WESTFIELD – With National Bike Week starting today, May 13, Westfield continues its tradition of bringing the initiative to the residents of the Whip City.
An annual event in the Pioneer Valley since 2000, New Horizons Bike Shop Owner Don Podolski had been the coordinator of the event until 2016. A part of the Friends of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail, Podolski said that Bike Week became statewide and Westfield has grown into a major supporter of the event.
“We’re probably one of the most active communities in bike week,” said Podolski.
Once Podolski decided he was finished with coordinating in 2016, Alice Flyte took over that role for the Friends of Columbia Greenway Rail Trail.
Receiving help from PVPC (Pioneer Valley Planning Commission) for coordinating some of the events, Flyte sees Westfield Bike Week as a tremendous opportunity for the residents.
“It’s just to get people out and get biking in their brain,” said Flyte. “That’s what the rail trail is all about, biking, walking, and being active.”
Flyte also added that PVPC has provided posters around town and surveys for bikers to fill out.
Kicking off Westfield Bike Week, on May 13, “Pedal-In Coffee Break” will take place from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Mama Cakes on Elm St. in Westfield. People can bike to the shop for coffee and conversation.
Don Podolski of New Horizons Bike will be offering one of many events for Westfield Bike Week this year. (WNG File Photo)
May 15 will be the Mayor’s Annual Bike Ride as Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan will lead a biking tour in and around downtown starting at 10 a.m.
Sullivan’s bike route starts at City Hall parking lot and then proceeds east on Court Street, turning south on Broad Street to Hedges Avenue where riders will go up the trail ramp and head north to Main Street. The rider’s route will continue west on Main St. then turn north on Elm Street crossing the Great River Bridge northbound followed by a u-turn then crossing the bridge southbound on Elm Street in order to get back to City Hall where the ride will conclude.
Everyone from the community is welcomed to join Mayor Sullivan on his bike ride. It is an event that past Mayors have been involved in and Mayor Sullivan wants to keep the tradition alive.
“Mayor Sullivan has always wanted to participate in it,” said Leanne Cloutier, the Executive Assistant to Mayor Sullivan. “It’s just a way to promote the trail, the bike ride, and how healthy it is.”
The events for Bike Week continue with a “Meet n’ Greet” at Amelia Park on May 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. People from the community will have the chance to meet board members of the park and receive updates on trail construction, events, and trail enhancements.
The following day, May 17, the “Ride of Silence” will depart South Middle School at 7 p.m. The “Ride of Silence” is a slow and silent ride to honor those who have lost their lives in biking accidents. Riders will bike to Westfield State University and then return back to South Middle School.
Thursday May 18 will be film night featuring “Marinoni: The Fire in the Frame” that will be played at the Westfield Athenaeum at 6 p.m. It is a documentary about master bike craftsmen Giuseppe Marinoni.
Capping off Westfield Bike Week is a “Vintage Ride – from road bikes to cruisers” that takes place on May 21 at New Horizons Bike Shop. The 30-mile ride is at Noon and the 10-mile ride is at 1:30 p.m.
For more information on any of the events with the Friends of the Columbia Greenway Trial, contact Flyte at 413-454-7822.
