By Laura Gardner, Fairhaven Sustainability Committee
As the only town on the Southcoast with a bike trail that spans its entire width, Fairhaven is special. And whether you bike for fun, to commute to work, or to run errands, the bike path certainly makes bicycling easier.
Why Bike?
Biking is a great way to improve both the health of the planet and personal health. Replacing car trips with biking benefits our air quality, reduces noise pollution, and lowers emissions. You’ll also save money on gas. Statistically, more than half of all car trips are less than three miles; given the bike path, many of those short trips could easily be a climate-friendly bike trip!
Bicycling health benefits include improved cardiovascular health, reduced stress, as well as improved mobility and coordination. Individuals who use their bicycles as a primary means of transportation enjoy even greater benefits. According to a study in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, “people who bike to work are more likely to meet national physical activity guidelines.”
How it Could be Even Better
We still have work to do on the Southcoast to improve infrastructure for bicyclists. Most of the Southcoast lacks dedicated bike lanes, and planning a safe bike route is sometimes tricky. Jess Fidalgo recently tried biking from her home in the center of Fairhaven to her workplace on Acushnet Avenue. She reports that “there’s no really good way” to get to that part of New Bedford from Fairhaven via bike, but she’s committed to figuring it out and says “the fresh air and extra time were better for my well being than the rush of the car.”
Another Fairhaven resident who has experience biking to work is former Select Board member Bob Espindola. Bob bike-commuted for over ten years to his job at Titleist in the Industrial Park in New Bedford and found that “with the proper clothing I was able to ride all year long and through all weather conditions.”
How to Get Into Biking in Fairhaven
One option is to join a fun group ride! The Livable Streets Committee in town has been hosting monthly Bike and Brew events to encourage biking for fun in the community. Go to https://www.facebook.com/FairhavenLivableStreets/ to find out more and join the June ride.
Encouraging kids to bike is another important step. The Wood School Bike Bus was revived in 2023. In the fall and spring the bike bus boasts up to 50 kids riding to and from school on Fridays with music blasting and big smiles. A smaller group even rides through winter!
Maybe you need a new bike or your current bike needs fixing? We have great local options! Bike Zone of Cape Cod recently opened a storefront at 162 Huttleston Avenue. We also have two options for convenient, mobile bike repair at your home: Artemis Cyclery (https://artemiscyclery. com/) and On the Spot Bike (https://www.facebook.com/outthespotbike/).
The month of May is bike month, but biking is a great activity for people and the planet all year long. See you out there on the bike path!
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