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
Deadly social media trend threatens kids, homeowners defending themselves: 'children are going to get killed’

Dangerous Social Media Challenge Puts Kids at Risk; Homeowners Take Precautions: ‘This Could End Tragically’

Potentially dangerous social media trends are getting kids, and potentially homeowners, into…
Kentucky Powerball jackpot winners holding a $167.3 million check.

Powerball Winner with Troubled Past Uses $167.3M Jackpot for Bail Just Days After Winning

A POWERBALL winner who scored a multi-million dollar prize has spent over…
Osasis reunion tour kicks off with Cardiff, Wales performance

Osasis Reunion Tour Launches with Performance in Cardiff, Wales

It’s the band’s first performance in 16 years and will be followed…
Woman recalls saving person's life from car fire on JTB

Heroic Woman Shares Story of Rescuing Someone from a Car Fire on JTB

JFRD called Ash Lawley a hero after she pulled a woman from…
Israel releases conversations with Gaza residents amid criticisms of aid delivery system

Israel Publishes Conversations with Gaza Residents Amid Controversies Over Aid Delivery System

Israel’s Coordinator for Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), responsible for overseeing…
Police officers at a dilapidated wooden house in a wooded area.

8-Year-Old Rescued After Living Among Dogs in Deplorable Conditions, Communicates Through Barking

AN EIGHT-year-old boy has been discovered being raised by a pack of…
LL Cool J says he won't perform at Philadelphia's July Fourth festival in support of workers strike

LL Cool J Backs Workers Strike, Cancels Performance at Philadelphia’s July Fourth Festival

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Rapper LL Cool J has announced he will not…
Family posing in their underground home in Coober Pedy, Australia.

Living in a Budget-Friendly Underground City: Luxurious Comfort and Fabulous Sleep Despite the Weather

A MUM has revealed what life is like living in a $277k…
How much money does Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, Sheriff T.K. Waters make?

Salary Details for Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and Sheriff T.K. Waters

New documents released under Florida law show at least 10 Jacksonville city…
3 Brooks Middle School employees fired over alleged misconduct, Valley View Community Unit School District 365-U says

Five People, Including Three Children, Hospitalized After Logan Square Fire and Stabbing Incident on West Palmer Street

CHICAGO (WLS) — A stabbing and fire incident on the Northwest Side…
Paul Simon, 83, undergoes back surgery after canceling 2 shows

Paul Simon, 83, has back surgery leading to the cancellation of 2 shows

Hello darkness. Paul Simon underwent successful back surgery after “severe” pain forced…
Suzanne Morphew photo.

Chilling Insights into Suzanne Morphew’s Case Before Her Body Was Discovered in ‘The Boneyard’

DISTURBING details about what happened to Suzanne Morphew’s body have come to…