Avon Honored By National Bicycling Organization

Town of Avon

AVON, CT — If you enjoy traversing Avon on two wheels instead of four, the town recently uveiled some good news regarding your favorite form of transportation/recreation.

The Town of Avon announced last week it was designated a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, a national bicycling organization.

As a result, Avon joins the ranks of more than 500 "bicycle friendly communities" across the country that are "united by their commitment to improving their transportation networks through investments in infrastructure, programs and policies that support and serve all users."

Avon is the 11th such community in Connecticut and the seventh in the immediate region alongside West Hartford, Simsbury, Canton, Farmington, Hartford and New Britain.

The town was previously awarded an "Honorable Mention" for its 2021 application.

“When we build an America where bicycling is truly safer and easier for everyone, we are strengthening our nation’s economic vibrance, environmental welfare, and mental and physical well-being," said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “This round of awards is a testament to the community leaders and local bike advocates who are joining the League in raising the standard of what it means to be a Bicycle Friendly Community.”

According to the town, Avon was chosen for many local bicycling friendly initiatives, including:

• The initiation of a town-wide bicycle and pedestrian master planning effort.

It is hoped Avon can develop a prioritized plan of facility improvements, infrastructure projects and recommendations for programs and policies to improve and extend the existing bicycle and pedestrian network.

To that end, there is a second public forum on the topic is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, at the Avon Senior Center, located at 635 West Avon Road

• The installation of trail improvements and amenities along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail.

This includes four flashing beacons at trail crossings, two bicycle repair stations, fencing, a painted mural on the Route 44 underpass, public restroom facilities at the Avon Village Center and the relocation of a section of the trail out of the Avon Town Hall parking lot.

• The appointment of a dedicated traffic officer by the Avon Police Department to address resident concerns relative to traffic such as speeding and distracted driving.

“Avon’s Bronze-level designation reflects the league’s recognition of the town’s accomplishments over the last several years,” said Fran Gurtman and Steven Mitchell, co-leaders of BikeWalkAvonCT, in a joint statement.

“The Town of Avon is so proud to be a Bicycle Friendly Community,” said Avon Town Manager Brandon Robertson in a statement. “We are even prouder that this designation is the product of a true community effort."

To read the full Town of Avon announcement of the designation, click on this link.

For more information on BikeWalkAvon, click on this link.

For more information on the League of American Bicyclists, click on this link.

From June 2: 'Simsbury Honored For Commitment To Bicycling'