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City of Boston Announces Ride & Chill Event at Franklin Park on October 11

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Mayor Michelle Wu today announced Ride & Chill, a free, family-friendly day of biking and activities throughout Franklin Park. On Sunday, October 11, residents and visitors are invited to take part in a range of activities for riders of all ages and experience levels, including a 9-mile bike ride throughout Franklin Park and surrounding neighborhoods, a 2.5-mile family-friendly ride, a half-mile loop for beginners and balance-bikers, and a festival at the Shattuck picnic area.

"Our goal is for every Boston family to be connected to health, wellness, and community," said Mayor Michelle Wu. "Ride and Chill will bring people together for a day of biking, fitness, music and community, with programming for residents of all ages. We thank Wayfair, the Conine Family Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts for partnering with us to create more opportunities for residents to get active, gather and make new memories."

During Ride & Chill, all participants will have access to free, safe, and family-friendly opportunities to learn and practice biking skills. A complimentary bike borrowing station will open at 8:00 a.m. on the day of the event with a limited number of standard bicycles available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees who would like to borrow a bike are encouraged to select a registration ticket that includes a bike rental.

"The Ride and Chill event at Franklin Park will include free, safe, family-friendly rides for all levels," said Chris Osgood, Interim Chief of Streets. "We wanted to make sure everyone could enjoy a beautiful ride through the park, regardless of whether they have many years of experience or if they're a beginner just getting started."

"Franklin Park is one of Boston's most treasured gathering spaces. We're continuing to invest in improvements to make it more welcoming and enjoyable for park lovers. Ride & Chill is a great way to experience the park on two wheels, with safe, guided group rides for all levels," said Diana Fernandez Bibeau, Commissioner of the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and Deputy Chief of Open Space. "We're excited to bring our community together to experience the park in a new way, get moving, and enjoy the improvements we're making with a festival at the new Shattuck Picnic Area. We are grateful for our partners who help make community events like these possible, proving that investing in parks is investing in the people who live in our city."

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"Ride & Chill is a great way for the community to experience what Franklin Park has to offer Boston residents and our visitors while promoting health and wellness," said Luis Perez Demorizi, Executive Director of Franklin Park."While community members are riding through the park, they will see the ecological and recreational potential of the park's Scarborough Pond. We look forward to welcoming Franklin Park users from near and far on October 11."

Ride & Chill will also feature a festival at the Shattuck Picnic Area with free bike programming, dance and fitness classes, a bike repair clinic, a local DJ, live music, and local food vendors. Bluebikes credits will be available to encourage broader access to biking, supported by title sponsor Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Kids and families will also have the opportunity to create art for a limited-edition community Bluebikes wrap launching in 2027 at the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts booth. This event is sponsored by Wayfair and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Residents are encouraged to sign up for the event at this link.

"Being founded and headquartered in Boston, Wayfair is proud to give back to the community we call home through initiatives like this that bring families and neighbors together," said Steve Conine, co-founder and co-chairman of Wayfair. "We're excited to support the local biking community and help create opportunities for more people to experience the joy of riding throughout Boston neighborhoods."

"Franklin Park is especially beautiful this time of year, and Ride & Chill turns this beautiful open space into an enjoyable opportunity for families to get outside and get moving," said Sarah Iselin, president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. "Physical and mental health go hand in hand, and being active is one of the best things for our overall wellbeing. We're thrilled to support such a wonderful weekend."

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Ride and Chill builds on the Franklin Park Action Plan, which aims to create a more welcoming and connected park experience by better integrating Circuit Drive into the Park, strengthening partnerships with local and regional organizations and expanding and diversifying programming and events.

"It's so important to see the City and the Mayor's Office encouraging families to embrace biking in Franklin Park and the surrounding neighborhoods. Through our HUBLUV initiative, we want to help make the city we love a place we love to ride in—and make biking a joyful part of everyday life for people of all ages across Boston," said Alexi Conine, President, Conine Family Foundation.

"Events like 'Ride & Chill' bring incredible, family-friendly energy to Franklin Park and our surrounding neighborhoods," said Rickie Thompson, President of the Franklin Park Coalition. Opening Circuit Drive entirely to parkgoers offers a unique opportunity to safely connect, play, and enjoy our shared green space. This vibrant programming fosters deeper community investment and actively supports the long-term vision of the Franklin Park Action Plan."

By connecting residents with community resources and hands-on support, the event will help riders of all ages and experience levels feel more comfortable and confident on two wheels. More details including the full event schedule can be found at boston.gov/calendar/ride-and-chill-franklin-park.

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