Quantcast

Qns. man plans 9/11 bike ride

Qns. man plans 9/11 bike ride
By Connor Adams Sheets

A Whitestone business group leader is planning a Sept. 11 memorial bicycle ride through the neighborhood to give residents a chance to remember those who died that tragic morning one decade ago this year.

Tino Maiolo, the 47-year-old founder of whitestonevillage.com, an 11-month-old for-profit neighborhood business website with more than 50 paying clients, is setting up the event as a way to bring the local community together for a positive experience on a day of sadness and renewed grief.

The ride, which will run from Francis Lewis Park through Malba and end in Little Bay Park, will not require participants to sign up or to pay, as Maiolo hopes to simply offer a chance for camaraderie among neighbors and friends.

“It’s a bike ride for all the people to remember 9/11 and to say thank you and remember all the people who died,” Maiolo said. “We’ll get all of the people together to ride. It’s the best way to say thank you.”

The event, which is taking place for the first time next month, will start at 11 a.m. sharp in Francis Lewis Park and people, who are asked to show up 15 to 30 minutes early, need only bring their bicycles, helmets, energy and positive thoughts, Maiolo said.

The 2-mile ride will culminate in a free luncheon to be provided by sponsors Maiolo is in the process of organizing.

Reach reporter Connor Adams Sheets by e-mail at csheets@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538.