Cycling
Two-wheelers overtake downtown during Bellingham Bike Parade
May 1, 2022 at 11:39 p.m.
Hordes of bikers rode down Holly Street to the waterfront during the Bellingham Bike Parade held Sunday. The May Day celebration kicked off Bike Everywhere Month and was an homage to a bike parade that took place in 1948.
The parade path was the same as it was 74 years ago, providing an opportunity to recreate an iconic bike parade photo, taken at the intersection of Holly Street and Railroad Avenue in 1948. Jack Carver, a Bellingham Herald photographer, shot the original, which is now part of the Whatcom Museum Photo Archives.
Bikers gathered at the WECU on East Holly Street, and at 1 p.m., were escorted by police through downtown Bellingham. At the waterfront finish line, riders were greeted by live music and food trucks next to the pump tracks.
The parade was organized by WECU, Downtown Bellingham Partnership, WTA, Smart Trips and the City of Bellingham. Riders were encouraged to dress in costumes and adorn their bikes in decorations.
The same bike parade was held over 74 years ago and featured almost 800 people. The modern-day parade aimed to recreate the original including an iconic photo taken in 1948 by Jack Carver, staff photographer for The Bellingham Herald. (Noah Harper/Cascadia Daily News) 
Some participants of the parade wore costumes as they rode down Holly Street to the waterfront. (Noah Harper/Cascadia Daily News) 
Interested riders met at the WECU parking lot on East Holly Street, then biked through downtown, ending at the waterfront. At the waterfront finish line, there was live music and food trucks. (Noah Harper/Cascadia Daily News) 
Riders of all age groups participated in the parade. (Noah Harper/Cascadia Daily News) 
Maru Midence unwinds at Kulshan Trackside Beer Garden after biking in the parade. Midence biked alongside her kids and grandkids. (Noah Harper/Cascadia Daily News)
Eric Jensen wore leftover costume gear from Burning Man with his wife Sharon during the bike parade. (Noah Harper/Cascadia Daily News)