Tour de Elizabeth 2022
Jonathan G. Phillips, Exec. Dir., Groundwork Elizabeth
Nearly 750 cyclists of all ages and skill levels attended the recent Annual Tour de Elizabeth. For 2022, the recreational 15-mile bicycle ride around the City of Elizabeth had as its theme, “Superheroes for a Super City” with many riders dressing up in costume as Superheroes. Participants were escorted along the route by members of the Elizabeth Police Department, enjoyed refreshments and participated in a free raffle.
“We have a great team of committee members that assist with the many details it takes to run the Annual Tour de Elizabeth. It’s a pleasure to coordinate this event each year, and to show off the many good things taking place here in the City to literally hundreds of cyclists,” explained Jonathan Phillips, Executive Director of Groundwork Elizabeth and Tour organizer. This year, riders passed through each of Elizabeth’s vibrant neighborhoods and visited sites along the Elizabeth River and Arthur Kill, including parks, marinas and the historic Singer Sewing Machine manufacturing plant.
The event attracted cyclists from throughout New Jersey and from as far away as Texas, Arizona and Massachusetts. Mayor J. Christian Bollwage was thrilled with the turnout of participants from around the City, State, and country. “I think it is great that we are able to come together again for an event like this, not only to be able to support Groundwork Elizabeth and their endeavors, but to bring back the camaraderie of our residents or visitors from around New Jersey and beyond.”
Proceeds from the ride assist Groundwork Elizabeth’s work in urban agriculture, open space conservation and restoration, youth programming, and climate safe initiatives. A week before the Tour, the nonprofit grew and distributed 10,000 seedlings to local community gardeners. Final touches are being made to kickoff the first ‘microforest’ grown in Elizabeth. Youth are being taught skills in green careers and are speaking to policy makers like the Mayor of Elizabeth to get their voices heard. They are training to work at Morristown National Park, Gateway National Park, and the Paterson Great Falls National Park and bring skills learned there back to working in local Elizabeth and Union County parks, like the Elizabeth River Trail and Phil Rizzuto parks. Also, Groundwork youth are assisting getting the word out about the value of vaccines to continue fight the threat of COVID-19.
The Tour is scheduled the Sunday before Memorial Day weekend each year. For more information on Groundwork’s projects and programs or to volunteer to make a Greener Elizabeth, click on Groundwork Elizabeth on social media sites, visit groundworkelizabeth.org or call Groundwork Executive Director Jonathan Phillips at 908-289-0262 ext. 203.
Courtesy photos
