Simsbury Named Silver Bicycle Friendly Community
Today, the League of American Bicyclists recognized Simsbury with a Silver Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) award, joining more than 325 visionary communities from across the country.
“I am so proud that Simsbury has been named the first Silver Bicycle Friendly community in the State of Connecticut,” said First Selectman Mary Glassman. “A group of dedicated volunteers worked with various boards and committees to make this happen. Residents should be proud of this work and what it means to our community.”
With the announcement of 55 new and renewing BFCs today, Simsbury joins a leading group of communities, in all 50 states, that are transforming neighborhoods across the country.
“Visionary community leaders are recognizing the real-time and long term impact that a culture of bicycling can create,” said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists. “We applaud this new round of communities for investing in a more sustainable future for the country and a healthier future for their residents and beyond.”
The BFC program is revolutionizing the way communities evaluate their quality of life, sustainability and transportation networks, while allowing them to benchmark their progress toward improving their bicycle-friendliness. With this impressive round, there are now 326 BFCs in all 50 states.
“A safer, more walkable and ridable Simsbury is good for families, supports businesses and attracts tourists. Every Simsbury resident should be excited about Simsbury’s progress toward creating a healthier and more vibrant community,” said Pattie Jacobus, Simsbury Free Bike/Simsbury Bike Pedestrian Advisory Committee Chair.
The Silver BFC award recognizes Simsbury’s commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies.
“Simsbury’s Silver Bicycle Friendly Community designation was the result close work between Simsbury town officials, the board of education, public works, the police department, our business community and bicycle advocates,” said Simsbury Free Bike Director Larry Linonis.
“The Town of Simsbury, along with a group of dedicated citizens, has worked hard to promote ridership and hopefully serve as a role model for other communities who wish to become more bicycle friendly,” said Diana Moody, Chair, Simsbury Silver Application Committee. “Through the direct action of our town and residents, we can continue to create a safe and friendly bicycle network.”
The BFC program provides a roadmap to building a Bicycle Friendly Community and the application itself has become a rigorous and an educational tool in itself. Since its inception, more than 800 distinct communities have applied and the five levels of the award – diamond, platinum, gold, silver and bronze – provide a clear incentive for communities to continuously improve. To apply or learn more about the BFC program, visit http://bikeleague.org/community
For more information: First Selectman Mary Glassman mglassman@simsbury-ct.gov 860-658-3230; Pattie Jacobus pattiesmithjacobus@gmail.com; Larry Linonis linonisl@aol.com or 860-658-1110; Diana Moody diana_moody@mac.com or 860-559-1119.
The League of American Bicyclists is leading the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. The group’s commitment is to listen and learn, define standards and share best practices to engage diverse communities and build a powerful, unified voice for change.
Simsbury.bike News
OLD CONTENT
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.
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
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.
Through Sept. 29, follow the Simsbury Art Trail to see 37 life-sized bronze sculptures by Seward Johnson. Learn more at:
Welcome to Simsbury.bike. Here you'll find lots of information to help make your rides enjoyable and safe.
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.
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:
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.
2018
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.
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.
The Bicycle Cellar (Simsb) 860-658-1311
-
W 6 pm at the shop, 12-15mph, 10-15 miles. Contact the shop to confirm.
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!
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.
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!
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
Simsbury has submitted a renewal application for its Bicycle Friendly Community designation from the League of American Bicyclists. Results should be available in November.
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!
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.
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:
In early July 120 Simsbury High School students taking summer PE & Health completed bike safety education. How cool is that?
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.
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
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
-
-
May is Bike Month!
-
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
Sept 2017
We aim to share with you all things "bike" in Simsbury, and make your riding experience enjoyable and safe.
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!
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.
Sept. 9 (S), 9:30 AM, Farmington Valley Trails Council Farm to Farm Ride, Simsbury
Jul-Aug 2017
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).
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.
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
-
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)
-
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!**
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!
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
Be sure to share your vision of a walkable/bikeable Simsbury for the 2017 Simsbury Plan of Conservation and Development. Learn more.
Winter 2017
Mar. 16 (Thurs.), 10 AM - noon
Simsbury Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Simsbury Public Library, open to the public
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.
Jan. 19 (Thurs.), 10 AM - noon
Simsbury Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Simsbury Public Library, open to the public
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.
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.
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
Hometown Hero Award
May 11, 2015 - The Simsbury Bike Ped Advisory - Silver Steering Committee (Debbie Thibodeau, Steve Mitchel, Chuck Brody, Diana Moody, Robert Carmen, Larry Linonis) receives the Hometown Hero Award from the Town of Simsbury for 2015. We worked hard over the past year to get Simsbury awarded Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community through the League of American Bicyclists. We thank the Town, local businesses and the residents of Simsbury for your help.
The Connecticut Cycling Advancement Program (CCAP) is Connecticut's cycling development organization for youth and young adults. CCAP was started by Aidan Charles in an effort to support the creation of cycling clubs and teams in CT high schools. The CCAP believes that the sport of cycling teaches a child or young adult a wealth of values, social skills and mindsets that help them become successful in every aspect of their life. The CCAP is proud to provide kids at Simsbury High School and across the state with the opportunity to participate in cycling in a safe and positive team-based environment.
Join us at the Simsbury Historical Society on Sat., April 30 to kickoff the 2016 Simsbury Bike Challenge. We will have rides, exhibits, giveaways, and fun. Are you ready to Ride with Us in 2016?
Simsbury Bike Challenge Kickoff
April 30 (rain date May 7)
9 AM – 2 PM
Simsbury Historical Society
800 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury
Bike Education in and Around Simsbury
Bike Safety Education , Youth Cycling Camps/Clinics, Seminars, Exhibits
-
F, April 22, 8 am - 3 pm, Teaching Safe Bicycling to Children in Physical and Health Education Classes, hosted by Simsbury Public Schools
-
T, Apr. 26, 6:30PM, Bike Commuting Forum, Simsbury Public Library signup here
-
Sat, Apr 30, Simsbury Historical Soc., 1PM "Parent and Child Ride As One" Workshop
-
Sun., May 1 - Traffic Skills 101, Hartford. 8hr comprehensive bike safety class.
-
Simsbury Historical Society - May 2016 Exhibit "Innovations in Pedal Power -Everyone Rides” beginning April 30
-
Simsbury Free Bike Shop Nights
-
iCan Bike Program, West Hartford - Teaches children with special needs (age 8 and above) to ride conventional 2 wheel bicycles and become independent riders.
-
League American Bicyclists - League Cycling Instructor Seminars
Bike Safety Education , Youth Cycling Camps/Clinics, Seminars, Exhibits
-
Th., Oct. 6 - Basic Bicycle Maintenance and Repair, Farmington, 6-9 pm
-
Sun., Oct 16 - Traffic Skills 101, Hartford. 8hr comprehensive bike safety class.
-
Simsbury Free Bike Shop Nights
-
iCan Bike Program, West Hartford - Teaches children with special needs (age 8 and above) to ride conventional 2 wheel bicycles and become independent riders.
-
League American Bicyclists - League Cycling Instructor Seminars
BPAC
2014
Chuck Brody** – advocate
Robert Carmen** - Web Developer;
business owner, CCAP Cycling Coach
Jim Cassidy - Interim President,
Farmington Valley Trails Council
Bruce Donald - Tri-State Coordinator, East Coast Greenway Alliance
PFC Lauren Devin - Bike Officer,
Simsbury Police Department
Pattie Smith Jacobus** - Chair;
Simsbury Free Bike
Jennifer Kertanis – Director,
Farmington Valley Health District
Sheree Landerman** – advocate
John Lockwood - advocate
Steven Mitchell**- Business Owner;
Diana Moody** - Chair,
Silver Steering Committee
Amy Muska - Supervisor, PE &
Health, Simsbury Public Schools
Chris Petron - business owner,
Body Over Bike
Diana Robinson - advocate
Tom Roy - Director,
Simsbury Public Works
Tanya Stephens - advocate
Debbie Thibodeau** - Chair,
Safe Routes to School
Gerry Toner – Director, Simsbury
Culture, Parks & Recreation
Removed 12/2022
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
Simsbury.bike news 2021
OLD CONTENT
2024
LTR
NEW FOR 2024: Use the new Love to Ride app to record your bike trips automatically, then rate your routes, section by section. Collective data will be made available publicly and show riders’ insight on where safety improvements are needed.
Drive Less CT Climate Challenge
CTrides invites everyone in Connecticut to join their climate challenge to fight against climate change by driving less between Earth Day (April 22) and the end of Bike Month (May 31). Recording bike trips and other green trips (walk, bus, carpool, etc.) to work, shopping, errands, etc. can help you win prizes. CTRides also has a year-round benefits program and commuter resources. Learn more.
For more information, contact
Debbie at challenge@simsbury.bike.
May is Bike Month!
Bikes are sustainable transportation, and bikes are fun! Learn more at the Sustainability Fair, attend the E-bike Workshop, and join the CTrides Drive Less CT Climate Challenge. Check out our Bike Month 2024 calendar and read more about Bike Month events in our April newsletter.
Winter News 2024
Autumn wrapped up with a November ribbon cutting for the new Tariffville-Bloomfield Multi-Use Trail, which is part of the East Coast Greenway. The new year begins with important steps in planning the next greenway segment connecting Tariffville to Simsbury.
2023
We are happy to announce that Simsbury has again achieved Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community recognition from the League of American Bicyclists. It takes a village: committed town leaders, town staff, local businesses, and advocates working in partnership. Thank you to everyone who helped in this effort.
2023
Fall 2023
It's been a long time in the making, but we are so excited to announce the opening of the Tariffville - Bloomfield Multi-use Trail. Celebrate with us on Friday, Nov. 17 at 11 AM. The ribbon cutting will be at the Tariffville trailhead at the intersection of Main Street and Route 189. This new 1-mile trail connects to an existing 1.7 mile multi-use trail in Bloomfield, ending at Day Hill Rd. Following the ribbon cutting, walk or ride the new trail with the Simsbury Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee and Simsbury.Bike. One way distances:
1 mile to the trail parking lot in Bloomfield across from Old St. Andrews Church and 2.5 miles to the Day Hill Rd. trailhead in Bloomfield. Join us!
2023
Summer News
We have results for the Bike-to-it! Bike Month Pledge event and prize drawing winners! More than 400 local bicyclists rode a combined 1000 bike trips for transportation, SAVING 3300 motor vehicle miles and over 950 kg CO2 car emissions. We crushed our goal of 350 trips! Read more
Congratulations to Simsbury Public Library for being awarded a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Business award from the League of American Bicyclists. Read more.
Check out our 2022 Bike Month Calendar, packed with classes, rides, and events. This year's theme: Bikes for Transportation, Bikes for Fun.
Join the 7th annual Simsbury Bike Challenge (May 1 - Sept. 30). Join us as we set personal goals, encourage one another to ride, and support local bike advocacy. We have prize drawings, too! We hope you will ride with us in 2022!
Make the Bike-To-It! Pledge to take one or more bike trips for transportation during Bike Month. There will be prize drawings/awards for Individual riders and Groups (household, club, troop, workplace, school) that help us reach our goal of 350 trips. Record your trips on paper or use online logging - whichever works for you. Learn more.
Show your support for a bikeable Simsbury by attending the Board of Selectmen Community Ride on TH., May 19 at 5:00 pm. We'll take a casual 5 mile ride on the multi-use trail. We hope you will ride with us!
May also marks the opening of the 7th annual Simsbury Bike Challenge (May 1 - Sept. 30).
New in 2022, we are hosting the Bike-To-It! Bike Month Pledge event to encourage people to bike for transportation.
2021
Get Involved
Please consider helping us with our bike advocacy work. We can match your interests and availability to our volunteer opportunities. Contact us!
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, and non-profits,. We hope to hear from you!
Fall
Autumn is a lovely time to visit the Farmington Valley by bike. Please note that there is a temporary closure of the Farmington River Trail in Stratton Brook State Park between Stratton Brook Rd. and the park pond. Through cyclists may wish to detour to the west. Detour
In the final months of 2021, our Simsbury.Bike club continues to log rides for the LAB's #DriveLessBikeMore and Winter Wheelers campaigns. Join us! Logging your rides is a great way to connect with other local cyclists, track your progress, and support a bicycle friendly Simsbury.
It's annual meeting season - all virtual for 2021. Check out our calendar for information on these annual meetings: Bike Walk CT (Nov. 4), Farmington Valley Trails Council (Nov. 12), and the Northeast Multimodal and Transit Summit (Nov. 22).
Summer
Good News: The CT Road Safety Bill (HB 5429) was Signed into Law! We'll provide details in our next newsletter. Also, Simsbury has repaved two sections of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail in the south end of town.
June
We had a fun Bike Month with events, classes, rides, and 14,000 miles logged in the Simsbury Bike Challenge. Riding season is heating up and so is the regional calendar. Ride the State, Tour Bloomfield, and Ride with Pride! See the calendar button above for details. New this summer: Simsbury Culture, Parks, and Recreation is offering Mountain Biking Classes to kids and adults.
Get Involved
If you believe that biking and walking make Simsbury a better place to live, work, learn, and play, please consider helping us with our advocacy work. We can match your interests and availability to our volunteer opportunities. Contact us!
TH 4/15 - Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, 10 AM. Virtual meeting. Public Welcome. See agenda for Zoom link. AGENDA
n our February newsletter: proposed CT bike/ped. safety legislation, trail usage counts, MLK, fat biking, upcoming events, League's new Learning Center, and more.
Calendar Highlights
-
Feb. 18 - Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, 10 AM. Virtual meeting. Public Welcome. See agenda for Zoom link. AGENDA
See "Calendar" button above for complete listing.
Simsbury Center Loop Directions from Town Hall: SHORT (3.8 miles)
From Town Hall, Head north on Rt. 10/202 Hopmeadow St.
Left onto Seminary Rd.
Left onto Firetown Rd.
Left onto West St.
Left onto Rte 10/202 Hopmeadow St.
Right onto Drake Hill Rd
Left onto Iron Horse Blvd
Left onto Rte 10/202 Hopmeadow St.
Continue to Town Hall and finish!
The 2014 Cyclo Cross (CX) Race Season kicked off this past weekend (Sep 13 &14) and Simsbury Resident / SHS Cycling Advisor, Robert Carmen wins the CT State Championship Title in the Masters 40+ Category at the Silk City Cross/CT State Championsip Race. Robert started the SHS Cycling Club in 2013 with student Justin Fossum and it has grown from 4 members to 20 members including a teacher, triathlete Dr. Wendy Ku. The club has weekly rides and includes both Mountain Bike and Road rides. Congratulations Mr. Carmen!
National Bike Month
2015/ May is National Bike Month. Sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists, National Bike Month is celebrated in communities across the country to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more people to give biking a try. In Simsbury, Bike Month is truly a month-long celebration with events, rides, safety campaigns, socials, and more. We hope to see you! Volunteers are needed to plan the Bike Month celebration. Contact us if you are interested in volunteering or for more information.
Children’s Bicycle Safety Day for Simsbury students in Grades 3-5.
Free bicycle safety inspection and minor repairs for Simsbury children in grades 3-5 at The Bicycle Cellar on May 2 from 9 a.m. - noon. There will also be helmet checks, bike safety literature and small giveaways. Child must be present with his/her bike. See flyer for details.
Wednesday, October 8th 5:45PM, Come check out the Cyclo Cross Race! CX racing is fun and exciting to watch. If you haven't been to one, don't miss this event. Click on the Simsbury Farms Picture or here on the Facebook Event Link for details on the race.
SHS Bike Advisor Wins CX State Championship
Board of Selectmen Ride. Join First Selectman Lisa Heavner and the Board of Selectmen for a leisurely 5-mile bike ride beginning at 1 p.m. from the Simsbury Town Hall parking lot located at 933 Hopmeadow Street. The ride through Simsbury will be primarily on the bike path and suitable for all ages.
Here's an opportunity to get to know your town leaders and share your thoughts. Tell them how important living in a Bicycle Friendly Community is to you, how you feel about the Tariffville Connector/East Coast Greenway proposal, ask about the budget...
CycloFemme is a national day that celebrates women on bicycles all around the world. Join us for the first Simsbury Cyclofemme Ride May 9 from 10 am to 2 pm departing from The Bicycle Cellar, 532 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury, CT.
Scheduled Rides:
3 mile slow paced ride suitable for new riders
15 mile, faster paced ride for more experienced riders
For more information and to register
call The Bicycle Cellar at 860-658-1311 or join our Facebook Event.
Simsbury's second annual River-to-Ridge Try-athlon will be a highlight of the season. For more informaiton, go to http://www.trysimsbury.com/
Learn basic bike maintenance at this interactive workshop led by Dave Bishop of the Bicycle Cellar in Simsbury. He will start with a basic flat repair, then go into how to repair a broken chain. From there he will cover basic bike lubrication and cleaning of bikes, ending with open questions from the audience on things they might want to learn about. If you bring your helmets, Dave will check them for proper fit and adjust them. Registration suggested. Free and open to all.
Simsbury Public Library
Program Room
6:30-8 pm
Register at
http://www.libraryinsight.com/eventdetails.asp?jx=scp&lmx=690953&v=3
Ride the Loop with the Farmington Valley Trails Council on Saturday, May 23 starting at 10 AM at Iron Horse Blvd, Simsbury.
See more information and register at http://www.fvgreenway.org/events/Event.Detail.asp?id=1426556292
We invite Simsbury and our neighboring bicycle friends to join us in celebrating our Silver Bicycle Friendly Community designation from the League of American Bicyclists - the first and only one in Connecticut.
There will be small gifts and awesome door prizes from The Simsbury Inn, The Bicycle Cellar, and Big Sky.
Be sure to join the Simsbury Bike Challenge at www.nationalbikechallenge.org and log a May bike ride before noon on May 15th to qualify for the Simsbury Bike Challenge drawing, prizes compliments of EMS and Road ID.
5-7 pm
10 Jim Gallagher Way
Simsbury
BIKE
DEMO DAY
May 17
BIKE DEMO DAY
Bike Demo Day will be set up at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Art Center during the Try Simsbury Try-althlon, 11 am to 1 pm on May 17. See bikes from The Bicycle Cellar and Fat Ass Bikes, and the new performance electrolyte drink Naturally Fast.
There will be E-Bikes and Fat Bikes too!!!
Simsbury Culture, Parks and Recreation
Monday June 1 and Tuesday June 2
11 am – 2 pm
Certified Mountain Bike Instructor: Margie Bowen
Learn fundamentals. Advance your skills. Gain confidence on the trail.
If you're proficient at riding a bike, you have a decent level of fitness, and you want to learn how to mountain bike on technical trails through the woods, this clinic is for you. You'll learn:
-proper body positioning
-climbing and descending techniques
-braking quickly without skidding or going over the bars
-the best lines in technical terrain
-how to maneuver around and over roots, rocks and logs
...
Requires hard tail or full suspension mountain bike, platform pedals, helmet.
Minimum age: 18.
Cost for 2-day course: $179 (residents and non-residents)
More Info and Register at www.simsburyrec.com
Simsbury Schools Step up
Bike Education Incorporated in Gym Class -
Physical education teachers from elementary schools in Simsbury, CT, attended a Train-The-Trainer bike education class, sponsored by Bike Walk CT. They are sharing the word with colleagues, so that bicycle safety and etiquette can be incorporated into the forth-grade curriculum at the five elementary schools in town.
For the fourth year, Tootin' Hills and Latimer Lane Elementary Schools in Simsbury will sponsor 2 separate Bike/Walk-to- School Days, to celebrate National Bike Month. In 2013, more than 400 students participated in the events and either rode their bicycles or walked to school.
At Henry James Middle School, the student council created posters that encourage 7th and 8th graders to ride their bicycles during May.
Hosted by Lisa Heavner, this is a leisurely ride on the bike trail for new riders and anyone who has not been on a bike in many years.
If you need to borrow a bike, contact Simsbury Free Bike at simsburyfreebike@gmail.com.
1 pm. Friday, May 29
Simsbury Free Bike
828 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury
below the old Andy's and Dunkin' Donuts
Come join Simsbury's Bike-in Social on Bike to Work Day from 6:30-8:30 am at Simsbury Meadows (by the Playground) on Iron Horse Blvd. We'll have coffee, goodies, and prizes to win. Say hello to Town Officials and members of the Simsbury Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
Then we're off to work on our bikes! From Iron Horse Blvd., there are paved bike paths heading north, south and west.
Can't quite figure out how to safely bike between home and work, or the distance is too far? Even biking one leg of the journey is beneficial. Bike to a bus stop, then take the bus. Drive to a commuter, then bike from there. Commuter parking and CT Transit are both available on Iron Horse Blvd.
Check out the Simsbury Bike Network Map (works best on a desktop) for trails and sharrowed routes in town. We have tips and tricks for getting around town, too - just ask! Email us at simsburyfreebike@gmail.com.
Bike Trails in the Farmington Valley: Past, Present and Future - Lecture and Ride
Learn about the history of the Farmington Canal (1825-1848) , The New Haven & Northampton Railroad 'Canal Line ', and the Connecticut Western Railroad (1848-1980's); their transformation to bike trails; and future trails in development. Local bicycle advocate and enthusiast Larry Linonis and Rob Dexter of the CT DOT and East Coast Greenway Alliance will give a thirty minute lecture followed by a bicycle ride that is intended to visit all three of the trails that pass through Simsbury.
The ride will be at a casual pace for approximately 15 miles with a shorter 5 mile option. Waivers and helmets are required for the ride. Bring your own bike, or bikes will be provided by Simsbury Free Bike to adults who call ahead ( 860-841-2611) or email simsburyfreebike@gmail.com prior to the event.
WELCOME TO SIMSBURY.BIKE
Dedicated to safer, more accessible biking and walking in Connecticut's first Bicycle-Friendly Community.