City of New Bedford Encourages Cycling With Installation of Over 150 Bike Racks at Schools, Parks, and Beaches

In partnership with Mass in Motion and the New Bedford Bicycle Committee, the City of New Bedford Department of Public Infrastructure (DPI) recently completed the installation of 163 new bike racks throughout New Bedford. The project is designed to give cyclists increased security and encourage increased cycling as a means of transportation.

The City of New Bedford was awarded $20,000 in grant funding from the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) for bicycle parking facilities. Mass in Motion New Bedford, along with various City departments, including the Mayor’s Office, DPI, Planning, and Parks, Recreation and Beaches, the New Bedford School Department, and the New Bedford Bicycle Committee, chose schools and parks – particularly those currently lacking bike racks – as the primary focus for the program.

Kim Ferreira, Director of Mass in Motion New Bedford said, “The City installed many bike racks in a short time frame and we appreciate their support in promoting safe cycling throughout New Bedford.”

“Mass in Motion New Bedford and the New Bedford Bicycle Committee are planning and looking for resources and funding to increase cycling, DPI has been an important partner in achieving physical improvements like striping bike lanes and installing the new racks,” Ferreira continued.

Mass in Motion New Bedford and the New Bedford Bicycle Committee have partnered with DPI on numerous occasions over the past year to encourage residents in the city to use a bicycle instead of a car. The new bike racks can be found at the following locations:

Schools
Ashley, Campbell, Carney, Congdon, DeValles, Gomes, Hathaway, Hayden-McFadden, Kempton, Pacheco, Parker, Pulaski, Rodman, Swift, Taylor, and Winslow Elementary Schools; and New Bedford High School and Athletic Fields.

Parks/Beaches
Brooklawn, Buttonwood, Clasky Common, Gomes, Harrington, Lot 13 Athletic Fields, Magnet, Monet, Pine Hill, Riverside, River’s End, Pulaski, and Victory Parks; and East Beach

Other
Elm Street Garage, Hurricane Barrier East, Zeiterion Garage

Mass in Motion is a statewide movement led by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that helps local communities increase opportunities for residents to eat better and move more in the places they live, learn, work, and play.

You can learn more about MiM NB by visiting their website at massinmotionnewbedford.org or liking their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/massinmotionnewbedford