When Bikes Take Over Dallas

It’s the year of the bicycle in Dallas. Not only did 2017 usher in a plethora of bike-sharing companies to town, it’s also bringing the inaugural Dallas Bike Ride. On November 4, local cycling enthusiasts will have 20 miles of city streets across Dallas all to themselves — no cars allowed. The event welcomes riders of all ages and experience levels to come together and hit the road.

Capital Sports Ventures LLC founded the Dallas Bike Ride and hopes that it will become a beloved annual event in the city. Plenty of Dallasites enjoy biking and city life, but the two can often be difficult – or dangerous – to combine.

“Dallas Bike Ride will allow people of all ages, lifestyles and backgrounds to unite around two main things: their love for the city of Dallas and their love for cycling,” Greg Bibb, CEO of Capital Sports Ventures said in a statement. “The opportunity to bike 20 miles of car-free roads allows participants to ride without worry. 60 percent of the total U.S. population is interested but concerned about biking.

“Dallas Bike Ride allows us to remove those worries, and let participants focus on the joy of riding through the city they call home.”

The route will go through Uptown, the Design District, West Dallas, Kessler, Bishop Arts District and Downtown Dallas, providing stunning 360 views of the skyline. If 20 miles sounds like too much, there’s a shorter course that runs 10.5 miles.

After the two-wheeled trek, riders will be rewarded with a party at the finish line. The Methodist Dallas Finish Festival will include entertainment from Grammy Award-winner DJ Spinderella of Salt-n-Pepa and band Petty Theft, featuring Mike Rhyner, the exclusive DJ of the Dallas Cowboys. Food truck eats and Dallas Bike Ride merchandise will be up for grabs, and a Kids’ Zone will provide family-friendly entertainment for the little ones. There will also be a Health & Wellness Zone presented by Cigna, a cool-down yoga session, a photobooth and goodies from KIND Healthy Snacks.

The Dallas Bike Ride is free for children ages 3 to 7, $30 for kids ages 8 to 15 and $60 for riders ages 16 and up. The finish festival will be free and open to participants and spectators alike.

A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit BikeTexas and Incarnation House in their initiatives to provide Dallas youth with bike education.