New Bedford July 4 Tradition Celebrates Both American and Cape Verdean Independence

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — While bicycles did not yet exist in the time of the Founding Fathers, if they did, it’s not a stretch to think that once they had signed the Declaration of Independence, they may have followed it up with a celebratory bike ride throughout Philadelphia.

However, a New Bedford bike ride that started just a few years after Cabo Verde’s independence two centuries later will help celebrate 250 years of America this weekend.

Organizers describe it as “a community bike ride that is more than just a bike ride.”

The Cape Verdean Independence Day Bike Ride began in New Bedford in 1979 and has been an annual event (minus a few years) ever since. After celebrating the 50th anniversary of Cape Verdean independence in 2025, this year it recognizes not only America’s 250th but also Cabo Verde’s entrance onto the global stage with the Cabo Verde Tubaroes Azuis (Blue Sharks)’ performance in the World Cup.

This year’s bike ride will take place on Saturday, July 4 at 10 a.m., kicking off from Monte's Park, located at 213 Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford.

A SouthCoast Tradition Since 1979

"When we started this bike ride in 1979 with CUDA (Cape Verdean Universal Development Association), we needed a community event to reach our young people. We wanted to let them know the value of our culture, history and the energetic power of community," organizer Carleen Cordwell said.

She said the pride in the Cape Verdean community has led to the bike ride growing bigger and better ever since.

"It's a collective of business owners, community leaders, local politicians and volunteers coming together, donating time or money that makes this bike ride a success every year,” Cordwell said. “Both this year and last year, the City of New Bedford helped sponsor the bike ride."

Free Bicycle Donations and Safety Clinics for Youth

Preparation for the event actually starts in the weeks and months before the bike ride, when bicycle donations are collected so that any child who wants to ride a bike that day can – and then keep the bike for themselves after the ride.

Then, bicycle clinics are held to help riders get their own bikes ready for the July 4 event. During two clinics on June 20 and June 27, volunteers helped both children and adults make free repairs to their bikes, ranging from fixing flats or brakes to putting on a new chain. They also shared bicycle safety tips.

July 4 Ride Schedule, Routes, and After-Party Details

On July 4, children from age five through teenagers will ride first to East Beach and then end at Hazelwood Park, about a three-mile ride. Adults will finish a 13-mile trek at Hazelwood, and then all participants and supporters will enjoy free food, Cape Verdean and American music, snow cones, games, and special activities at the park after the rides are completed.

You can register to take part or donate to the bike ride by visiting GiveButter.com. You can also donate gently used bikes and helmets for children as well.