Simsbury Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Thurs., May 21, 2020, 10 - 11 AM Zoom MeetingAGENDA Open to the public. Join us!
Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/91059513979 Meeting ID: 910 5951 3979
One tap mobile: +16465588656,,91059513979# US (New York)
BIKES ARE ESSENTIAL
The world has changed enormously since our last bike-ped meeting and newsletter in February. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused immeasurable pain and loss and disrupted all aspects of our daily lives. We canceled the March and April meetings in order to allow town staff and volunteers to focus on more urgent matters like keeping themselves, their families, their staff and our communities safe. But interestingly, "Stay Home, Stay Safe" emergency measures have led to a resurgence of bicycling, so it is time to get back to our bike advocacy work.
Through these difficult times, the bicycle is proving to be a safe, convenient way to get around, especially in our urban centers. Additionally, bicycles have served as a popular escape from our homes for a healthy dose of exercise and stress relief. People have dusted off old bikes that hadn't been used in years; many are buying new ones. Families are biking together in neighborhoods, and shared-use paths are seeing unprecedented bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Connecticut and many other states have designated bike shops to be "Essential Businesses" and continue to meet our communities' sales and service needs. There's no better time to jump on your bike, after all, bikes are essential.
The Simsbury Bike Challenge is back! To combat social isolation, we thought our local cycling community might like to connect virtually by participating in the 2020 National Bike Challenge. We've started a club/group Simsbury.Bike which will have a page in the NBC for all of our results. So far we’ve logged over 2,200 miles. Returning 2018 SBC participants just need to update their NBC/Love to Ride account by joining our cluband reconnecting an app to sync rides (as needed). Many past riders still have rides syncing from their Strava accounts. Join
What is the National Bike Challenge?
The NBC is a free, nationwide bicycle advocacy and wellness program that encourages people to bike. Participants log the miles they bicycle to achieve personal goals or compete with other riders in an online community. Rides can be logged manually or using a fitness app like Strava. The NBC runs May 1- Sept. 30 with open enrollment throughout the challenge. Logging your rides helps to support local and national bike advocacy. Join today and ride with us!
Farmington Valley Greenways
While many activities and events have been put on hold due to COVID-19, trail usage has not. Greenways across the state have seen a sharp rise in trail usage by walkers, runners, and cyclists. With increased trail use, be prepared to choose another trail or location if a trailhead is crowded or the parking lot is full. While out on the trail, all trail users should practice good trail etiquette and stay alert. In accordance with CDC guidelines, maintain at least 6' social distancing and wear a mask if 6' cannot be maintained. Walk/ride single file when encountering other trail users to create more distance, and warn others (e.g., voice, bell) when passing from behind. Cyclists will need to slow down in congested areas and may wish to avoid peak trail usage. All trail users are reminded to watch the wildlife from a safe distance. The FVTC provides information on trail etiquette and COVID-19 social distancing guidelines on their website and local trail kiosks. Be courteous. We’re all in this together.
May 27 - May 31, 2020 The CT Cycling Advancement Program's Breakaway Benefit Challenge is their cornerstone fundraising event. This year's event will have a virtual twist (Strava, Zwift, Zoom) to let everyone stay apart but ride together.LEARN MORE Support our local team's fundraising page at FVYC.
Farmington Valley Trails Council
Due to COVID-19, the Farmington Valley Trails Councilhas canceled their Safety Expo, Trail-wide Clean-up, Trails Day Ride, and Lobster Fest Ride. The FVTC, however, is committed to working in other creative ways to protect the trails and promote their safe use by all trail users. Visit their website to learn more about their mission, membership, local trails, regional trail projects, and new, branded merchandise for online purchase.
Simsbury Construction Projects
- Firetown Road - West Street to Kelly Farm Rd.
Paving (May) followed by finishing work & sidewalks (June) - Drake Hill Rd. Bridge & Riverside Road near bridge
May to August
In March, we gave away 12 bike helmets to local families in need. Many thanks to Safe Kids Connecticut for donating the helmets to our community. Each family received information on bike safety and proper helmet fit.
Do You Need a (New) Bike Helmet?
In CT, children under the age of 16 must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle on public roads, public paths, and public rights-of-way. (Helmets are also required for all riders of e-bikes.) Wearing a bike helmet reduces the risk of head injury by more than 50%, so it is recommended that adults wear bike helmets, too. Helmets must fit properly and be in good condition. Replace any helmet that has been through a crash. Helmet materials degrade and safety features change over the years, so even adult helmets need periodic replacement. Learn more.
Online Bike Safety Classes
Cycling Savvy - American Bicycling Education Association. NEW COVID-19 discounts (50% off)
The LCI Seminar is being offered Fri., 10/2 to Sun.,10/4 in New Haven by the New Haven Coalition for Active Transportation. Advance registration is required. Learn more.
Volunteer Opportunities
Please consider helping us with our bike and pedestrian advocacy work. For more information contact challenge@simsbury.bike.
Have something to share with the Simsbury.bike community? Want to see a topic in a future issue? Send your photos, content and ideas to challenge@simsbury.bike..
