WOODSTOCK — The third annual Woodstock Bike Parade will make its way through downtown Woodstock on Friday, an event encouraging riders to come out and support making the city more bicycle-friendly.

Organized by Out Spokin’ Bicycles and the Woodstock Downtown Development Authority, the parade is part of Woodstock’s monthly Friday Night Live events, held the first Friday of each month. This month’s theme of “Tour de Main” focuses on the importance of having a bicycle-friendly community.

Kevin Poske, owner of Out Spokin’ Bicycles, said he expects more than 200 bike riders to participate this year.

Poske said he believes the event helps raise awareness for local residents about the close vicinity of local trail systems and organizations like Greenprints Alliance, which raises money and awareness to create more trails, parks and greenspace in Woodstock and connecting them to existing and new trails throughout the county.

“We plan on being an outdoor, active community,” Poske said.

Kyle Bennett, director of tourism and visitors center operations at the Woodstock Visitor’s Center at Dean’s Store, said the event has proven to be a great way to get active families to the downtown area.

“By the smiles on the kids faces, it is clear they are having an amazing time riding their bikes down Main Street as part of a parade,” he said. “We love to see families having so much fun in the bike parade and then hanging out afterwards in Downtown Woodstock to enjoy the rest of the Friday Night Live festivities.”

Poske said Region’s Bank has donated a cruiser bike, and those who participate can put their name in the raffle for a chance to win the bike.

Parade participants will start pedaling at 6:30 p.m. leaving the former Wal-Mart parking lot on Highway 92 and Main Street to head north up Main Street, turn right on Fowler Street, cruise by East Main Street businesses, then take a left back onto Main Street and head back to the old Wal-Mart parking lot for the finish.

To keep all riders safe, the parade will be escorted by the Woodstock Police Department throughout the ride with a rolling roadblock.

The route is 2.25 miles. Registration for the bike parade begins at 5:30 p.m. and bikes will roll out promptly at 6:30 p.m.

Organizers urge pedestrians—walkers, joggers, and strollers alike—not walk in the street along with the bicycles to prevent holding up traffic. However, encouragement from the sidewalk is allowed.

Poske said parents can bring their children’s bicycles his shop at 8594 Main Street for a safety check or minor repairs to ensure the bike their child rides will be safe for the parade.

To register for the parade, visit www.outspokinbikes.com/Events/3rdAnnualWoodstockBikeParade.aspx.

Following the bike parade, families won’t have to go far to find entertainment for kids and adults alike.

To continue the bicycle theme, Collective Co-Op, the newest store in Downtown Woodstock located next to the Park at City Center, will provide an activity for kids to make their own personalized bike plates.

The Elm Street Cultural Arts Village will host Teen Arts Night from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Chambers at City Center, located at 8534 Main Street. Teens can being their guitar, karaoke CD, poetry, artwork, or short stories to share with other creative, art-minded teens. The event costs $5 for each teen and includes a slice of pizza and soda at intermission. Ages 13 to 15 will need to have a parent bring them in and pick them up at the end of the event.

Following the teen event, iThink Improv Troupe will perform at the Chambers at 9 p.m.

Throughout the evening, Pennybag Emporium will have a ball toss game in front of their store, providing a prize for everyone that plays. The store will also have a caricature artist in front of the store drawing pictures for free.

Children can also play board and card games at Dean’s Store during game night, which takes place every Friday Night Live.

Also, there will be live music on the sidewalks around downtown Woodstock and a bounce house set up near Canyon’s Burgers.