called Family Bike Fest. Its first event in June 2023 was held on the University of Delaware campus and included e-bike and specialty-bike vendors, information tables of bicycle- and recreation-related organizations, a bicycle (skills) rodeo, a coffee station, and a UDairy Creamery ice-cream truck. This event provides opportunities for young and old to explore the world of bicycling in Newark.
Bike to Work
BikeNewark, along with partners UD, DelDOT, City of Newark, WILMAPCO, and the Newark Bike Project, organizes and presents a local celebration of National Bike to Work Day, the 3rd Friday morning in May. For more info on this event, see the Bike to Work Day event page.
Bike to School
BikeNewark supports Newark schools that participate in National Bike to School Day or in a weeklong event. Each year John R. Downes Elementary School holds a Bike to School event to encourage young riders to use their bicycles to get to and from school. Held during National Bike Month (May), the Downes event is always a big success. See the current Bike to School event page for more information.
Newark Community Day
This local City of Newark event is held annually on The Green at the University of Delaware, usually the 3rd Sunday in September from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. BikeNewark typically operates a booth and interacts with the community during this event, handing out material and soliciting feedback.
Community Nights
BikeNewark occasionally hosts a social event with food and drink, during which community members can learn more about what BikeNewark does and some of the ongoing projects around town that either directly or indirectly involve bicycling.
Newark Historic Buildings Bicycle Tour
This five-mile bike tour, administered and co-sponsored by the Newark Bike Project, featured 20 of Newark’s historic buildings. Community tour guides discussed the histories of Newark and of each building, as well as the buildings’ architectural features. For more details, see the event page.
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