Philadelphia welcomed me in 2008, not as a seasoned cyclist, but as someone who hadn’t touched a bike for transport since childhood. Little did I know, I was about to dive headfirst into Philly’s vibrant bike scene. From the casual “Soft Tofu Ride” to the adventurous “Pretzel Ride” and even the quirky “Bilenky Junkyard Cyclocross,” my introduction to cycling in the city was anything but dull. Then came 2010, and with it, my first Philly Bike Expo experience.
It’s safe to say the early Philly Bike Expo was a different beast. Picture this: a cozy, perhaps cramped venue, familiar faces all around, a definite chill in the air, and a building that felt like it was catching a cold. Despite its imperfections – and unintentionally – it wasn’t the most inclusive space. Yet, there was an undeniable charm, a sense of community that was genuinely amazing and reaffirming.
Fast forward to 2019, armed with an urban planning master’s degree inspired by my cycling adventures, I found myself organizing a seminar at the Philly Bike Expo, “Women Leading the Bike Movement.” The Expo had evolved significantly, now hosted at the spacious and accessible Philadelphia Convention Center. This move was pivotal, allowing organizer Bina Bilenky Trahan to broaden the event’s appeal far beyond the core group of (mostly male and white) cycling enthusiasts.
Today, the Philly Bike Expo is a highlight on the annual calendar, and this year marks my exciting debut as an Expo volunteer. It’s become a true celebration of all things cycling. Expect to be amazed by over 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest bikes and gear, stunning bike art, a dedicated kids’ test track, and a delicious array of food trucks. Beyond the exhibits, the Expo offers a rich seminar series covering everything from technical know-how to the emotional connection with cycling, and a diverse program of events from social mixers to group rides.
The person who arrived in Philadelphia in 2008 without a bike now owns six, including a self-built electric cargo bike. My journey may be unique, but the Philly Bike Expo offers an entry point for everyone, even adults yet to learn to ride. I’m genuinely excited to be part of it and look forward to welcoming you there!
Tickets for the 2025 Philly Bike Expo are available now! Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia (BCGP) members, don’t forget to check your newsletter for a special promo code. Not a member? Join today!
Join us at the Expo! We’ll be presenting the “Laws We Need to Make Our Roads Safe” seminar on Saturday at 3pm with Piscitello Law, Ayeshia Poole, and Jasmine Hoffman, leading advocates for Jay Alert. For more advocacy insights, catch the “Advocacy Through Data” talk on Saturday at 1:30pm to see how Pittsburgh is using rider-sourced data to improve bike safety. And be sure to stop by our table to say hello – we’ll be there both days!
