Thousands of helmet-wearing Portlanders marveled at the sight of their city transformed on Sunday morning during the annual Providence Bridge Pedal.

It’s the one day a year when cyclists of all ages and skill levels can pedal freely across seven of Portland’s Willamette River crossings, soaking in sunshine and spectacular city views starting as early as 5 a.m.

“That first hour is my favorite,” said Rick Bauman, who founded Bridge Pedal in 1996. “Being up on the upper deck of the Marquam Bridge alone as the sun rises is a great moment.”

This year, more than 10,000 people signed up to bike or walk one of the event’s scheduled routes — the biggest turnout since before the pandemic, Bauman said.

Cyclists of all ages gather for Kids Pedal, the 3-mile family-friendly Bridge Pedal Route, on S

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