J. Foster Ice Cream, celebrating its 10 year anniversary this year, is located in downtown Simsbury Connecticut and a favorite gathering place for family outings for cones and cups during the warm months of summer. What could make that outing even more fun? Bicycles, of course. The bikes available at J. Foster are part of the Simsbury Free Bike community bike share program started in 2011. Simsbury, named Connecticut's first Bicycle Friendly Community in 2010, is known for its bike friendly culture and a bike trail that runs through the center of town. To borrow a bike from J Foster, riders must be 18, sign a waiver and provide a refundable $10.00 deposit which is returned when the bike, helmet and lock are returned. Bikes can be kept for up to 24 hours. The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail is located just behind J. Foster Ice Cream Shop. John D'Arcangelo, owner of J Foster explains "Borrowing a bike is a great way to spend time with kids home from college or to entertain out of town guests. It's also a way to get back on the bike without having to pump your own tires. And who doesn't enjoy a double scoop after a ride?" Biking is a wonderful family activity and J. Foster has the best home-made ice cream in Simsbury. A great place for family memory making! #### Simsbury Free Bike (SFB) is a not for profit organization supported by volunteers, rider donations and the business community through sponsorships. The program has expanded from one location in Simsbury with just six bikes to 13 locations in five towns and has over 50 bikes in circulation. Bicycles are available , at no charge, to riders 18 and over. Bikes are loaned for use on paved roadways and trails in the Farmington Valley and can be borrowed for up to 24 hours. Bicycles include a bike lock and helmet, can be borrowed from designated cycle stations located throughout the valley for a $10.00 refundable deposit. SFB is a project of the Children and Adult Mobility Project Inc., a non-profit, 501 (c) 3 corporation. "Like" us at www.facebook.com/simsburyfreebike for a current list of cycle stations and biking news, events and stories. Send inquiries about Simsbury Free Bike to simsburyfreebike@gmail.com .
