For our first ride after the end of Daylight Savings Time, we’ll once again celebrate the night by lighting up our bikes. This year, we’ll do it on 11th St!

For 11/11 - variously observed as Veterans Day, Armistice Day, and Corduroy Day - we’ll explore the section of 11th St that runs almost unbroken from I-76 in the south to the Conrail tracks in the north. The only detour required is around the South Philly Acme, formerly site of the Moyamensing Prison. After turning off 11th St onto Cambria, we’ll pass the historic Fair Hill Burial Ground where notable abolitionists (e.g. Lucretia Mott) are resting. After a stretch of American St bikeway, we’ll end at Human Robot at 5th & Cecil B.

As usual, we’ll ride according to our How We Ride guide. Please follow these ride norms so everyone’s on the same page, and we keep the ride safe and fun. We’d like to highlight:

This is our first ride after the end of daylight savings time. It’ll be dark the whole ride, so you’ll need both a headlight and rear light. Lights on steady instead of flashing, please.

Take caution of the trolley tracks on 11th St, and ride to the left of them where possible. For decades, 11th St was home to the Route 23 streetcar (now a bus route), allegedly the longest streetcar route in the world, and the tracks are still at the road surface from South to Market, and Vine to Girard. Yield to the 23 bus that still runs on 11th.

We’ll pause to regroup on the sidewalk alongside Fotterall Square, at 11th & York. Nearby, we’ll pass some of the Village Arts sculptures included on our 100th ride in 2025 (that ride’s featured in the zine).

Stop at lights. Please, please DO NOT block intersections contrary to the traffic light. Our group can be very large and extended, and holding traffic risks serious conflict. If the light turns red, please stop.

Roll past conflict. Whether it’s angry motorists or unruly pedestrians, please do not engage with conflict and move on in a way that de-escalates the situation.

Finally, a reminder of risks and responsibilities. You don’t need to sign a waiver to join a Wednesday Night Ride, because it’s an entirely voluntary & free group activity. But please keep in mind:

• Everyone rides at their own risk.
• Every rider is responsible for themselves, their behavior, and their bike.
• Keep your bike properly maintained. Here’s a link to a basic bike check.
• Cycling has inherent risks–you could crash, fall down, or get hit by a car, and get hurt or even killed–though we try to minimize these risks.
• If you have a health condition that could affect your ride or put you at additional risk, consider a) checking in with a doctor, b) letting us or a friend know, c) having a backup plan to get home if riding doesn’t work out.
• We always plan to have a sweeper, but can’t rule out that you could get lost, or that your bike could break down and you’ll need to find another way home.

Want to lead a ride in 2026-27? We’re looking for ride leaders. Let us know if you’re interested! Our only criteria for leading a ride is that you’ve joined us before. You don’t need to have prior group ride lead experience or come up with the whole route on your own, we can help with that!

Thanks for riding! See you Wednesday.