PHILADELPHIA, PA — This Sunday, nearly 2,100 cyclists will gather at the base of the Ben Franklin Bridge for the 38th Annual Ben to the Shore Bike Tour, a 65-mile ride from Philadelphia to Atlantic City. The event, organized by the Families Behind the Badge Children’s Foundation (FBBCF), aims to raise $1.5 million to support the families of fallen and critically injured first responders and fund mental health initiatives and community programs.
The annual ride has become a pillar of remembrance and unity for the region’s first responder community, drawing participants from five Pennsylvania counties and South Jersey. Many ride to honor lost colleagues, friends, and loved ones.
“The Ben to the Shore is always an exceptional day for our local first responder community,” said Mark O’Connor, Executive Director of FBBCF. “There’s nothing like seeing first-hand the comradery of thousands of riders lined up at the Ben Franklin Bridge to honor our fallen heroes by raising money to support their families. To say we’ve become a family is an understatement.”
This year’s ride will include several high-profile and deeply personal participants. Notable names riding in memory of loved ones include:
- Maureen Faulkner, widow of Officer Daniel Faulkner
- Marissa Fitzgerald and her children, riding in honor of Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald
- Chloe Rougeau, widow of Trooper Jacques Rougeau
- Stephanie Mack and Brittany Sisca, widows of State Troopers Martin Mack and Branden Sisca
- Alexandra Conforti, Liz Mundrick, and Mackenzie Santucci, all widows of recently fallen officers
- Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele
The ride has also attracted celebrities and public figures, including:
- Philadelphia Eagles’ Brandon Graham, riding with Team Traffic
- Flyers’ Garnet Hathaway and his wife Lindsay
- Former Villanova coach Jay Wright and wife Patty
- Phillies broadcaster Gregg Murphy
- WMMR’s Casey Fosbenner of The Preston & Steve Show
- NBC10 reporter Deanna Durante
Riders can choose from three route options this year: the traditional 65-mile course from Philadelphia, a 30-mile ride from Hammonton, NJ, and a new 10-mile option introduced for 2025. Four rest stops along the way will provide support, refreshments, and encouragement from volunteers.
The event culminates in a finish line celebration at Atlantic City’s Showboat Hotel. The after party, which doubles as a fundraiser, features family-friendly entertainment including a Kids Zone, dunk tank, DJ, and lawn games. A Wall of Heroes display will memorialize local first responders lost in the line of duty.
Proceeds from the event will benefit FBBCF’s programs, which include financial support for grieving families, community trust-building initiatives, and mental health resources for first responders and their loved ones.
The Ben to the Shore Bike Tour continues to grow in participation and impact, riding on the strength of shared purpose and unwavering support for those who serve.
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