WORCESTER, Mass. — Several families spent Father's Day morning peddling the streets of Worcester during MassBike's first Father's Day bike ride.

"We wanted to spend time with the family together for Father's Day and we thought it was a beautiful day," Worcester resident Adam Yanez said. "Not too hot or cold to take a ride."

"We're here from Worcester and we're just here to show some support for everybody who's out here and have a little fun at the same time," Charles Logan said. "I was supposed to take this ride and I told my wife yesterday, 'You know what, it's only a couple miles and she would want to be out here and have a good time too."

Dozens of families met at Coes Park before using the bike lanes on Mill Street to travel about two miles. Worcester Police helped with traffic patrol for the group.

MassBike Worcester program manager Alex Salcedo said Mill Street has been a dangerous area for bikers and pedestrians for years, but she's grateful for the new infrastructure.

"The new design allows us to feel safe, for everybody" Salcedo said.  "We call them vulnerable road users and the idea is to celebrate that we can all share the road."

"We're big cyclists and we love the new cycling infrastructure in Worcester," Jess Yanez said.  "And are hopeful that there's more in the future that makes it safe for us to get around with our kids because we avoid using the cars when we can and safe infrastructure makes that easier."

"I really appreciate it. It's a really nice event here. Some young kids here too, not too many kids here, but she [my granddaughter] was the highlight of the day today and I'm so happy to put a smile on her day, and it's Father's Day. I'm the grandfather, but I'm very happy to that she was here and we can do this together." 

MassBike Worcester says they'll be hosting more rides throughout the summer. Anyone interested can find dates on their website.