PARKERSBURG The Mid-Ohio Valley Bike Council is inviting area bicyclists to celebrate Halloween in style with a costume community bike ride and reception to inform bikers about bike path development in the Parkersburg area.
The hour-long ride will begin at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at Parkersburg Bike, 414 Grand Park Drive. The group will ride up Grand Central Avenue to Vienna Bicycle and return to the shop for a reception designed to educate community members about area bike paths in progress.
"We're trying to get people involved and remove the intimidation that comes with trying something new," said Kim Broughton, coordinator of the Mid-Ohio Valley Bike Council. "Our whole goal is to get the community healthy and inspire them to use alternative modes of transportation."
Forty percent of car rides in the U.S. are two miles or less, said Broughton, who bikes to work every day.
"It can be hard to find extra time to exercise. But if it's already part of your day, you're getting the benefits without the extra work," she said. "Just imagine the impact we could have if we cut down the amount of time spent in cars. I am absolutely addicted to commuting, and I've gone weeks without using my car."
This is the second community bike ride planned by the bike council. Last November, around 75 bicyclists participated in the first organized community ride.
Area bike clubs and representatives from the cities of Parkersburg and Marietta and Wood County will attend the reception to educate guests about bike paths being developed in the area.
"We'll have maps laid out and people will talk about the biking community's infrastructure. There are a lot of exciting things coming together right now," she said. "We're throwing open the doors and inviting everyone to come learn about it."
In 2008, West Virginia was ranked last in a survey of bicycle friendly states by the American League of Bicyclists. But because of the work of area bike groups, including the Mid-Ohio Valley Bike Council, the state moved up to number 42 this year.
The planning of bike paths has contributed to West Virginia's advancement toward a more bike friendly state.
An engineering study and survey are being performed before construction can begin on the Cross City Bike Byway, a bike path that will run from Southwood Park to Emerson Elementary. Broughton said she hopes part of the path will be complete in the next few months.
"An inch-by-inch survey is being done right now to plan out every sign we need, where the paint will go, and which storm grates need to be turned around," Broughton said. "The cooperation from the city and state governments is phenomenal. They really want to hear what we have to say."
During the reception, an Emerson Elementary student will be recognized for her winning logo design, which will be placed on bike byway signs. Broughton said about 25 students designed logos, hoping for the chance to see their design displayed throughout a six-mile stretch in the city.
Speakers at the reception also will talk about the development of the Little Kanawha Connector Trail, a bicycle/walking trail extension that will be constructed from Third Street to Corning Park. The city of Parkersburg was given a $180,000 grant to help fund the project, which should be completed by spring.
Representatives from the Federal Highways Administration and state Department of Transportation were invited to the reception to discuss bike path planning.
"It will be a fun opportunity for families to come out and learn about these wonderful developments in the community," Broughton said.
Wood County Sheriff's Office will be working with the bike council to make sure the community ride is safe and pleasant. All bikers in attendance are encouraged to come in costume, and bike lights are required for the ride.
