The Bicycle Film Festival is returning to New York for its 11th year. This year the festival will be held from June 22nd to June 26th. It began in New York in 2001 and has grown into a global event. The 2011 Bicycle Film Festival will travel to 25 cities including Milan, Tokyo and Minneapolis. The festival is expecting 300,000 participants this year.

Founding Director Brendt Barbur was inspired to create the Bicycle Film Festival after he was hit by a bus while cycling in New York City. He decided to make something positive out of his negative experience. The outcome was a celebration of the bicycle through art, music and film.

“NY is one of the greatest bicycle cities in the world” says Brendt Barbur. “We are very happy to bring the BFF back home.”

One of this year’s film highlights will be the world premiere of Racing Towards Red Hook. In this film three cyclist from diverse backgrounds compete in the Red Hook Criterium, one of the biggest underground events in New York.

The documentary, Sunchasers, explores the world of competitive cycling through the lives of three disabled women. They are each preparing for the Paralympics at different points in their cycling careers.

There will also be short films featured at the festival such as Last Minutes with Oden. This dramatic documentary about a struggle with cancer won Vimeo’s Best Video Award.

In addition to films, you can experience Bikes Rock at the Bicycle Film Festival kick-off concert on June 22nd. On Jun 23rd there will be the Joyride Art Show at the Spencer Brownstone Gallery. There will also be the Goldsprints Party on June 24th at The Acheron. Finally, on June 25th there will be the BFF Street Party in the Lower East Side and the Let the Rhythm Rock dance party at China Chalet.

For more details on the Bicycle Film Festival, please visit: bicyclefilmfestival.com