The Long Island alternative transportation advocacy organization, Car-less Long Island (CLLI), is holding its second annual Long Island Bike-to-Work Parade on April 29. Gathering for the parade begins as 9 a.m. at Hofstra University’s North campus.
The parade will follow a 6.5-mile loop beginning and ending at Hofstra University. There will be a route for pedestrians, disabled participants, cyclists with younger children and cyclists who simply would prefer a shorter ride.
Participants are encouraged to dress up and adorn their bicycles. There will be a festival with prizes for the best costumes and bikes at the end of the parade. The festival leads into Hofstra University’s Dutch festival with food and flower vendors, music and rides for small children.
“There are many reasons why Long Islanders should support alternative forms of transportation, such as biking,” says Car-less Long Island founder and chairwoman Sylvia Silberger, of Hempstead. “Clearly it is much more environmentally friendly and bicycle commuters are able to incorporate a healthier active lifestyle into their daily routine. But also, it reduces vehicular congestion, benefiting all motorists, and many studies have shown that walk- and bike-ability helps local businesses thrive. There are also many Long Islanders who need alternative forms of transportation because they are unable to drive or own their own cars and we all benefit if everyone as access to the transportation necessary to survive in this world.”
The bike parade is officially listed as a sister march to the People’s Climate March on Washington that day.
CLLI was founded in the summer of 2015 as a project of the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island. “It seems I have often found myself in conversations with other Long Islanders who would like to be able to get around without a car, but are frustrated by the danger and inconvenience inherent alternative modes of transportation,” said Silberger.
Silberger founded CLLI to counter the “nihilistic feeling that this is just how Long Island is—we are a car-culture and that will never change.” She is optimistic that the Bike-to-Work Fashion Parade will allow Long Islanders who would like Long Island to be a more bike-friendly community realize that they are not alone.
Participation in the parade is completely free, but participants are encouraged to register in advance at www.Car-LessLI.org/parade. More information about the parade such as maps and information about volunteering and helping to sponsor the parade can found on that page as well.
Event sponsored by Hofstra University’s National Center for Suburban Studies and Flanzig and Flanzig, personal injury lawyers.
