Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition Organizes ‘Fried Ride’ to Support Friends In Deed

Pasadena’s cycling enthusiasts and community advocates are preparing for a unique event this Saturday, March 23, organized by the Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition (PasCSC).

Called “Fried Ride,” this event combines a community bike ride with a food donation initiative to support Friends In Deed, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those in need.

Fried Ride kicks off at 10 a.m. with participants meeting at the large parking lot on the south side of Victory Park. Riders will embark on a scenic route across Pasadena, spanning approximately 9 miles with gentle climbs, suitable for riders of all ages and skill levels. Families are encouraged to join, provided children can ride a bike without training wheels and maintain a social pace around 10 mph.

“All of our events are fun and open to everyone,” said Jonah Kanner, a volunteer with Complete Streets Coalition. “We try to have events set together with the community and give people an opportunity to get outside and enjoy moving around our beautiful city, whether it’s walking or by bike. For this particular event, we thought that giving riders the chance to help the community could make this a deeper experience for them.”

Fried Ride, a first-of-its-kind initiative by PasCSC, aims to bring together cyclists for a meaningful cause while promoting safer and more accessible streets for all.

“This is our first time partnering with Friends In Deed in particular,” Kanner said. “So we’re really excited.”

The partnership is a reflection of the Complete Streets Coalition’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with local organizations and enhance community engagement through meaningful initiatives.

Highlights include stops at local businesses for delicious fried treats. Riders will enjoy donuts at one stop and a variety of fried appetizers at another, enhancing the camaraderie and spirit of the event. Participants are encouraged to bring shelf-stable food items for donation to Friends In Deed’s food pantry, supporting their mission of addressing food insecurity in the community.

Those who are not riding but would like to help can bring at least three food items to donate, and volunteers can help transport your donation. Donations must be in sealed packages. No donations should be past the “Best By” date.

Among the items you can donate are “gold items,” the most needed, which include canned tuna & chicken, hearty soups, stew, chili, pasta & pasta sauce, peanut butter, cereal, rice, oil, sugar, flour, fruit juice, and vegetable juice.

Other needed food items include dry & canned beans, sliced bread, canned fruits & vegetables, coffee, jelly, and shelf-stable or powdered milk.

RSVPs for the event are currently full, but interested individuals are advised to contact Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition through their website, www.pasadenacsc.org, to inquire about available slots or future events.

The event’s official page on Eventbrite provides detailed information and registration links for participants. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/fried-ride-tickets-843232580347.