FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2011
CONTACT: Dan Fatton, Trenton Cycling Revolution, 908-303-4546, trentoncyclingrevolution@gmail.com
photo courtesy of: Ideal Image Consulting
TRENTON, N.J. — More than 200 people came to Trenton on Saturday morning to take to the streets and participate in the 15th Annual Trenton Bike Tour, organized by the local cycling advocacy group Trenton Cycling Revolution (TCR) and in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Trenton and Mercer County.
Bicycle enthusiasts, families, kids, local residents and out-of-towners started the 15-mile leisurely ride in Trenton’s Olmsted-designed Cadwalader Park, and continued on to tour the city’s historic streets and sights, diverse neighborhoods and community gardens.
Participants were escorted through the city intersections by the Trenton Police Department and toured notable sights such as the New Jersey State House, Trenton Battle Monument, and picturesque views from the D&R Canal tow path and newly completed East Coast Greenway “missing link” —which makes Canal Park a continuous 60-mile recreational path.
photo courtesy of: Ideal Image Consulting
Saturday’s ride also included a pit stop at Artworks, Trenton’s downtown visual arts center, which not only included snacks, refreshments and an opportunity to rest, but also entertainment provided by musician Billy Reiter. This year’s event was sponsored by a number of Trenton supporters including Shop Rite, AAA, Isles, East Coast Greenway and Knapp’s Cyclery.
As a part of National Bike Month and marking the culmination of National Bike to Work Week, the tour aims to not only highlight the city’s many tourist attractions, but also promote healthy lifestyles and raise awareness of bicycle safety throughout the region for avid, commuting and recreational bicyclists.
“We hope that great events like the Trenton Bike Tour will bring attention to just how important safe and complete streets are for everyone, especially residents riding their bikes through our great city,” said Dan Fatton, chair of TCR. “Trenton streets need to accommodate all users — bikers, pedestrians and drivers — because it is the right and fair thing to do for access, safety and economic development. Our city should follow the lead of Portland, Washington D.C. and New York City and be a model when it comes to being bike friendly.”
photo courtesy of: Ideal Image Consulting
The annual bike tour is just one of many efforts by TCR to promote safe streets for cyclists in Trenton. TCR most recently co-hosted a Breakfast for Bikers at the Trenton Transit Center on May 16 with the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association, with more than 40 people coming out to support more cycling and public transportation — and fewer cars on the road.
The Trenton Bike Tour was also part of “Let’s Move in May” an anti-obesity initiative in Trenton to get residents active. “Riding a bicycle or walking represents an affordable and convenient way to get around, particularly for short distances, and travel by bike or foot can help get your heart rate up. Despite an active bicycling community of those who commute via bike and recreational riders, Trenton has alarming rates of obesity. Events like the Trenton Bike Tour can encourage people to make healthy choices,” said Fatton.
