Published: July 18, 2008 08:34 am         

City’s inaugural Dandy Bicycle Parade holds promise of fun on two wheels

Those participating in procession will travel from Canal Place to downtown mall and back

CUMBERLAND — The first Dandy Bicycle Parade will roll into downtown Cumberland on Saturday.

The procession of “decorated, antique and wacky, but functional” bicycles will travel from Canal Place to the Downtown Cumberland pe-destrian mall, North Centre Street and North Liberty Street and back to Canal Place for a distance of just over a half-mile.

Local businesses, organizations and individuals are encouraged to decorate bicycles and ride or walk them through the parade.

“Join us in celebrating the tradition of hometown parades as the community and local business come together in a cornucopia of creativity and a bushel of family fun,” said Steve Colby of Off Centre, a specialty store on Centre Street, who serves as president of the Downtown Cumberland Business Association.

Citing a desire to see a return of business sponsored parades downtown Colby said he hopes the parade will become an annual event. “We hope the Dandy Bicycle Parade, along with future events, will serve to reestablish a tradition of merchant participation in downtown parades,” said Colby.

The event is sponsored by CSX Transportation and the DCBA and there is no cost for participation. Free decorating supplies for younger participants will be provided by the Allegany Arts Council Arts Bus.

Preregistration and a bicycle safety inspection on the day of the parade is required to participate. All bicycle riders will be required to wear a bicycle safety helmet. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at Canal Place (the starting point for the parade).

Preceding the main parade, there will be “Tricycles and Training Wheels Parade” just for small riders. The T&T Parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will be held at Canal Place. The Dandy Bicycle Parade will begin at 11 a.m.

There will be additional activties at the Canal Place Festival Grounds following the parade.

Additional information is available at www.dandybicycleparade.com or by calling (301) 777-TRAIL.