Originally published 5:40 p.m. July 4.
Near 400 people decked out in their best red, white and blue getups took an Independence Day cruise around Imperial Beach Thursday morning as part of what has become a tradition for some local residents.
The parade started at Mar Vista High School, proceeded west on Imperial Beach Boulevard to Seacoast Drive and after two laps ended with a pancake breakfast.
"It's a phenomenon. That's the only way I can put it," said Ariel East. "It's all about community."
The bike parade started four years ago with less than 50 people, said Beto Miranda, and the Bike Parade is an especially worthwhile venture with neighbors after the loss of Fourth of July fireworks.
"The City of IB is a financial entity," Miranda said. "They're worried about finances and politics and streets. But these people right here aren't the City of IB. They're the town of IB. They're the heart of IB."
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