'Library to Library' Bike Tour to Kick Off Fairfield's Earth Day Celebration

Fairfield residents are invited to join a “library to library” bike tour trial route ride on Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m. starting at Sherman Green.

Hosted by the Fairfield Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee, the bike tour also kicks off the town’s Earth Day Celebration culminating April 25 at Fairfield Warde High School.

The cycling tour is part of the committee’s efforts to add more designated bike routes linking Fairfield residential neighborhoods to town business centers.

The tour is approximately 8.5 miles round trip (see pictured map) linking the main Fairfield Public Library on Old Post Road to the Fairfield Woods Branch Library on Fairfield Woods Road. Cyclists will gather at the Sherman Green Gazebo at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, to hear brief remarks on the route and an update on progress implementing the town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan before the tour officially starts.

“This route is part of a proposed expansion of designated bicycle routes along town road shoulders that will link different parts of Fairfield,” committee chairman Keith Gallinelli said in a press release. “It complements the first town bike route along Mill Plain Road as well as the anticipated pilot bike share program coming to Fairfield in late Spring/early Summer 2015.

“More biking routes are planned. Our committee was created by town officials to encourage walking and biking for transportation, which conserves energy, improves air quality, reduces traffic and the need for parking. Cycling and walking also improve health and fitness, all while having fun.”

Residents should register for this free event here: http://bikewalkfairfield.wordpress.com/

Participants will receive a map, turn directions and a one page survey form to help evaluate the proposed bike route’s features. Refreshments will be served at the end of the ride at Sherman Green. In the event of bad weather, the tour will be rescheduled for Sunday, April 26 at 2 pm.

Approved bike helmets are required on the tour, and participating cyclists must be 14 or older.

For more information on the committee and its work or to offer volunteer support for future events, visit http://www.fairfieldct.org/bikeped or send an email to bikewalkrun.fairfield.ct@gmail.com. More information about Fairfield’s Earth Day Celebration can be found at www.fairfieldearthday.org.