WESTFIELD –Every May, Massachusetts residents and bike commuters come together to celebrate human-powered, two-wheeled transportation during Bay State Bike Week (BSBW). From Cape Cod to the Berkshires and everywhere around and in between, Commonwealth participants organize bike-centric events to encourage new riders and raise awareness about bicycle transportation.
This year’s Bay State Bike Week will be observed from Saturday, May 14 to Saturday, May 22. Massachusetts is the only state in the nation with a statewide bike week.
Joe Giffune, president of the Friends of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail, said the bicycling season is already well underway. Giffune said the rail trail had close to 100,000 users for the summer of 2015. He said that when it is completed in a few years, they anticipate it will become a destination trail with one quarter of a million riders annually. Currently the Friends are raising money for a physical trail counter, which he said will be vital for future funding and maintenance of the rail trail.
To promote Bay State Bike Week locally, here is a list of Westfield and Southwick events throughout the week:
Saturday, May 14, 8-10 a.m. Bike-In Coffee Break at The Press Room
The kick-off event for Westfield’s Bike Week will be held on Saturday, May 14, 8 to 10 a.m. at The Press Room on 62 School Street. Pedal in to The Press Room for complimentary coffee and pastries. Members of the Friends of the Columbia Greenway Board will be on hand with information about trail activities and survey forms for input from the public. Riders who use the trail are invited to bring their comments and suggestions.
Friends Board member, Alice Flyte, the Baystate Bike Week coordinator for Westfield and Southwick will be on hand and asking for input to give to the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.
Sunday, May 15, 1 p.m. Family Trek on the Trail
Bicyclists should meet at the Rail trail head at Stop and Shop on Main Street in Westfield for a Family Trek on the Trail, a fun bike or walk with members of the Friends Board. There will also be trail information and dog safety demo by Canine Learning Centers. (Heavy rain cancels.)
Monday, May 16, 10 a.m. Mayor’s Bike Ride
Meet at City Hall on 59 Court Street, Westfield for the Mayor’s Bike Ride, a leisurely downtown bike ride with Mayor Brian Sullivan. (Rain cancels.) For information, call 413-454-7822.
Mon. May 16, 11 a.m., Historical Signage Dedication
Shaker Road Kiosk, Greenway crossing at Shaker Road, Westfield (Rain or shine) Parking at Shaker Farms Country Club in the Greenway parking lot. Walk a few minutes north on the trail.
Monday, May 16, 5:30 p.m. Road Ride
New England Bike & Scuba at 526 College Hwy in Southwick will host a 15-mile, 13-15 mph no drop ride. For more information, call 413-569-1874.
Tuesday, May 17, 5:30 -6:30 p.m. Meet-N-Greet
Short updates from City Engineer Mark Cressoti, and Friends Chair Joe Giffune, followed by time for public input. Comments, concerns, and suggestions are invited from the public as we plan for future trail enhancements. Westfield Athenaeum, 6 Elm St. Westfield.
Wednesday, May 18, 7 p.m. Ride of Silence
Meet at South Middle School on Silver Street, Westfield for an 8-mile Ride of Silence, honoring those who have lost lives in bicycle accidents.
Thursday, May 19, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Bikes in Traffic
At the Stop and Shop parking lot, a safety awareness stand-out will be held on Bikes in Traffic. Community police and Friends board members will hand out information, and answer questions. For information, call 413-454-7822.
Thursday, May 19, 5:30-6:30 p.m. e-bike Demo
New Horizons Bike Shop will be sponsoring an e-bike Demo at the Stop and Shop trailhead on Main Street in Westfield. Get the latest information and try an e-bike. (Rain date is May 20th). Contact New Horizons Bike for info at 413-562-5237.
Saturday, May 21, 6 a.m. 300k Road Ride
Meet at New Horizons Bike Shop at 55 Franklin Street in Westfield for a 300k Road Ride. Pre-registration is available at www.newhorizonbikes.com. For more information contact New Horizons Bike at 413-562-5237.
The entire Bay State Bike Week schedule of events statewide may be found at www.baystatebikeweek.org.
