Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee
The Simsbury BPAC, formed in 2013, is a group of local volunteers, town staff, and regional advocates who are working together to build a safe and accessible walking and biking community. The BPAC’s efforts focus on Education, Engineering, Encouragement, Enforcement and Evaluation.
BPAC meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month from 10 AM to noon at the Simsbury Public Library, lower level. There will be no meeting during May (Bike Month). On a trial basis, quarterly evening meetings will take place at a local restaurant /pub. Meetings are open to the public.
Current contributors include:
BPAC Chair, Simsbury Free Bike
Pattie Smith Jacobus**
Simsbury Bike-Ped. Coordinator
Tom Roy - Director, Public Works
Simsbury Police Department
PFC Jameson Ball - Bike Officer
Simsbury Culture, Parks & Rec
Tom Tyburski - Director
Simsbury Engineering Dept.
Jeff Shea - Director of Engineer
Simsbury Public Schools
Amy Muska - Supervisor, PE & Health
Simsbury Planning & Community Devel.
Michael Glidden - Director
Farmington Valley Trails Council
Diana Moody**, Board member
East Coast Greenway Alliance
Bruce Donald - Tri-State Coordinator
Farmington Valley Health District
Jennifer Kertanis – Director
Bicycle Cellar
Walter Rochefort - manager
Advocates
Chuck Brody**
John Lockwood**
Steven Mitchell, Mitchell Auto Grp.
Randee Roucoulet
Debbie Thibodeau**
Dave Westcott**
**Silver Steering Committee
Diana Moody - Chair
Advisors:
Eric Wellman - First Selectman,
Town of Simsbury
Nicholas Boulter – Chief,
Simsbury Police Department
Sara Nielsen - Simsbury Main Street
Partnership
CT's First Bicycle Friendly Community
In 2010, Simsbury was recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as Connecticut’s first Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC). Simsbury has earned the reputation as a leader in Bicycle Friendly Community work in Connecticut, has received accolades from advocacy groups, and has inspired excitement in bike friendly initiatives across the state. Several other CT communities are now recognized as BFC's at the Bronze level, like Simsbury's initial designation. But since 2010, Simsbury has made significant bike friendly infrastructure improvements to roads and trails, and expanded bike education and encouragement programs. In 2014, Simsbury became the first Connecticut community to earn a Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community designation from the League of American Bicyclists .
Bicycle Friendly Simsbury presentation 1/8/18 Begin at 52:00.
What is a Bicycle Friendly Community?
A community recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as a Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) welcomes bicyclists by providing encouragement and safe accommodation for all forms of cycling. A BFC is committed to making biking a safe, enjoyable transportation option and recreational activity.
A BFC values bicycling for its many benefits, which include improving citizen’s health, well-being and quality of life; reducing traffic congestion and pollution; and boosting community spirit and sense of place.
Through collaborations between town officials, advocates and businesses, a BFC addresses the areas of Education, Engineering, Encouragement, and Enforcement to improve conditions so that more people bike.
Simsbury Free Bike
Simsbury Free Bike Regional Bike Share concluded its 9th and final season in October 2019. We would like to thank all the volunteers, advocates and businesses that worked tirelessly to support this program. The availability of trailside bicycles brought thousands of people to the Town of Simsbury over the years and showcased our trail system to residents and visitors alike. The Simsbury Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee will continue to work with residents, schools, businesses, and the town to promote safe cycling, improve connectivity and showcase and protect our section of the Farmington Canal Heritage trail. Simsbury is so fortunate to be part of the East Coast Greeenway, a model corridor for walking and cycling that extends from Maine to Florida. www.greenway.org.
What is a Bicycle Friendly Business?
A business designated by the League of American Bicyclists as a Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) is recognized for its efforts to encourage a more welcoming atmosphere for bicycling employees, customers and the community.
Simsbury has 3 Bicycle Friendly Businesses.
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The Bicycle Cellar - Silver level (2016)
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Mitchell Auto Group - Gold level (2018)
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Children and Adult Mobility Project - Gold level (2018)
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Simsbury Flying Club, LLC - Honorable Mention (2018)