OLD CONTENT 

 

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2020

elp Us Make Simsbury Bicycle Friendlier

Crisp air has arrived. For many local bicyclists, outdoor cycling will take a pause.  But bike advocacy work happens year-round to make Simsbury a safer, more accessible Bicycle Friendly Community.  Our team of dedicated advocates is currently looking for new volunteers. If you believe that biking  makes Simsbury a better place to live, work, learn, and play, please consider helping us with this important work.  We  have volunteer opportunities in many areas including:

* communications * web design * social media * fund raising * education * business networking * event planning * trails & mapping *non-profits 

We hope to hear from you.

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Get Involved

Please consider helping us with our bike  advocacy work.  We can match your interests and availability to our volunteer opportunities.  Contact us! 

 

Fall 2020

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Through November, ride the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail and take break at the  Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center to check out the outdoor history exhibit 350 Years of Simsbury History in 350 Steps. The display is posted along the fence next to the trail and sports fields.

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Through Sept. 29, follow the Simsbury Art Trail to see 37 life-sized bronze sculptures by Seward Johnson.  Learn more at:

SimsburyArtTrail.com

Self-guided bike routes 

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Welcome to Simsbury.bike.  Here you'll find lots of information to help make your rides enjoyable and safe.    

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Check out our calendar for listings of local and regional events and cycling club rides.

 

While many group activities have been canceled due to COVID-19, it's great to see so many solo cyclists and families biking.  Please follow CDC guidelines when cycling on our roadways and trails, and use extra care around pedestrians. Bikes are essential - go for a ride! 

  

Summer News

Our updated calendar has a listing of local cycling clubs and weekly community rides.  

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Through Sept. 29, grab your bike and follow the Simsbury Art Trail to see 37 life-sized bronze sculptures by Seward Johnson.  Learn more at:

 SimsburyArtTrail.com

Self-guided bike routes 

 

Join our virtual bike club Simsbury.Bike in the National Bike Challenge and ride (virtually) with us!   We've already logged 19,000 miles.  Make your rides count for bike advocacy.  

Read more

 

 

2018

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Help us make Simsbury the best it can be for walking and biking.  We have volunteer opportunities of all shapes and sizes. Our next monthly meeting is listed above or contact us for more information.  

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 Intro

Welcome to Simsbury.bike!  Whether you are a local rider or a visitor passing through, we invite you to take a look around our website.  You'll find lots of information to help make your riding experiences enjoyable and safe.

 

Explore our Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community by bike. 

Bring your own bike or borrow one from our community bike share  

Simsbury Free Bike (ages 18 and up; through October, weather permitting). 

 

Read Simsbury.bike News - February 2019 for more updates. 

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The Bicycle Cellar  (Simsb) 860-658-1311

• W 6 pm at the shop, 12-15mph, 10-15 miles. Contact the shop to confirm.

• CT Appalacian Mountain Club

Mostly road rides to our East.  

 

Great events will be happening throughout the fall, plus there are many weekly group rides, virtual clubs (e.g., Simsbury Free Bike Strava Club), and challenges (e.g., National Bike Challenge).  Hope to see you out there!

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Simsbury.bike News - Nov. 2019

 

Simsbury Free Bike Regional Bike Share concluded its 9th and final season in October. 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. 

 

The Simsbury Parks and Open Space Master Plan's initial findings and survey results indicate that biking, walking and hiking are popular and valued community activities.  Learn more. 

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August 2019

Simsbury has 2 new League Cycling Instructors!  They successfully completed the July 19-21 League of American Bicyclists' training seminar in Glastonbury  sponsored by Bike Walk CT. Congratulations to Debbie Thibodeau (Simsbury Bike Ped Advisory Committee, Simsbury Free Bike) and Squadron Line teacher Laura Mitchell Russotto of Burlington (Simsbury Public Schools bike safety education & Safe Routes to School).

 

Great events will be happening throughout the summer, plus there are many weekly group rides, virtual clubs (e.g., Simsbury Free Bike Strava Club), and challenges (e.g., National Bike Challenge).  Hope to see you out there!

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• TH., 8/15 - CCAP Farmington Valley Youth Cycling Fall Cyclocross Info. Session, Benidorm Bikes, Canton, 6:30 PM. 
• Sat., 8/17 -  FVTC Canton Lobster Fest Ride, 9:30 AM.
• Sun., 8/25- Center Streets West Hartford, 9AM - 1PM.  

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June News

Many thanks to everyone who participated in our successful May Bike Month celebration, especially  WFSB - Channel 3 Eyewitness News who presented Simsbury Free Bike with a $1000 check to support our bike advocacy efforts as part of their 20 Towns in 20 Days series. 

• Sun., May 5 - Try Simsbury Triathlon, Duathlon, and Kids Fun Run

• Sat., May 11 - Iron Horse Trike and Ebike Adaptive Cycling Clinic, Simsbury

• Fri., May 17 -  Bike Month/Bike to Work Happy Hour 5-7 PM

• Fri., May 31, CT Greeenway Awards,  Stratton Brook SP, 10 AM. 

April News 

The April Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting has been canceled.  On a trial basis, our monthly BPAC meetings will alternate between 3rd Thursday 10 AM meetings and quarterly evening meetings.  Our first evening gathering will be a Bike to Work/Bike Month Happy Hour Fri., May 17.  Details to follow.

  

Registration is open for the Farmington Valley Youth Cycling road biking team.  Boys and girls ages 8-18 are invited to participate.  No prior experience is necessary.  Attend an Informational meeting at Benidorm Bikes on TH, April 25.  Learn more.  

 

May is Bike Month.  The Simsbury Bike Month Calendar is almost ready for publication. Additionally, many events are happening across the region.   See our regional calendar for a complete listing.

November News

***The November Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting has been CANCELED. ***  

Due to the holidays, we are considering moving the TH., Dec. 20 meeting to an earlier date.  We will keep you posted.

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Take a look at Simsbury.bike News - November 2018 for updates on CT Bicycle Friendly awards (we're still waiting to hear but there are other winners), hunting season safety tips, and Bike Walk CT People's Choice Awards. Congratulations to all of the 2018 award recipients.  

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September News

Simsbury has submitted a renewal application for its Bicycle Friendly Community designation from the League of American Bicyclists.  To complete our application, the League requires  community survey data to help them evaluate Simsbury’s commitment and progress toward creating a safer and better-connected biking community.  The survey is open to residents and other cyclists and advocates who want to share their thoughts on biking here. The deadline is September 23, 2018.  Please help us meet this application requirement by taking the survey.  Thanks for your support.
www.surveymonkey.com/r/adv_BFC_FA18

 

August News

The August meeting of the Simsbury Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee has been postponed one week and will be held August 23.

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Simsbury has submitted a renewal application for its Bicycle Friendly Community designation from the League of American Bicyclists.  Results should be available in November.

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On Aug. 16th Bloomfield, CT broke ground on a shared-use trail that will connect to Simsbury's village of Tariffville and become East Coast Greenway! Go Bloomfield!

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Roadwork on local state roads is continuing into August.  If possible, avoid Rte. 167 Bushy Hill Rd. and Rte. 309 West St. until the work is completed.  We're anxiously waiting to see where CTDOT paints the white lines.  Some areas could definitely use a road diet (decreasing the width of the travel lane to help keep speeds down and increase space for other road users like bicyclists.)  Local roads scheduled to be repaved this summer are listed here.  

• Wed., Aug. 8 - Helmet Safety Demo at Simsbury Public Library (melon drop and egg drop activities), 2 pm

• Sat., Aug. 18  - FVTC's 4th Annual Member Appreciation Ride, (15, 30 and 41 miles rides)

• Th., Sept. 20 - Simsbury Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Simsbury Public Library,  10 AM – noon  AGENDA

• Th., Aug 16, 23, 30 - MTB Group Rides sponsored by the Bicycle Cellar,  5:30-7:30.

• Sat. and Sun., 8/25 & 26 - MTB Skills Clinics at Cowles Park sponsored by the Bicycle Cellar, 1-3 PM. 

• Mechanical Clinic 101, Bicycle Cellar, Simsbury. Aug. 8, 5-6 pm.

• Bici Co Bike Ninja Training (bicycle mechanic training), BiCi Co, Hartford. Alternating Mondays and Wednesdays in Aug. & Sept. 2018.   6 -7:30 pm.

• MTB Skills Clinic at Cowles Park, Bicycle Cellar, East Granby. Aug. 25-26, 1-3 pm.

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JULY 2018

July was a fun month with many bike events including:  4 mile and 17 mile Simsbury Art Trail Rides, Kids Bike at the Park Day, Smart Cycling class, Simsbury Free Bike program launch at Mill Commons Apartments, Ride the State - New Haven to MA, and a pubic information meeting on the Tariffville-Bloomfield Multi-Use Trail.  Expect ground breaking in spring 2019.  Learn more at:

Simbury Announcement

Valley Press 6/21/18

In early July 120 Simsbury High School students taking summer PE & Health completed bike safety education.  How cool is that?  

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JUNE 2018

The Towns of Simsbury and Bloomfield have developed a joint project for the construction of a new multi-use trail beginning in Bloomfield, running and continuing north along State Route 189, and ending in Tariffville Village. A preliminary design has been completed and the project is slated for construction in the spring of 2019. Learn more at the  public information meeting on Tues., June 12, 2018 from 6 - 8 pm at Tariffville School. 

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Many thanks to everyone who participated in our annual Bike Month celebration. It takes a peloton!  Highlights include:

Mitchell's Auto Group was awarded a Gold-level Bicycle Friendly Business designation by the League of American Bicyclists. Congratulations to Steve Mitchell and his team!   Read More

Iron Horse Trike and E-Bike held a grand opening and ribbon cutting on June 1.  Welcome!

The 2018 Simsbury Bike Challenge May sprint finished with 102 riders, 16 teams, and 34,000 logged miles.  Nationally, our community finished first in our size class.  Two local teams advanced to the Final Sprint and placed 9th and 25th out of 1200 from around the country.  Congratulations Valley Cycling teams I and II.   SBC Results & Prize Drawing Winners

 

June

• Tu., 6/12 - Public Info. Meeting: Bloomfield/Simsbury Multi-Use Trail, Tariffville School, 6 pm

• Sat., 6/16 – St. Mary’s Walk & Bike Ride (family event), 11 AM. 

• Tu. 6/19 - Wed., Jun. 20, Smart Cycling/Traffic Skills 101, 4-8PM

• Wed., 6/20 - Bike at Rotary Park (all ages), 10 AM - Noon.  

• Th., 6/21 - Simsbury Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Simsbury Public Library, Wagner Rm, 10 AM – noon. AGENDA

• Sat. 6/23,  Ride the State New Haven to MA border , 7:30 AM

• Sat., 7/7, Northern Exposure Ride, FVTC, Simsbury, 9:30 AM

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May

MAY IS BIKE MONTH!  Check out our 2018 Bike Month Calendar, packed with classes, rides, and other events. May also marks the opening of Simsbury Free Bike's 8th bike share season and the start of the 2018 Simsbury Bike Challenge Sprint (May 1-31).  Logging your miles supports a bicycle friendly Simsbury. Learn more. You can also show your support for a bikeable Simsbury by attending the Board of Selectmen Community Ride on TH., May 3 at 5:30 pm. We'll take a casual 5 mile ride on the bike path.  We hope you will ride with us!

 

Calendar Highlights​​​​​ 

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• May is Bike Month! 

•        2018 Bike Month Calendar

• Tu., May 1- Simsbury Bike Challenge Kickoff Ride, 6 pm

• Wed., May 2 - Teen Maintenance & Safety, SPL, 3:30

• Th., May 3 - Board of Selectmen Community Ride, 5:30, Town Hall. Everyone is welcome! 

• Wed., May 16 - Simsbury Ride to Rte. 6 Bridge Ribbon Cutting, 9 AM

• Wed., May 16 - Silent Bike Ride and picnic, Granby, 6 PM

• Fri., May 18 - National Bike to Work Day AM & PM events

• Sat., May 19 - Canal to Trail History Lecture and Ride, SPL, 11 AM

• Sun., May 20 -  Try Simsbury Adventure Triathlon , 11 AM

• Th., May 31 - Bicycle Repair and Maintenance, SPL, 6:30 PM

• Sat., June 2, National Trails Day Ride, FVTC, Simsbury, 8:30 AM

• Sun., June 3, Simsbury Art Trail Guided Walk or Ride, 2 PM

• Tu. Jun 19 - Wed., Jun. 20, Smart Cycling/Traffic Skills 101, 4-8PM

• Sat. June 23,  Ride the State New Haven to MA border , 7:30 AM

• See "Calendar" button above for complete listing of local/regional meetings/events.

 

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April 2018

Apr. 19 (TH), 10 AM-noon, Simsbury Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee,   Simsbury Public Library, Barnes Room​  AGENDA

Mar. 2018

The new Farmington Valley Youth Cycling Team is accepting new members (boys and girls ages 9-18) for their road season.  Learn more.

Park improvements at Town Forest Park are almost complete.  Check out the new pedestrian/bicycle bridge pictured above.  

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What better day than Earth Day 4/22 to commit to being a better, safer cyclist? TS101 is the gold standard for those looking to spend more time on a bicycle, whether on the rail trail, bike lanes, or mixing with traffic. It is also a prerequisite for the League Cycling Instructor (LCI) seminar.

 

The Pedestrian Bicycle Master Plan Project is wrapping up, and a draft plan should be available in Spring 2018.   

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Watch our Jan. 8 Bicycle Friendly Simsbury presentation to the Simsbury Board of Selectmen. We discuss the League of American Bicyclists' Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) Program, our 2014 Silver-Level BFC award and 2018 renewal application, the work of the Simsbury Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and the importance of a BFC designation to our community.  Begin at 52:00. 

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Winter 2017-2018

Jan. 22. (M), 5 PM, Simsbury Pedestrian & Bicycle Master Plan meeting, Simsbury Public Library

 

Check out what's already on the 2018 Calendar (See blue "Calendar" button above.)

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Autumn News2017

-Congratulations to Simsbury Free Bike director Larry Linonis. He won a 2017 Bike Walk Connecticut People's Choice Award for his hard work with Simsbury Free Bike's community bike share, trail advocacy, and bike safety education. His contributions are helping to make Connecticut a better place to bike. Thanks Larry!

-Pedestrian Bicycle Master Plan

-Tariffville-Bloomfield Trail Connector.  Also see 11/13 Board of Selectman's meeting agenda, Action e

-Simsbury Farms Fitness Trail is undergoing reconstruction of the asphalt path 

-Town Forest Park Improvements

-"Challenge Accepted" - 2017 Simsbury Bike Challenge;   Read more

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Help Us Improve Safety for Walker & Bikers

Please help the Town of Simsbury make walking and biking safer and more connected by taking a brief survey.  Learn more about the Town’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan Project at www.simsbury-ct.gov/bikeped. 

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The November schedule includes the highly recommended bike safety course Safe Cycling/Traffic Skills 101 on Nov. 5 in Hartford and annual meetings for Bike Walk CT (11/3) and the Farmington Valley Trails Council (11/17). Select the blue Calendar button for complete details.   

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Autumn is a lovely time to explore our Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community, so grab your bike or borrow one from our community bike share  Simsbury Free Bike (riders ages 18 and up).  Enjoy the ride!

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October Meetings and Events​​

• Oct., 4, 6, 11 - Walk/Bike to School Events

• Oct. 10 (Tu), 6-8 PM Simsbury Bike Challenge Celebration, Iron Horse Pizzeria and Sports Pub

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Simsbury's first Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan is being prepared in late-2017/early-2018.  Share your ideas by participating in an evening Advisory Committee meeting. See flier for details.​

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Sept 2017

We aim to share with you all things "bike" in Simsbury, and make your riding experience enjoyable and safe. 

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Peak bike season is winding down but autumn just may be the best time to explore our Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community.  So grab your bike or borrow one from our community bike share  Simsbury Free Bike (riders ages 18 and up).  Enjoy the ride!

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Our Simsbury Bike Challenge riders have logged 90,000 miles since May.  If you live, work or volunteer in Simsbury, be sure to sign up.  It's a fun, easy program for logging your bike rides. Your rides will help drive funding and support for a bicycle friendly Simsbury, and you could win a fun prize just for participating.  Learn more and ride with us!   A SBC Celebration will be scheduled for mid October.  

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Sept. 9 (S), 9:30 AM, Farmington Valley Trails Council Farm to Farm Ride, Simsbury​​

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Jul-Aug 2017 

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It's the height of summer.  Scheduled bike events are winding down as our volunteers take off to experience biking or other activities away from  home.  But we know there will be many new faces on our bike routes and trails as out-of-town visitors come to Simsbury to explore all that we have to offer.  We think the best way to explore our Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community is by bike, of course, and that bike can be your own or a borrowed bike from our community bike share Simsbury Free Bike (riders ages 18 and up).

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Welcome to Simsbury.bike!  Whether you are a local rider or a visitor passing through, we invite you to take a look around our site.  You will find places to ride; listings for clubs, groups, events and classes; tips on bike safety; and information on CT bike laws.  Our goal is to share with you all things "bike" in Simsbury. Can't find something?  Let us know!

Simsbury is excited to welcome a new bike shop to town, Pedego Electric Bikes Simsbury. Family-owned and operated by Mike and Ann Rachel Wolf, owners of The Bicycle Cellar in Simsbury, and located right next door. They are offering electric bicycle sales, rentals, accessories and service. 

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Thank you to Simsbury's Dept. of Public Works, Simsbury Public Schools,  the Farmington Valley Trails Council, CT Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection, and other town staff, volunteers, and participants for a productive start to summer.  Highlights include repaving of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail,  Farmington River Trail drainage work in Strattron Brook State Park, a new shared-use trail along Hopmeadow St. at the southern gateway, and bike safety education for 160 students at Simsbury High School.  

 

June 2017

We've just wrapped up another busy National Bike Month celebration.  Many thanks to all of the volunteers, organizations, businesses, town employees and riders who helped to make it a success.  A May highlight was the repaving of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail from Iron Horse Blvd. to our northern border.  Other improvements to our bike-ped network include new sharrows, trail repairs in Weatogue and near Squadron Line School, and a new shared-use trail and sidewalk along Hopmeadow St. at the south end of town.  

 

At Simsbury Free Bike, Monday night is Shop Night.  Learn more about our community bike shop here.  

Classes

• • TH, May 18 - Bicycle Repair & Maintenance Workshop, Simsbury Public Library, 6:30-8PM

  • Tuesdays May 2-Aug. 1 - Bike and Learn/Smart Cycling Series (drop in), 5:30 pm.  Attend all sessions and earn a Traffic Skills 101 certificate

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SPRING 2017

• TH April 20 - Simsbury Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee     10 AM - noon, Simsbury Public Library, open to the public.   Agenda

**Bring your bike for an

off-site meeting/ride!**  

• Bicycle Maintenance and Repair      (Th., April 6 & Th, May 18) 

• Traffic Skills/Safe Cycling 101    (Sun., April 9), Hartford

• League Cycling Instructor (LCI) Seminar (Fri.-Su. April 21-23) Hartford       Register by March 31.

• Simsbury Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (TH April 20, 10 AM - noon), Simsbury Public Library, open to the public.   Agenda

**Bring your bike for an

off-site meeting/ride!**  

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April​

• F April 21 - Free Kids Bike Safety Check with The Bicycle Cellar, Squadron Line School, 3:45-6pm    **Child should bring bike and helmet**  

• Sat. April 30, Simsbury Flea and Smorgasbord, Simsbury Meadows.  We'll be there selling refurbished bikes!  

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Let's get Simsbury on the list!  

Help Simsbury earn a national PlacesforBikes 5-star rating as a top U.S. community for biking by completing a short survey. Simsbury’s accomplishments will only be rated if the community provides input. The deadline is April 15.  COMPLETE SURVEY HERE 

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Be sure to share your vision of a walkable/bikeable Simsbury for the 2017 Simsbury Plan of Conservation and Development.  Learn more.  

 

Winter 2017

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Mar. 16 (Thurs.), 10 AM - noon

Simsbury Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Simsbury Public Library, open to the public

Agenda

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At Simsbury Free Bike, Monday night is shop night.  Winter is a great time to work on our bike fleet, donated bikes, or your own bike.  Learn more about our community bike shop here.  

 

Congratulations to Hartford and the CCAP for hosting the 2017 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships Jan 3-8.   If you missed it, there are great photos and videos available on their websites.  Hartford was also recently recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community at the Bronze level by the League of American Bicyclists. East Hartford, CT received an Honorable Mention.  Follow Bici Co. to learn more about Hartford's growing bicycle community.

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Jan. 19 (Thurs.), 10 AM - noon

Simsbury Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Simsbury Public Library, open to the public

AGENDA

 

 

 

Fall 2016

Congratulations to all of the riders who participated in the 2016 Simsbury Bike Challenge.  Our advocacy challenge finished #1 in the  National Bike Challenge  with over 105,000 miles logged between May 1 and Sept. 30.  Check out our results page for our top riders' standings at the local, state and national level.  Many thanks to our generous business sponsors for donating more than 20 awesome prizes to help keep our riders motivated.  

 

Congratulations to The Bicycle Cellar for being awarded a Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Business designation from the League of American Bicyclists.

 

Our next meeting is TH, 11/17, 10am – noon or contact us for more information. 

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Check out the Rides tab for local routes including the Sharrows Loop (16 miles) and the Farm to Farm Tour (20 miles).  RideWithGPS is another great resource for finding new routes.   We've also put together a quarterly events schedule with local and regional meetings, bike safety classes, social rides, charity rides, and other cycling events.  This document can be found here and on our Facebook page under "Notes."  See Fall Events.

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The fall schedule includes the highly recommended bike safety course Traffic Skills 101 on Oct. 16 and annual meetings for Bike Walk CT (11/11) and the Farmington Valley Trails Council (11/18).  

 

Autumn 2016

Simsbury Free Bike's 2016 Simsbury Bike Challenge has logged just over 100,000 miles in the National Bike Challenge and is approaching the Sept. 30th finish line in first place.  Simsbury riders can still join and log at least one ride by midnight Sept. 30 to be eligible for our final prize drawings which include generous donations from Metro Bis Restaurant, The Simsbury 1820 House, Body Over Bike, and The Bicycle Cellar. 

 

2016

Summer News

Thank you to all of our volunteers and participants in the Simsbury 2016 Bike Month celebration  We had loads of fun and met lots of great people.  Our Simsbury Bike Challenge Riders have been busy, too, logging 15,000 miles our first month.  Moving forward, our events schedule will be taking a break, but the Simsbury Bike Challenge continues through September (it's not too late to JOIN !), we have plenty to do on the advocacy front, and there are many bike events happening all around us (see below).  Please consider joining us to help move our bike-ped agenda forward.  The Simsbury Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) holds public meetings monthly at the Simsbury Public Library.  Get involved!  We have volunteer opportunities that can match your interests and availability. 

 

TH, 6/16, 10am – noon,  Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee Monthly Meeting, Simsbury Public Library, public welcome

 

Grants/Audits - coming

 

Local Rides/Events

Sat., 6/4 – Farmington Valley Trails Council National Trails Day Ride, 10 mi. family ride, 21 mi. ride, 44 mi. ride , and 5 mi. family walk

Sat., 6/4 – Pedals for Progress Bike Drop at Holcomb Farm, Granby  (Simsbury Free Bike also accepts bike donations - see below )

Sun., 6/5 – Bike MS: Praxair Off The Chain Windsor Ride 2016,  2 mi. (kids), 10 mi., 25 mi., 50 mi., 100 mi.

Sat., 6/11 - Discover the East Coast Greenway and the Farmington Canal Trail,  26 mi., New Haven to Cheshire

Sun., 6/12 – Farmington to Collinsville Vintage Ride

Sun., 6/19, CCAP Breakaway Benefit Ride – to support youth and school cycling in CT, Powder Ridge, Middlefield, CT.  MTB and road rides

Sat., 6/25 – Ride the State sponsored by Farmington Valley Trails Council (New Haven to MA ride on the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, approx. 50 miles)

Sat., 7/16 – FVTC Northern Exposure, 33 miles, Simsbury to Southwick, MA

Sat., 7/16, ERRACE (Everyone Ride/Run Against Cancer Everyday), Avon.  20 mi. MTB trail ride, 25 mi. road ride, 50 mile road ride, 100 mi. road ride;  and 5K walk/run

 

Weekly Rides

• Tuesday Evening Slow Roll, 5:30pm. Bike safety lesson plus 1 hour ride on the bike path.

• Wednesdays, 10am Weekly Trail Rides with Tanya - Casual rides  on the bike path beginning at the commuter parking lot, Weatogue. For more info.:   Tanya Stephens tanyafstephens@gmail.com.

• Wednesdays from The Bicycle Cellar, 6 pm, 12-15 mph, 10-15 miles. Call ahead. 

• SEE RIDES TAB for more options.

MAY IS BIKE MONTH!  

Check out our 2016 Bike Month Calendar, packed with classes, rides, and social events.  May also marks the opening of Simsbury Free Bike's 2016 bike share season (find a location)  and the start of the 2016 Simsbury Bike Challenge.  Will you ride with us?  Logging your miles supports a bicycle friendly Simsbury. 

 

Upcoming Meetings, Classes & Events

• F 5/14 Bike to the Library, Bike Story Time, and Trail History Lecture and Ride, Simsbury Public Library

• W 5/18 Bike to School Day, Latimer Lane School; Ike on the Bike Birthday 4:30-6:30pm, Drake Hill Mall; European Bike Touring Travelogue, 7 pm, Simsbury Public Library

• F 5/20 Bike to Work Day, 6:30 – 9 am Welcome Table on Iron Horse Blvd,  5:30 PM Happy Hour, Red Stone Pub

• TS 101 in New Haven on May 21, one 8-hr. session

• SU 5/22 Try Simsbury Triathlon

• F 5/6 Bike to School Day, Tootin’ Hills School - CANCELED FOR RAIN

• M 5/9 12:00pm AAA Announces Service for Bicycles, Winslow commuter lot, Weatogue (Simsbury)

• W 5/11 Bike Maintenance, 6:30 pm, Simsbury Public Library

• Sat, Apr 30, Simsbury Bike Challenge Kickoff at the Simsbury Historical Soc.

  • 9AM, 10 AM rides, 3 levels

  • 10AM-4PM Everyone Rides exhibit

  • 10AM-2PM, Simsbury Bike Challenge Kickoff booth

  • 1PM "Parent and Child Ride As One" Workshop

• Sun., May 1 - Traffic Skills 101, Hartford. 8hr comprehensive bike safety class. 

• Tues., Apr. 26, 6:30PM, Bike Commuting Forum, Simsbury Public Library  signup here

• Sat., April 23 Valley Cycling  Annual Meeting,  Road Safety & Family Wellness, Simsbury Public Library

• M, April 25, Board of Selectmen, 6PM  Bike Month Presentation

4.15.15 Upcoming Meetings & Classes

 

April 16 (Thurs.), 10 AM

Simsbury Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Simsbury Public Library, open to the public

April 22 (Wed.), 6 pm

Tariffville Connector/ECG meeting

May 14 (Thurs.)

Registration closes for June 5-7 LCI seminar (see below)

May 27 (Wed.), 6:30 pm

Bike Repair and Maintenance with Steve Novy, Simsbury Public Library

June 1-2 (Mon, Tues) 11am - 2pm

Mountain Biking Skills Clinic for Women, Simsbury Parks and Rec

June 5-7 (Friday - Sunday)

League Cycling Instructor (LCI) Seminar, 416 Hopmeadow St., registration closes May 14.

League Cycling Instructor Seminar

• Aug. 28-30 (registration deadline 8/6), New Haven

Traffic Skills 101 [Bike Walk CT]

• Sept. 13, New Britain

 

Spring 2015 - Get ready to roll! 

It's been a long, snowy winter, but the the Simsbury Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee has not let biking slip from our thoughts.  We are planning a spectacular May 2015 Bike Month and celebration of our Silver Bicycle Friendly Community award.  We hope you will join the fun.  There's more info. to come on the new Simsbury Bike Challenge and the individual events posted on the Bike Month Calendar.  Want to get involved?  Contact us!

 

Summer 2015

July 1 marked the passage of Connecticut’s Bicycle Safety bill, Public Act 15-41.  The new law eliminates the confusing--and often unsafe--rule requiring cyclists to ride as far to the right as practicable. Instead, the law now requires cyclists to ride as close to the right side of the road as is safe, as judged by the cyclist.  The new law also allows two-way bicycle lanes, buffered bike lanes, and cycle tracks to be designed in Connecticut; and allows drivers to cross the double yellow line to pass slower-moving cyclists and other road users when it's safe to do so.  Read more at Bike Walk Connecticut.

 

Congratulations to our 2015 League Cycling Instructors (LCI) graduates including locals Susan Mitchell (West Simsbury), Gary Scarcella (W. Granby), Tony Russotto (Burlington), and Doug Gerlach (Farmington).  Many thanks to instructor Jen Laurita and Mitchell Auto Group.

 

WINTER 2015-2016  News

 

Great news regarding the Tariffville Connector Trail/East Coast Greenway!  The Dec. 14  Simsbury Board of Selectmen Meeting agenda included an important action item related to funding trail development. The BOS authorized the First Selectman to execute and submit an application for a Local Transportation Capital Improvement Grant that would connect Bloomfield to Tariffville. This Multi-Use Trail Connector (to be designated East Coast Greenway) is supported by both the Town of Simsbury and the Town of Bloomfield. The grant will be submitted by the towns together. Jeff Shea, Simsbury Town Engineer, explains the importance of this grant toward eventually creating a commuter route to Hartford and linking Tariffville to Simsbury Town Center with a safe Bike/Ped route.

 

Farmington River Trail 

While the town awaits CT DOT action on the repaving of West St./Rte. 167, an overhaul of the portion of the Farmington River Trail along West St./ Rte 167 is on hold (still).  However, Tom Roy, Director of Public Works has started patching the paved trail between the high school and Maple Ct.  It's a much-needed start.  Thanks Tom!

 

Be sure to check out the West Mountain Road entrance to the Farmington River Trail.   Thanks to a local Eagle Scout John Mundt who worked with Simsbury Parks and Rec, Simsbury Public Works and the Farmington Farmington Valley Trails Council, we have a  trailhead sign and historical marker.

 

2016 Upcoming Meetings, Classes & Events:

Simsbury Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Simsbury Public Library, open to the public

• TH,  Jan. 21, 10 AM

• TH, Feb. 18, 10 AM  

• TH, Mar. 17, 10 AM    

• TH, April 21, 10 AM                     

 

Other

TH, Jan. 21  Inspired to Ride

Film and Fundraiser

Cinestudio, Trinity College, Hartford

Socializing at 6:30pm. Movie starts at 7:30pm. Each ticket sold raises funds for Bike Walk Connecticut.

 

F, Feb. 12 International Winter Bike to Work Day

 

WINTER 2015-2016  News

Winter is here to stay for at least a few more months, so what’s a cyclist to do?  For those all-too-frequent indoor moments, do consider helping us plan for the 2016 biking season.  Our advocacy efforts tend to take baby steps or giant steps depending on the number of people working to make things happen.  We’re a fun group, open to new ideas, and full of our own ideas if you just want to be matched with a task or project.  If you’re not riding (or skiing), how better to spend your time?  Hang out with cyclists!  Our monthly meeting schedule is noted above.  Join us!

 

Great news regarding the Tariffville Connector Trail/East Coast Greenway!  The Towns of Simsbury and Bloomfield have submitted a joint application for a Local Transportation Capital Improvement Grant that would create a multi-use trail (to be designated East Coast Greenway) connecting Bloomfield to the village of Tariffville.  Jeff Shea, Simsbury Town Engineer, explains the importance of this grant toward eventually creating safe Bike/Ped routes to Hartford and linking Tariffville to Simsbury Town Center.  Thanks Jeff Shea!

 

Farmington River Trail 

While the town awaits CT DOT action on the repaving of West St./Rte. 167, an overhaul of the portion of the Farmington River Trail along West St./ Rte 167 is on hold (still).  However, Tom Roy, Director of Public Works has started patching the paved trail between the high school and Maple Ct.  It's a much-needed start.  Thanks Tom Roy!

 

Be sure to check out the West Mountain Road entrance to the Farmington River Trail.   Thanks to a local Eagle Scout John Mundt who worked with Simsbury Parks and Rec, Simsbury Public Works and the Farmington Farmington Valley Trails Council, we have a  trailhead sign and historical marker.

*** 2016

• W, Mar. 23, 6:30 PM, BPAC*

• M, Mar. 28, Board of Selectmen, 6PM  Presentation on Complete Streets and Simsbury Bike Challenge

• Sun., April 17, 9AM-3PM Farmington Valley Trails Council Annual Trail Cleanup Day and BBQ