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Cyclists of all skill levels can engage in Bike Philly, a once-a-year opportunity to see Philadelphia as it would appear if the streets belonged to bikes. (Photos courtesy Bike Philly)

Bike Philly, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia’s annual community bike ride, returns Sunday, September 11.

Bike Philly is Philadelphia’s largest annual bicycle ride, a family-friendly morning of relaxed biking on car-free city streets. You can opt for a 10- or 20-mile loop of car-free trails, or a challenging 35-mile loop on shared roads for more experienced riders.

Here’s everything else you need to know:

Registration

Registration is now open. You can get a team together, or else sign up as an individual. Early registration is encouraged, as the event can sell out.

Adult entry is $40, students are $15, kids 12 and under are $5, and T-shirts are $12. Your registration includes snacks and water at rest stops along the route; mechanics to help with bike problems; and music and food at the Finish Line Festival (see below).

All proceeds support the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia’s efforts to make the region more bicycle-friendly. Specifically, Bike Philly 2011 is supporting the Complete The Trail campaign to help make the Schuylkill River Trail a completed green transportation corridor of moer than 67 miles of trails.

The Routes

All Bike Philly routes start at Eakins Oval, in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps. All routes also finish there.

10 Mile Car-Free Route: Riders are taken along a closed, car-free route through Center City Philadelphia that passes through Chinatown and Old City. Riders pass by the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Gloria Dei “Old Swedes” Church and The Shambles at Headhouse Square. Riders then return to the Parkway before entering Fairmount Park and passing along the Philadelphia Zoo. You can then choose to continue on to 20 and 35 mile routes or return to the Finish Line Festival at the Art Museum Steps and Eakins Oval.

20 Mile Car-Free Route: Riders follow the Schuylkill River, cross the Strawberry Mansion Bridge and continue up to Mount Pleasant Mansion, where you can rest and enjoy refreshments. After leaving the Mount Pleasant rest stop, riders continue through Fairmount Park until Strawberry Mansion Bridge where the 35 mile loops break off to explore the Main Line on shared roads. The 20 mile riders continue on MLK Drive, before joining the festivities at the Finish Line Festival.

35 Mile Extension on Shared Roads: The 35 mile extension of Bike Philly takes you across the Strawberry Mansion Bridge and through Overbrook and into Wynnewood, Ardmore and Haverford. Along the way, you see the Chamounix Mansion, ride on City Line Avenue and pass the Barnes Foundation. The turnaround point, with rest stop, is at the Haverford School. On your return trip to Eakins Oval, riders will pass Saint Charles Seminary, the Please Touch Museum and Memorial Hall.

Ride Schedule

6:30 a.m.: Packet Pick-Up and Onsite Registration Opens
7:30 a.m.: Packet Pickup and Onsite Registration Closes.
8 a.m.: Bike Philly rolls! Please be in line by no later than 7:45!
9 a.m.-1 p.m: Finish Line Festival (see below)

More information, including a map, below.

Bike Philly
When: Sunday, September 11, beginning at 8 a.m.
Where: Starts and ends at Eakins Oval
Cost: Adult entry $40, Students $15, Kids 12 and under $5
More info: www.bicyclecoalition.org

Bike Rentals

Check out the Bicycle Coalition’s helpful roundup of local bike rental services, some of which can loan you a bike for as low as $20 a day.

Finish Line Festival

The Finish Line Festival is a celebration at the end of Bike Philly at Eakins Oval. The Festival opens at 9 a.m. and lasts until 1 p.m. Expect bike and bike accessory vendors, plus music, drinks and food to fuel up after your ride.

This year, the Traveling Zoo will join the fun to celebrate Bike Philly. Plus, Corporate Touch will be on hand to offer massages for a small donation.

Note: you can pick up your rider packet ahead of time at the following locations, to avoid the day-of hassle and lines. And check out our definitive guide to biking in Philadelphia if you want to warm up before the big day.

Bike Philly is a great way to support Philadelphia’s green efforts, a once-a-year opportunity to see Philadelphia as it would appear if the streets belonged to bikes and also a wonderful chance to bond with your fellow bikers. Sign up now to ensure your spot!

Check out a map of the full Bike Philly route: