Thousands Enjoy Portland's Bridges During Providence Bridge Pedal and Stride

Aug. 11, 2008

PORTLAND, Ore. - More than 18,000 people soaked in the views from Portland's bridges Sunday for the 13th annual Providence Bridge Pedal and Stride. 17,000 cyclists turned out for event, with another 1,000 taking part in the Bridge Stride.

Changes made this year eliminated congestion and backups experienced by some cyclists during the 2007 Providence Bridge Pedal. For the first time ever, the longest ride - a 37-mile route which crossed bridges 11 times, started on the east side of the Fremont Bridge. This route, designed for serious cyclists, began two hours earlier that the shorter rides. "We reworked the route this year so the faster cyclists did not merge with the family cyclists, who tend to ride in groups and more slowly," said Rick Bauman, Providence Bridge Pedal organizer. "We are thrilled with how well this plan worked, and so were the cyclists," noted Bauman.

All three routes took cyclists for a car-free ride across the tops of the Fremont and Marquam bridges - where many people stopped to take photos and enjoying the spectacular views.

The Bridge Pedal began in 1996 with 7,500 participants and is now the second largest organized bicycling event in the country. Providence has been a sponsor for the last 12 of 13 years. "Providence is thrilled to help put on an event such as this each year. It's an incredible opportunity for those who care about their community, their health, and the beauty and majesty of bicycling and walking over Portland's bridges," said Dave Underriner, chief executive of Providence Health & Services' Portland Service Area.

Once again this year, Providence Health & Services will use a portion of Bridge Pedal proceeds to buy automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and donate them to selected gathering places in the community, such as stores, schools and libraries. An AED is a portable device used to restore normal heart rhythm to people experiencing cardiac arrest.