For Immediate Release

Friday, Sept. 8, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Great Barrington Extends Commitment to Cyclists With New Bicycle Maintenance Station

GREAT BARRINGTON — The Selectboard is pleased to announce that the Town of Great Barrington has continued to build upon its welcoming atmosphere for cyclists by installing a bicycle repair and maintenance stand outside Town Hall.

The Dero Bike Fixit stand, which was installed last month to complement the bike lanes on Main Street, supports Great Barrington’s ongoing efforts to encourage more residents to bike rather than drive along town roads.

“The repair and maintenance station is one of several initiatives we’ve pursued to make the town more welcoming for bicyclists,” Department of Public Works Superintendent Sean VanDeusen said. “It will be a helpful asset to all of the cyclists in town, and will encourage more people to ride bikes in town.”

Cyclists in town now have access to an assortment of tools, including flathead and Philips head screwdrivers, 2-8 millimeter Allen wrenches, 8-32 millimeter box wrenches, two tire levers and a full service air pump with a gauge, all of which are attached to the Fixit stand.

“The Parks and Recreation Commission is working to make Great Barrington a cyclist friendly town. The addition of the Fixit stand is a start, and we hope to do more,” Parks and Recreation Committee Chair Karen Smith said. “Having more cyclists on the road is a great thing for our community.”

Great Barrington is home to several bike-friendly events. In August, cyclists participated in the Berkshire Bike-N-Fly, which included a 20, 35 and 52–mile fun ride.

Berkshire Bike and Board will host a flat tire clinic on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 10 a.m. at the Fixit Station, teaching attendees how the newly-installed stand can be a resource for cyclists of all ages and ability levels.

On Sept. 17, riders from around the region will be on hand for the 41st Annual Josh Billings RunAground Triathlon, which begins in Great Barrington and winds through several neighboring communities. 

Then, On Sept. 23, the Berkshire Bike Council invites cyclists to ride the Berkshire section of the Western New England Greenway from Sheffield to Williamstown, or just a portion of the 57-mile route. The Western New England Greenway is a multi-segment bicycle route that stretches from southern Connecticut to the Canadian border.

The ride is designed for experienced road cyclists with minimum support, allowing cyclists to complete as much of the route as they like at a speed they are comfortable riding. Reservations are recommended and can be made by emailing Marge@berkshirebikepath.com.

“I am really excited about all of the ways cyclists can continue to be active this fall,” Town Manager Jennifer Tabakin said. “The rolling hills and country roads in southern Berkshire County make our area a gorgeous place to ride.”

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