FAQs for 3rd Annual Petaluma Holiday Lighted Bike Ride

What it is: A free, fun, family-friendly bike ride for people of all ages on all types of wheeled devices (bikes, cargo bikes, trikes, e-bikes, mobility scooters, unicycles, one-wheels, skateboards, motorized wheelchairs, and more). The Ride is a slow, flat, 5.4-mile loop through residential neighborhoods on the east side of town.

Where: The Ride starts and ends at the Petaluma Community Center (formerly Lucchesi Community Center) at 320 North McDowell Boulevard.

When: The date is Friday, December 20th, 2024. Show up at the Community Center no later than 5:00 pm. The Ride starts rolling at 5:30 sharp.

How long is the Ride? Last year’s ride on the west side of town was 5 miles and took exactly one hour. We’re expecting to be back at the Petaluma Community Center by 6:30 pm.

Who’s organizing the Holiday Lighted Bike Ride? The Ride is organized by Safe Streets Petaluma, a local non-profit that advocates for “…Safe, Healthy, and Affordable Mobility for All,” with the help of Petaluma Cycling Club, Aqus Community Foundation, Blue Zones Project, Cool Petaluma, and the City of Petaluma. 

Is it safe for kids? Yes: we have a Special Events Permit from the City of Petaluma and the Ride is fully supported by the Petaluma Police Department. We will be riding slowly and responsibly.

Could I walk the Ride instead of riding? Hmm, no not really; the pace of the Ride is a bit too fast for walking. But you could run it…..

Is it really free? Yes, the Ride is entirely free for all!

Do I have to register? Yes! The QR code on the flyers links to the online registration page. The URL is https://aqus.com/holidaylightedbikeride/

What if I can’t ride the whole distance? If the pace or the duration are too challenging, you always have the option to leave the Ride and return to the Petaluma Community Center.

What about getting to the Ride from the west side of town? A group of riders will leave from Grand Central Petaluma (on the Turning Basin -- on the west side of town) at 4:30 pm in order to arrive at the start of the Ride (the Petaluma Community Center) by 5:00 pm. They will cross town using the Lynch Creek Trail. Formal arrangements haven’t been made for getting back to the west side of town following the Ride.

Do I need lights for my bike? Yes, definitely! The Ride will take place after the sun has set. It will therefore be dark. We strongly recommend reliable lights front and back.

Decorating my bike: Bike decorations are recommended but optional. One option is using blinky lights from a supplier like Brightz. They’re offering us a 20% discount with the promo code BRIGHTZGIFTS. (Some local retailers also sell Brightz lights). Grand Central Petaluma (on the Turning Basin) is offering the assistance of “bike decorating elves” to help people decorate their bikes while enjoying coffee and hot cacao all day (from 7 am to 4 pm) on Friday, December 20th. They will also have decorations and items for sale.

What happens if it’s raining? We’re saying “heavy rain cancels.” The Ride will take place if it’s raining lightly, but participation will be limited.