Hi, I’m Dena, known on Twitter as @bikemamadelphia. Along with a friend, I founded and run Kidical Mass Philadelphia (KMPHL). Kidical Mass is a nationwide movement, and KMPHL is often credited with bringing Philly’s family biking culture to prominence.
Last year, Kidical Mass Philly and Portland’s Nutcase Helmets both made their inaugural entrances into the Philly Bike Expo community.
Philly Bike Expo is in its fifth year; it was born out of local Bilenky Cycle Works’ desire to not only spread its brand but also encourage bicycling culture here in Philadelphia. The Expo grows every year, with a mix of bike companies, bike builders, advocates, and bicycle enthusiasts.
This year Nutcase joins with Philly’s most family-friendly bike shop Firth & Wilson to bring some fun and practical cargo bikes to the Expo. As one of the biggest advocates for family-friendly riding in this town, I totally encourage you all to join us at Philly Expo for fun-filled events.
First and foremost, kids 12 and under get free admission – YAY FREE!
Adult tickets are available for purchase online, at the door, and at bike shops including Firth & Wilson.
We will be meeting at Fittler square at 11 a.m. and riding a really easy, really flat 1.3-mile route to the Convention Center. After we park our bikes at the indoor bike parking families can grab food from the food trucks or proceed straight to the Expo floor.
Dena does cargo bike.
At 1:30 p.m. join Firth & Wilson and parents from KMPHL for “Family Biking 101.” Firth & Wilson will give a primer on bike seats and cargo bikes, and KMPHL parents (and yours truly) will talk about the nitty-gritty of biking in this city with kids.
The seminar is kid-friendly – no need to make the youngsters sit still and be quiet, at all.
Mrs. Nutcase
Following the classroom portion of the seminar, Firth & Wilson invites you to join them at the indoor test track to try out cargo bikes! I hope this sounds both exciting and exhausting. But the family fun doesn’t end on Saturday. Sunday you can check out bicycle crafts from 11-4pm with the Please Touch Museum.
At the Expo Nutcase will be showing two new items for the first time – if you spot Mrs. Nutcase at the Firth & Wilson booth, say “Hi” and ask for a preview of our new Baby Nutty helmet and our Metroride commuter helmet.
Dena Driscoll is a family biking advocate who lives with her two kids, two cats, and husband in Philly (all of whom have ridden in her cargo bike). When not riding or writing about family biking she can be found working at Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse.