Farmington Valley rolls out and celebrates Bike Month

• Farmington Valley Known For Being Bicycle-Friendly

By Debbie Thibodeau

Special to Today Magazine

As you spend time in the Farmington Valley during the month of May, you will likely see people riding bikes. In fact, May is National Bike Month, and the Farmington Valley is among the most bicycle-friendly regions in Connecticut.

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Simsbury, Farmington and Canton have been recognized as Bicycle Friendly Communities by the League of American Bicyclists for their commitment to making biking a safe, enjoyable transportation option and recreational activity. Avon has applied for recognition and hopes to become Connecticut’s 11th Bicycle Friendly Community this spring.

National Bike Month celebrates all the reasons people ride — for fun, fitness, transportation and health — and all the ways bicycling makes communities better. Beyond the health and environmental benefits, being bike friendly gives a community vibrancy that attracts new residents, drives economic development and tourism, protects home values, and enhances the quality of life in a community.

Throughout the Farmington Valley, Bike Month activities will take place to encourage biking and enhance bike safety. New riders are urged to join the fun.

The popular Simsbury Bike Challenge, part of the National Bike Challenge, kicked off Bike Month in the Valley on May 1 and runs until September 30.

Riders age 13 and over who live, work, volunteer or regularly ride in Simsbury are invited to join throughout the month. Participants log rides, work toward personal goals, and compete for awards in an online community. Simsbury’s Bike Challenge is a great way to meet other local cyclists, track your progress and support a bicycle-friendly Simsbury. Plus, it's fun, motivating and free!

• Register – Love to Ride • Simsbury Bike Challenge

Other local activities and events for National Bike Month include:

• Bike/Walk to School events in Simsbury

• Bicycle Repair and Maintenance

Outdoor Workshop: Thursday, May 13

• Adventure Cycling in New England

Zoom Program: Tuesday, May 18

• Bike to Work/Bike Month Happy Hour

Red Stone Pub, Simsbury

Friday, May 21

• Board of Selectmen Community Ride

Simsbury Town Hall

Tuesday, May 25 at 5:00 p.m.

• National Trails Day Ride

Saturday, June 5

Thompson Road, Avon: Farmington Canal Heritage Trail parking lot

Meanwhile, Simsbury Public Library is offering bike-themed activity packets for children throughout the month of May, and local cycling clubs will offer rides throughout the month.

Bike Month events in Farmington include weekly social rides on the Farmington River Trail and Bike to Work Day. The CCAP Breakaway Benefit Ride supporting youth cycling occurred in May 1.

Avon hosted a Cinco de Mayo Ride, Smart Cycling class and Bike to Work Day.

The popularity of bikes has never been greater than over the past year, serving the transportation, recreation and social needs of the community during the pandemic. National Bike Month 2021 will launch what is anticipated to be another banner year for bikes in the Farmington Valley.

Cyclists, motorists and pedestrians are reminded that lawful, courteous and predictable behavior combined with patience help to keep us all safe on our roadways and trails. +

• A Simsbury resident, Debbie Thibodeau is part of the Simsbury Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee – Simsbury Bike website 

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