May is National Bike Month. May 10-18 is Bike to Work week. To get ready for the
season, here are a few activities:
On May 10, South Coast Bikeway Alliance and the Fairhaven Bicycle Committee are sponsoring a group bike ride that starts at Fort Phoenix at 9:00 am. There are three routes of different distances. Go to www.southcoastbikeway.com for details and to register.
On Wednesday, May 14, there will be a Bike Rodeo at the Center School gymnasium for Center School and OHS students. The rodeo is from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Participating children must be accompanied by an adult and bring their bikes and helmets. Children will learn and practice the rules of safe bike riding. Free bells and/or reflectors will be distributed to the first 100 participants.
A bike-riding map for great bike routes in the Tri-Town area is currently being formulated as part of the “Bike Friendly Mattapoisett” initiative. We are still looking for businesses or individuals who would like to sponsor the project by buying a 2- by 3-inch advertisement that will be displayed on the map. The map will be 12- by 18-inches, waterproof, and will clearly distinguish between recommended low traffic, scenic riding roads, and other less recommended roads. It will identify five separate biking routes from 8 to 35 miles that are suitable for both serious and casual bike riders. With the money generated from the sales of these maps, the Friends hope to fund bike path projects and “Bike Friendly” infrastructures – such as bike racks – around town. The map will be available at the Friends Harbor Days’ booth and will be distributed through local outlets as well as bike shops and tourism outlets. The price for an ad is $230; and the “locator buttons” for restaurants or “refreshment stops” cost $40. Please inquire about purchasing an ad by emailing Bonne at bdesousa43@verizon.net before May 14. Bonne will respond to all inquiries May 12-14. Camera-ready ad deadline is no later than May 30. Checks can be sent to Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike Path, PO Box 1336, Mattapoisett, MA 02739.