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Bike-Walk Alliance of NH ==
Summary:
Merrimack Valley Transportation Management Association
"Bike to Work Celebration" on Thursday, June 9, 2005, Noon to 1:30 PM
Staybridge Suites, Andover, MA
Review by Dave Topham. Please scroll down to view event photos.
So what is the GSBA doing in Massachusetts? Don't we belong in the Granite State?
Yes, the GSBA is strictly a New Hampshire-based organization to promote bicycling advocacy and education in our home state. However, many NH residents work just "over the border" in neighboring Massachusetts communities and some of these people get to work by bicycle. As such, for the past three years the GSW (and now the GSBA) has been represented at the annual wrap-up Bike to Work Month celebration. All the activities and recording of figures for the MV-TMA event were handled by Andrea Leary, Executive Director. By working with the folks at the MV-TMA and making direct contact with the bike commuters, we can share information, identify problems that restrict the use of bicycles, and develop plans to overcome obstacles preventing greater use of bicycles for commuting to work.
The Thursday, June 9 celebration took place at the Staybridge Suites located just off the River Road exit from Route 93. Thanks to a Massachusetts law restricting the number of hotels, motels, inns, etc. that can advertise or even post a sign at a given interchange to just six businesses, some people had a problem locating the site for the lunch-time celebration. Detailed directions were provided by the MV-TMA but not everyone planning to attend had a copy. Even so, everyone found the palce and under threatening skies (but no rain) the celebration took place. Suzanne Markham, General Manager of the Staybridge Suite, had everything very well organized and decorated for the event. The cookout included hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, cold drinks, and of course a specially-decorated cake.
During the presentation, Andrea acknowledged some 93 people bicycled to work in that immediate River Road area. About 50 were able to participate in the celebration. Quite a few raffle prizes were awarded, having been donated by local businesses. The entire cookout and facilities were provided by Staybridge Suites for free. (Thank you, Suzanne!) The GSBA donated three basic memberships and gave a review of progress being made by our new organization. Inquiries from those in attendance and follow-up via email since the celebration have established new contacts which will help the GSBA accomplish more in our local communities. Key concerns were access to work locations via bicycle-friendly roads, crossing the Merrimack River safely and legally near Route 93, secure bicycle parking at work locations, and the connection of the planned Salem-Manchester bike path to useful points on the Massachusetts side of the border. By discussing what is needed to promote more bicycling, identifying resources to help make things happen, then advocate for the implementation of viable and funded plans, then everyone comes out ahead on both sides of the Mass.-NH border.
Some photos taken at this June 9 celebration follow. Please scroll down then click the links to view. For more information about the MV-TMA please visit their web site at www.MerrimackValleyTMA.com; for information about the Staybridge Suites, visit www.staybridge.com.
Happy and safe cycling to all!
Dave Topham
GSBA Education & Safety Director
Photos of MV-TMA Bike to Work Month Celebration
