Philly Bike Expo draws nearly 5,000 people to 10th annual show

PHILADELPHIA (BRAIN) — Nearly 5,000 people attended last weekend's 10th annual Philadelphia Bike Expo that featured 200 vendors.

Officially, the two-day Expo drew 4,941 to see the latest product developments from industry stalwarts and custom bike-builders at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The show had announced last month it sold out its exhibitor space.

"It's been an amazing journey from our beginning 10 years ago with a few dozen vendors in the old Armory to where we are today with hundreds of vendors and nearly 5,000 people attending," show director Bina Bilenky said. "The Philly Bike Expo has always been a family affair, and we rely on contributions not just from my immediate family, but from all the sponsors, volunteers, staff, vendors, and consumers who return every year. Everyone who loves bicycles is invited to join our family — but no matter how big we become, we'll never leave our deep roots here in Philadelphia."

This year's show featured the PBE Inclusivity Scholarship, sponsored by SRAM, and designed to support women, transgender and people of color builders. The first-year scholarship recipients were Julie Ann Pedalino of Pedalino Bikes, Megan Dean of Moth Attack, Danielle Schön of Schön Studio, and Jackie Mautner of Untitled Cycles.

Pedalino also won the Expo's People's Choice award. Her steel road bike adorned with artistic flourishes was the most popular at the show. Steel road bikes swept the People's Choice category, with Ellis Cycles second and Chapman Cycles third.

Seminar topics covered at the show included racing, bikepacking, framebuilding and urban advocacy.

Next year's Philly Bike Expo is slated for the weekend of Nov. 14-15 at the convention center.