The Bedford Downtown Alliance held its fourth First Fridays event, and decked-out bicycles were the main attraction. The free Bike Night event allowed children and their families to bring their bikes downtown and “soup up” their rides before showing them off in a bicycle parade. Items available for the bicycle decorations included tape, markers, spoke straws and other shiny add-ons.

Mark Sellards | The Bedford Tribune It was fitting that Bedford Police Officer Sean Francis helped patrol the The Bedford Downtown Alliance’s Bike Night on the department’s Police bike. The bicycle was a donation to the department by The Broadway Cyclery.

The decoration station was set up in front of The Broadway Cyclery, and was manned by Cathy Chaich, a lifelong Bedford resident and member of the Downtown Alliance. Nearby, Bike Cleveland had a table set up with a variety of items, including maps, decals, brochures, event magazines and flashlights. Outreach & Membership Manager Deltrece Daniels explained that one of the organization’s missions is to promote safer streets for bicyclists in the area.

Mark Sellards | The Bedford Tribune Deltrece Daniels of Bike Cleveland presents a wealth of information about biking safely in the Cleveland area at the Bedford Downtown Alliance Bike Night.

Like other First Fridays, the command center for this event was in Veteran’s Park, an area located in the middle of the downtown, on the eastern side, just across the street from Tributes Spiritual Gift Shop. At this central location, attendees enjoyed free food and musical entertainment in an intimate, shaded setting.

Mark Sellards | The Bedford Tribune Musical entertainment for the evening was provided by (from left) Doug Kubinski on guitar, Skye Kubinski on violin, Tenley Stitzer on lead vocals and Sarby Wilson on vocals and keyboard.

According to Bedford Alliance member Laura Hulett, the goal of the Alliance is, “Building Bedford’s ongoing story.” Part of this is providing family-centered activities that residents can attend that include downtown businesses. Thus far, the First Friday events have included a March for Art (March), an Environment Night (April), and a Pet Night (May). More events are planned through the end of the year. A Cookie Walk and Cake Auction is set for the first Friday in July.

Hulett said the Alliance has been working closely with Heritage Ohio in a four-pronged approach to help revitalize downtown that includes Organization, Promotion, Economic Vitality and Design. The group is actively seeking those who would like to join in the mission. The Bedford Downtown Alliance is a 501(c)3, so any membership fees and donations are all tax deductible.

For information about other events, joining the Bedford Downtown Alliance, or the Saturday Pooka Pickups, go to bedforddowntown.org

For more information on Bike Cleveland, visit www.bikecleveland.org