BRATTLEBORO — Cycling can be an integral part of the transportation mix for many Brattleboro residents, but then comes winter, and conventional wisdom says that “bike season” is finished.
Or is it?
More and more bicyclists are finding that with the right frame of mind, good clothing, and some preparation, winter biking is not only possible, but also practical and exhilarating.
In cities and towns across the nation, there is a tremendous upsurge of year-round bicycle ridership, even in places like Minneapolis, Chicago and Toronto.
Now, Brattleboro seeks to be included in this company with a Winter Biking Workshop, to be held on Thursday, Nov. 17, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the River Garden on Main Street.
The workshop aims to promote and demonstrate the viability (and thrill) of biking in the cold months of ice and snow. The main focus will be on utilitarian biking - commuting and errands - and cover important tips on clothing, equipment, and safety.
Seasoned winter bikers will be on hand to explain how they ride in comfort and will discuss tips on clothing, equipment and riding technique.
Also included in the workshop will be short films highlighting the accomplishments of winter biking groups in other places.
Minneapolis boasts more than 6,000 riders dedicated to commuting to work by bike in the winter, while Chicago's Bike Winter conducts a variety of workshops and events to get folks on their bikes in the winter.
Toronto, setting the pace for forward thinking urban centers, leads the way to promote winter bike commuting with brochures and a host of educational programs.
Event organizer Phil Brubaker said that “cycling most aptly represents the spirit of Vermont. I believe with a little creative promotion and education winter biking could become almost as 'Vermont' as skiing and maple syrup!”
New bicycling organization
The Brattleboro Winter Biking Workshop is the inaugural event of the newly-born Brattleboro Area Bike Action (BABA).
Starting in the spring, BABA will be producing a variety of inspiring education workshops called “Coming Back to the Bike,” to reintroduce people to the power and dignity of bike transportation.
Workshops will be offered on do-it-yourself bike repair, commuting, riding with children, shopping, local auto-free family trips, beginning riding technique for safety and climbing hills, getting around Brattleboro by bike, and many other bike-related issues.
This event, co-sponsored by Post-Oil Solutions and the Children and Parents Project, is free and accessible to all. Everybody from the curious to experienced ice bikers is welcome.
For more information, contact Dave Cohen at 802-258-7013 or by email. .