***No July Bike-Ped. Meeting***
Next BPAC meeting is Thurs., Aug. 15, 2019, 10am - noon
How does biking and walking fit into Simsbury's future?
Simsbury is developing a Parks and Open Space Master Plan. The intent of this master plan is to identify Simsbury’s park, recreation and open space needs so the town can proactively plan for the future. Simsbury's trails (recreational shared-use, off-road family cycling, hiking) and bike/ped recreational programming (events, classes, camps) will fall under this Master Plan.
What are your bike-ped needs and wishes for Simsbury moving forward? Learn more about the planning process and share your ideas at the Thurs, July 25 public input meeting. Additional engagement opportunities such as an online survey and another public information session will occur this fall. For more information contact 860-658-3836 or parksandrec@simsbury-ct.gov.
FVTC Benefit Event at The Flatbread Company, Canton Love our local shared-use trails? Support them! Come on out to The Flatbread Company - Canton, CT on Tues., July 30, 5-9 pm. A portion of your purchase will support the Farmington Valley Trails Council, an all-volunteer non-profit organization whose mission is to help maintain, educate and promote safe use of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail and the Farmington River Trail. Learn more.
July is
Bike to the Library
Month!
Come by bike, check in at the Children's Room desk, and earn an extra raffle ticket in Simsbury Public Library's Summer Reading Program.
Summer Happenings
Summer is in full swing with Education and Encouragement initiatives hosted by the BPAC and partner organizations. The high school just completed a bike safety unit in summer PE class, we co-hosted our 3rd annual Bike in Rotary Park safety event with Simsbury Public Library, and the Police Dept. is handing out “tickets” for free ice cream to kids “caught” wearing their bike helmets. Congratulations to former Bicycle Cellar manager PJ Gronski, now OFC Gronski with the Simsbury Police Department!
Simsbury Free Bikes are available at The Simsbury Inn, the Simsbury 1820 House, Mill Commons Apartments and Highcroft apartments for their residents and guests. We hope to soon open the popular Simsbury distribution site at Fitzgerald's Foods but are awaiting completion of construction at that site. We are looking for underwriters (e.g., business, town, advocacy group) in Avon, Farmington and Granby, as well as a volunteer shop manager, in order to open additional distribution sites. Interested? Contact us at 860.841.2611.
Farmington Valley Youth Cycling Registration is open for the 2019 Road Season and Mountain Bike Summer Camp July 28 - Aug. 3 for ages 12-18 in Mansfield, CT. Contact fvyouthcycling@gmail.com to learn more about the team or the CCAP.
Are you riding with proper lighting? According to Simsbury Police Department's fact sheet on CT bike laws , "Bicyclists must use lights during the times and conditions that motor vehicle operators must use lights. When lighting is required, a front lamp, with a white light visible from at least 500 feet, and a rear reflector and side reflectors on both sides, visible from at least 600 feet, are required. (14-288)" How about using extra lighting? While not required, a rear flashing tail light is better than just a reflector, and front and rear daytime running lights make sense given that research suggests they make cyclists more visible to drivers and may reduce the occurrence of bicyle-motor vehicle crashes.
Volunteers Needed!
Please consider helping us with our bike share, advocacy work, or bike events. We have volunteer opportunities of all shapes and sizes. For more information contact simsburyfreebike@gmail.com or challenge@simsbury.bike.
