REDDING TRAFFIC ALERT: Thousands of Motorcycles Roll Through Bethel Sunday to Honor Sept. 11 Heroes

Editor’s note: We published this article earlier this week, but here it is again, in case you missed it.

This Sunday, Aug. 30, Bethel residents should expect temporary road closures as thousands of motorcyclists from across the state pay tribute to those who lost their lives on the September 11th attacks on our nation.

The CT United Ride is a charity motorcycle ride in which thousands of bikers ride a 60-mile route from Norwalk to Bridgeport. The ride starts in Norwalk travels through Wilton, Redding, Bethel, Newtown, Monroe, Trumbull and ends in Bridgeport.

According to their website, the group is a motorcycle riding group that honors those who lost their lives, gave their lives, and those who continue to put their lives on the line each day as a result of the tragedies occurring on 9/11. The CT United Ride is sponsored by the CT State Fire Fighters – the UPFFA of CT. Gov. Dannel Malloy has proclaimed the CT United Ride as the largest 9/11 tribute in the State of Connecticut.

Executive Director and founder Fred Garrity, Jr. of Trumbull said the ride originally began as a fundraiser for the police and fire and those who lost their lives that tragic day.

“It started out with about 500 people and it was so successful that people wanted to continue. From the second year forward it continued as a tribute to those who continue to protect and serve,” Garrity said.

All money raised through registration fees above and beyond their expenses goes to the Emergency Relief Fund.

Ride Information courtesy of CT United Ride’s Website

The event begins in Norwalk, CT at Exit 17 off I-95 (Norden Park). Registration opens at 8:30 and Ceremonies begin at 10:30. The Ride begins at 11:30 a.m. with the ride ending at Seaside Park in Bridgeport for an afternoon of food, and music with performances by both rock and blues bands.

Donation

The donation per motorcycle is rider $25.00 and passenger $25.00. A donation is required to ride in the escorted line!

Parade Route

• Motorcade from Norden Park to Rte 136
• to Rte 33 through Westport
• to Wilton Rte 7
• to Rte 107 Georgetown
• to Rte 58N Redding
• to Rte 302 Bethel
• to Newtown Rte 25 through Monroe
• to Main Street Trumbull
• to Old Town Rd
• to Park Ave in Fairfield
• continuing into Bridgeport and straight down to Seaside Park with Bpt’s Fire Rescue 5 leading the Motorcade.

Riders will drive down Route 7 in Wilton onto Route 107 where it continues the entire length of Route 107, across Route 53 to Route 58 where it heads into Bethel. Redding Police will be directing traffic along with Auxiliary Officers and Police Explorers. The motorcyclists ride through with a police escort and they do not stop for lights. The intersections will be blocked off for about 30-45 minutes.

For more information about The CT United Ride click here.

Photo credit: CT United Ride