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Community Corner

Exploration of Hartford by Bicycle with the Entire Family

The City of Hartford will welcome hundreds of cyclists of all ages on Saturday, September 21, as the sixth annual Discover Hartford Bicycle Tour makes its way through the city. 

The Discover Hartford Bicycle Tour is presented by Bike Walk Connecticut, a not-for-profit statewide organization that is advocating to make cycling and walking safe and attractive for a healthier, cleaner Connecticut. 

The 2013 tour will give cyclists the option of a 10-, 25- or 40-mile bike ride throughout Hartford's diverse neighborhoods, and is being held in conjunction with EnvisionFest, a celebration of Hartford's arts, food and culture. 

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How it All Started

Bike Walk Connecticut started the Discover Hartford Bicycle Tour in 2007. According to Hartford resident, and Bike Walk Connecticut member Tony Cherolis, the organization started the tour to fill a void that was left when a popular Hartford Parks Tour was discontinued. "Bike Walk Connecticut was looking for a way to engage a large group of cyclists, show off the beautiful Hartford parks, and hopefully raise funds to promote bicycling infrastructure in the region," said Cherolis. Hence, the Discover Hartford Bicycle Tour was founded. 

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Cherolis said all different types of cyclists participate in the event, including families and children, urban riders on single speed bikes, rail trail and recreational riders on their cruisers and hybrid bicycles and club riders and racers on sleek road bikes. He notes the tour isn't a fast ride or a race. The purpose is to get out, be active and see a variety of landmarks throughout our capital city. 

Kelly Kennedy, Bike Walk Connecticut's Executive Director added, "Through this event, Bike Walk Connecticut is trying to get people out and cycling in Hartford. We want people to realize that it isn't impossible to use their bicycle as a mode of transportation into and around the city, and maybe even after participating in the Discover Hartford Tour, cyclists will consider biking to work and parents will encourage their kids to ride to school too." 

Tour Highlights

Some of the tour’s highlights may include: Bushnell Park, the Soldier & Sailors Memorial Arch, the Wadsworth Atheneum, the Mark Twain House, the ButlerMcCook House and Gardens, the Colt building, the Bushnell, Riverside Park, Keney Park, Pope Park, The Hartford Circus Fire Memorial, Trinity College, the Artist Collective, Goodwin Park, Cedar Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Park and more.  

Kevin Sullivan, a Bike Walk Connecticut member from Wethersfield said, "The City's parks are always a highlight—Bushnell Park in downtown, Keney Park and its golf course and Elizabeth Park. There are new and renovated schools, the Trinity College campus and even a cool bridge over the I-91 highway that few even notice. New for this year is the 40-mile route that will head east into Windsor, South Windsor and East Hartford to showcase numerous off-road paths and connections east of the River."

Cherolis added the tour is very family friendly. "The 10-mile route is specifically intended for families and beginner riders," said Cherolis. Many families also bring along their little ones using trailers or a child seat carrier so everyone can take part in a great, active day together. 

Emily Wolfe, a Bike Walk Connecticut board member from Hartford said the tour is family friendly because the ride is easy, there is great signage and Hartford is very flat, which makes it easy to ride. "There are lots of escorts, including police to stop traffic, and there is a van if someone in your group gets tired," said Wolfe. 

Sullivan said he plans on riding this year. "There is no better way to have fun and see the city than by bike with a bunch of other cyclists. And when the ride is over, there is music and all sorts of activities taking place during EnvisionFest on the same day." 

He added, "If you attend the event, expect to be impressed with the City of Hartford and how it looks from a bicycle. Also expect the fun and electricity of riding with hundreds of other cyclists." 

The 2013 Discover Hartford Bicycle Tour takes place Saturday, September 21 and starts and ends at Bushnell Park. Check-in and late registration is from 7-8 a.m. Opening ceremonies begin at 8:45 a.m. and the ride starts at 9 a.m. 

The cost to attend is $30 for Bike Walk Connecticut members; $40 for non-members and $10 for youth under 18. After September 18 registration is $45 for members and non-members and $10 for youth under 18. 

Registration and additional information is available online at: http://www.bikewalkct.org/discover-hartford.html

 

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