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Cyclist marking riders month

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

The month of May has been designated as “National Bicycle Month” for the past 44 years. On April 28, Mayor Jeannie Roberts proclaimed May 18-24 as Bike Week for Farmington.

Bicycle clubs, schools, park and recreation departments, police departments, hospitals, companies, and civic groups nationwide will be promoting bicycling as a wholesome leisurely activity as well as an environmentally-friendly alternative to the automobile. This is significant due to the rising cost of fuel.

Here at home during Bicycle Week programs will be presented to fourth graders in the school district. Materials promoting bicycle safety will be distributed.

A “Ride of Silence” will take place in more than 200 cities nation-wide on May 21. In Farmington, the local ride will be in remembrance of Ron Sheppard and Stanley Overall. Sheppard served as the head of the city’s electric utility for a number of years, and Overall was an avid cyclist before his death.

The “Ride of Silence” is open to all ages. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The ride will take place at 6 p.m. Riders should meet at the Courthouse Annex parking lot. The ride will be approximately 3.6 miles long and will take place within the Farmington city limits. All participants are expected to wear bicycle helmets.

During Bicycle Week members of the Parkland Cyclist Bicycle Club will participate in two members-only activities. For the week the cyclists are challenged to utilize their bicycles as much as possible for short rides around town. An award will be presented to the cyclist with the most transportation rides logged for the week. A Scavenger Hunt on May 24 will be the final activity of the week.