New Bike Race Organizers Try to Shift Philosophy

Alan Morrison wants this incarnation of the Manayunk Bike Race to be different.  He talks in terms of the old race versus the new race.  He talks about a shift in philosophy.

“We’re trying to change the whole dynamic of the race,” Morrison said.  “We want to give the race a European feel.”

Morrison, along with his team, was brought on to revive the Manayunk Bike Race just a few weeks ago after the previous organizers and sponsors dropped out.

Morrison is on the clock.  The bike race is scheduled for June 2—just eight weeks away.

“It’s a personal frustration of mine that we don’t have enough time to do everything that we want,” Morrison said.  “But we’re trying to create an atmosphere that people want to be a part of.”

To say the Manayunk Bike Race is controversial is an understatement.  Some residents use the event as an excuse to drink alcohol all day causing a number of health and safety issues.

Morrison is aware of this problem, and he hopes that certain changes will help alleviate some of the issues.

“First, we’re going to use all of the enforcement that has been in place in the past with the police and the liquor control board,” Morrison said.  “I really should tip my hat to the residents who have worked together to make changes.”

Morrison added that changes to the course layout should also help some of the problems.

“The course is shorter,” Morrison said.  “So, instead of the riders coming around every 45 minutes, they will come around every 30 minutes.  Hopefully less down time will help some alleviate some of the issues.”

Morrison also said that change in where the race ends should change the dynamic of the race.

The old race used to end on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Center City.  The new race will end at the top of the Manayunk Wall at the intersection of Levering Street and Lyceum Avenue. 

Morrison hopes that putting the start and finish line at this location will create a family-friendly environment in the middle of what used to be a problem area.

“We’re not going to get everything right the first time,” Morrison said.  “But I think we’re going to do better than last year, and next year, we’ll do better than we did this year,” Morrison said.

Morrison added, “We want the bike race to be the asset to this community that we think it is.  In my dream scenario all of the restaurants on Main Street are open with customers, and the Girl Scouts are out selling lemon squares.”

To read more about the Manayunk Bike Cancellation and rebirth please see the following stories:

• New Manayunk Bike Race Course Announced
• Organizers Cancel Manayunk Bike Race
• Manayunk Bike Race Back on for 2013