NYN Special Correspondent :
Bicycles became a moving symbol of unity in Queens as residents from different faiths and backgrounds joined the Peace Bike Tour 2026, an interfaith community ride organized around a direct message: “No Hate. Only Peace.”
The event brought together community members, young people, religious leaders, volunteers, and neighborhood partners for a journey connecting several houses of worship. Riders traveled from a Hindu temple to a Muslim masjid, then to a Jewish synagogue, before finishing at a Christian church.
Each stop reflected the religious and cultural diversity of New York City. The route also gave participants a visible way to reject hatred and support respect among neighbors. Organizers shared the themes “Different Faiths. One Community” and “United We Ride. United We Stand” throughout the program.
At the final stop, participants gathered for food, conversation, and interfaith dialogue. The closing activities allowed riders and community members to meet one another, discuss shared concerns, and celebrate the diversity represented across the route. The gathering reinforced the event’s focus on direct relationships between people from different traditions.
Among those present were Imam Muhammad Shahidullah, President and CEO of Save the People USA, and Kelly Watts, Executive Director of Save the People USA. Other STPUSA volunteers joined youth, faith leaders, local residents, and community partners during the ride.
Organizers also thanked New York City agencies, The GodSquad, the New York City Police Department, participating faith institutions, volunteers, and supporters who helped carry out the event. Their involvement reflected the broad partnership behind the peace initiative.
For Save the People USA, the bike tour formed part of its work to prevent hate, support young people, and build stronger ties among New Yorkers. The ride linked public action with personal conversation, giving participants a shared experience rooted in peace and community responsibility.
The event closed with a message intended to reach beyond the bicycle route: “Peace has no boundaries. Hate has no home in New York City.”
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