Bikes fill Neptune Beach's First Street for Fourth of July tradition
Share this @internewscast.com

Neptune Beach Police shut down First Street to cars to accommodate the thousands of cyclists.

NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. — It’s a Fourth of July tradition dating back as far as most people can remember.

First Street in Neptune Beach was shut down to cars Friday to make way for thousands of bicycles.

Many agree that the origins of the tradition of riding along First Street from Neptune Beach to Jacksonville Beach are unclear, but people are enthusiastic about joining in.

“I was thrilled,” expressed Hayden Molmer as he prepared to join the ride. “I thought I must come down here and see it for myself because it’s likely a unique experience.”

Whether you’re riding it…

“We’ll see where the bike takes me,” said Molmer.

Or watching from the sidelines…

“It feels like an endless parade,” remarked Aileen Bevard, who was spending time with relatives on First Street. “It’s great to relax with family and enjoy free entertainment throughout the day.”

One thing is clear, First Street and bicycles have become synonymous with the Fourth of July in Neptune Beach.

However, just how that “never-ending parade” came to be is a mystery to many.

“Our neighbors said ‘okay, so here’s what goes down,'” said Deidre Bevard, who moved to First Street last year.

“Every Fourth I get phone calls from my friends saying, ‘Yo, we’re having a great time down here,'” said Molmer.

A former Neptune Beach City Councilmember, who took office back in the 70s, said he couldn’t pinpoint an exact date it became a tradition, but mentioned the bike culture really picked up in the 80s when islands went in on Seagate, Hopkins and Cherry Streets, limiting thru traffic.

On busy holidays, many folks who lived on and around First Street opted for bikes instead of cars to get around, and it grew so much that in 2016, the city council decided it would be best for everyone’s safety to shut down the road to cars altogether.

From there, it really snowballed into the tradition we see today.

“You ride past someone, you say, ‘Happy Fourth.’ They say, ‘Happy Fourth’ back. It’s just a good time,” said Molmer. “Everybody is in good spirits.”

“It’s only going to get more and more entertaining and thicker and thicker with the bikes,” said Bevard. “It’s just a lot of fun.”

That former city councilman said they had a bicycle counter on First Street to figure out just how many cyclists made the trek.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson discuses budget plan, lawsuit against President Donald Trump

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Outlines Budget Strategy and Addresses Lawsuit Against Former President Donald Trump

CHICAGO (WLS) — Mayor Brandon Johnson has introduced a $16.6 billion budget…
Bryan Kohberger says he was diagnosed with 4 mental disorders before guilty plea: report

Kohberger’s Legal Team Criticizes GoFundMe Support for Victims’ Families

In a recent development in the case of Bryan Kohberger, the convicted…
Father leaps into ocean after daughter falls from Disney cruise ship deck: reports

Report: Mother Allegedly Urged Daughter to Pose for Photo at Open Porthole Before Fall from Disney Cruise Ship

A family vacation aboard the Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream took a…
Previously deported illegal immigrant allegedly kills man in hit-and-run after returning to US: DHS

Previously Deported Immigrant Accused in Fatal Hit-and-Run After Reentering U.S.: DHS Reports

The Department of Homeland Security has reported a tragic incident involving an…
Colombia’s president muses about getting 'rid of' Trump amid drug feud

Colombian President Contemplates Action Against Trump Amid Ongoing Drug Dispute

WASHINGTON — In a startling interview, Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro voiced provocative…
North Carolina man recounts shooting after Trump banner torn from mother’s yard: 'Some people just snap'

North Carolina Man Reflects on Shooting Incident Over Torn Trump Banner: A Tale of Sudden Anger

A troubling incident in North Carolina has captured attention, as a man…
Convicted felon federally charged after threatening Atlanta airport while armed with AR-15 rifle

Armed Felon Faces Federal Charges After Threatening Atlanta Airport with AR-15: A Chilling Security Breach

A Georgia resident is facing federal charges after allegedly threatening to “shoot…
Yeison Diaz-Gomez charged in Evanston attempted sexual assault, Chicago police arrest him related to crimes on Lunt Avenue

Evanston Attempted Assault Suspect Yeison Diaz-Gomez Arrested by Chicago Police for Lunt Avenue Crimes

CHICAGO (WLS) — A suspect has been apprehended in connection with a…
One of the world's rarest whales that makes the Atlantic its home grows in population

Atlantic’s Rare Right Whale Population Sees Promising Growth: A Conservation Success

PORTLAND, Maine — In an optimistic turn for marine conservation, one of…
Trump nominates new Army vice chief with current general just two years into the role

President Trump Appoints New Army Vice Chief, Replacing Current General After Just Two Years

In a move attracting attention in Washington, President Donald Trump has put…
'NYU Communists' vow to fight capitalism with Marxist revolution at 'No Kings' rally

NYU Student Group Advocates for Marxist Change at ‘No Kings’ Rally to Challenge Capitalism

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: Over the weekend, a group believed to be students…
US Marshal, illegal alien shot in Los Angeles immigration operation

US Marshal and Undocumented Immigrant Injured During Los Angeles Immigration Enforcement Operation

In Los Angeles on Tuesday, a U.S. Marshal and an undocumented immigrant…