The South Coast Bikeway Alliance (SCBA) is pleased to announce their 8th Annual Bike Summit will be held Thursday, May 3from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Fort Taber Community Center, 1000A S Rodney French Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02744. This year’s summit focuses on “Closing the Gaps” and hopes to bring awareness to the numerous pathway projects – large and small – within the South Coast communities. David Loutzenheiser, Chief Project Coordinator for a new MetroWest LandLine initiative and Senior Transportation Planner at the (Boston) Metropolitan Area Planning Council will be the keynote speaker. Come learn how our neighbors to the north are collaborating to plan and fund trail connections across municipal boundaries and how we can advance our regional South Coast Bikeway projects.
All who bike, hike, walk or run are invited to join the SCBA for an interesting and informative evening as they celebrate recently completed South Coast Bikeway pathways in New Bedford and Fall River and share the latest news for planned projects in Dartmouth, UMass Dartmouth, Marion, Mattapoisett, and Wareham. Learn about the potential to link New Bedford and Fall River with a 3.5 mile greenway in the largely rural areas north of I-195.
Mr.Loutzenheiser, the keynote speaker, manages projects primarily in the area of bicycle transportation, walking, and related areas. He champions a growing number of projects and plans to bring cycling and walking transportation into the forefront of sustainability in the Boston region. He is currently working to develop a greenway system vision for the metro Boston region. In addition, he is developing bicycle and pedestrian plans for 12 municipalities within MAPC through the Sustainable Communities program.
A welcoming reception with exhibitors begins at 5:30 pm. Representatives from multiple local organizations who support greater enjoyment of our natural resource areas will be on hand to answer your questions. Meet with bikeway advocates, land preservationists, town and city planners and bicycle enthusiasts and discover what you can do to help complete the Bikeway. South Coast Bikeway Alliance representatives from South Coast towns and cities will be on hand to discuss progress and potential for new trails and multi-use paths in their communities.
The speaker program begins at 6:00 pm and concludes at 7:30 pm. All who have an interest in pathways for recreation, alternative transportation, promotion of tourism and economic development on the South Coast are welcome and encouraged to attend this free event. Light refreshments will be offered. Pre registration is appreciated. Go to http://www.southcoastbikeway.com and click on “events calendar.”