New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Pedal Party 2013! (Click to Enlarge)
In an effort to celebrate the benefits of bicycling and to support those working to build a more bicycle friendly community, Mass in Motion New Bedford, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Beaches, and the New Bedford Bicycle Committee will host the first annual New Bedford Pedal Party. Residents, families and community leaders are encouraged to attend the event on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at the Andrea McCoy Recreation Center.
New Bedford Pedal Party attendees will have an opportunity to participate in a Bike Rodeo, which will include bike handling and safety clinics. All participants will have the opportunity to receive a free Bike Safety Check. The party will include free giveaways such as bike safety items like helmets, bike locks and bike lights. The event is aimed to encourage biking and bike safety as well as to promote bicycling as a means of transportation and physical activity.
Mayor Jon Mitchell will kick off the New Bedford Pedal Party with a 3.7 mile Family Bike Parade which will begin at the Andrea Mc Coy Recreation Center (181 Hillman St) at 10:30am on Saturday, September 21, 2013. Police escorts will accompany the riders.
The event at the Andrea McCoy Recreation Center was organized and coordinated by Tony Ionno, Recreation Center Manager; Kim Ferreira, Coordinator of New Bedford Mass in Motion; Freddie Estremera and the members of the New Bedford Bike Committee, as well as the New Bedford Police Department.
“Biking has many benefits beyond physical activity and recreation. Biking for transportation helps connect communities and can have a tremendous positive impact on tourism, economic development, neighborhoods, and public health. New Bedford has made a lot of progress toward its goal of becoming a more bicycle-friendly community and now it’s time to celebrate our success and keep the momentum,” said Kim Ferreira, Project Coordinator of Mass in Motion New Bedford. Tony Ionno, Manager of the Andrea McCoy Center added, “There are many reasons for New Bedford residents to consider cycling as a legitimate form of transportation. Not only are there the obvious health benefits, but it also benefits the environment, is much more affordable than a car, and it’s fun!”
On September 21st, bring your bike, your family, and your friends out for the 1st annual New Bedford Pedal Party!
Activities will include:
10:30am-12pm:
- Family friendly Bicycle Parade around Downtown and the West End beginning at 10:30am!!! (hosted by the New Bedford Bicycle Committee)
12pm-2pm:
- Bike Rodeo: A bicycle skills event designed to teach young bicyclists the skills they need in order to be better riders. By learning bike handling and traffic skills, one can enjoy bicycling more and reduce the chance of injury. This event is made up of a series of stations, each dealing with an important aspect of safe cycling. Participants will have their bicycles inspected and will then learn about and practice bicycle-handling skills that will increase their enjoyment of bicycling and could some day save their lives.
- Kids helmet giveaways compliments of Yesteryear Cyclery and Mass In Motion!
- A number of community organizations and businesses will be on hand to do demonstrations and bike repair clinics. Bring your bike in for a free tune-up!
- Fun bike games and events such as a slow race, and adult pit bike races, and much more!
- Music, prizes, giveaways and much more!
This free event is great for families to enjoy together! Brought to you by New Bedford Parks, Recreation, and Beaches, Mass in Motion New Bedford, The New Bedford Bicycle Committee, Yesteryear Cyclery, Gifts to Give and Trips for Kids.
Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/494518313964449/
Mass In Motion: http://massinmotionnewbedford.org/events/
McCoy Rec Center Calendar: http://www.newbedford-ma.gov/publicfacilities/parkrecreation/Mccoy_Calendar.pdf
