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South Coast Bikeway

Connecting the Communities of South Coast Massachusetts by bicycle

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Sandra

One Ride Two Great Causes!

August 19, 2023 by Sandra

Dear cyclist – JOIN “TEAM SOUTH COAST BIKEWAY” to support both CLEAN WATER 💧in Buzzards Bay, and also, SAFE CYCLING🚲 in the South Coast!

Thank you so much for participating in the Pedal for the Path in prior years, and for supporting the South Coast Bikeway Alliance’s (SCBA) ongoing efforts to build a multi-use path connecting Providence to the Cape. Your funding is appreciated and we are having an impact! 

We write for two reasons: to let you know that we are not organizing a ride this year though we have information about how you can ride locally and financially support us, and to offer an update on recent bikeway progress.

  1. While there will be no Pedal for the Path this September, you can support the SCBA by riding in the October 1 Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride. While the main purpose of this ride is to support the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s efforts for clean water in Buzzards Bay, the SCBA has been given permission to “piggyback” on their fundraising. Whatever you raise for Buzzards Bay will be matched by (still-to-be determined) donors to the SCBA. Over the past several years, our SCBA Team has raised $25,000 for the Buzzards Bay Coalition. Help us raise $30,000 this year! This is sufficient to meet the required match for a MassTrails grant of $120,000 to fund further design and engineering of the remaining South Coast Bikeway.

To encourage you to ride, the Buzzards Bay Coalition will offer a 50% registration discount if you sign up for the SCBA Team, by September 1. Use code EARLYBIRD. You can choose from 35-, 75-,  or 100-mile routes, and will enjoy food trucks, beer, and live music at the finish. (See link for details.) Ride with us! Wear your Pedal for the Path T-shirt! 

  1. As for the updates, progress is considerable. We have completed two ”Closing the Gap” feasibility studies that identified routing options for the remainder of the South Coast Bikeway, analyzed the costs and benefits of each, and are ready for the design/build phase. Thanks to those of you who offered suggestions in the various open meetings, and thanks to Westport, Dartmouth, and New Bedford for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds, BayCoast Bank funds and to the Commonwealth for a Mass Trails grant. 

More trail news…We especially call your attention to this from Mattapoisett: Ribbon cutting! New Trail Segment Opens! – South Coast Bikeway. This segment is just gorgeous – if you have not ridden it yet, put it at the top of your list. 

If you are not able to support the SCBA by riding in the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride, you can still donate.  Details here: https://southcoastbikeway.com/support/. Or simply mail a check to the SCBA c/o SRPEDD 88 Broadway, Taunton, MA 02870. Thank you!

Want to learn more about our past Pedal for the Path events?

Filed Under: Events-past, News Tagged With: Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride, event, Pedal for the Path

Ribbon cutting! New Trail Segment Opens!

June 16, 2023 by Sandra

Elevated bicycle path over beach and river.
Group of Massachusetts Officials cutting the ribbon on the Shining Tides section of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail.
Local and state officials, and local advocates cut the ribbon on the Mattapoisett Rail Trail’s “Shining Tides Mile” extension of the shared use path that completed the route from Mattapoisett Neck Road to Goodspeed Island Road at a ceremony on 6/12/23. L-R: Mattapoisett Select Board members Jordan Collyer and Jodi Lynn Bauer; MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver; MassDOT Secretary/CEO, Gina Fiandaca; William Straus, Mass. State Representative and Chairperson of the Joint Committee on Transportation; Rail Trail founder Steve Kelleher; Ray Rose; Rob Price; Audra Riding, aide to Mass. State Senator Mark Montigny. Photo by Beth David.
However you propel yourself!
Map illustrating the Mattapoisett Rail Trail.

Phase 1B is now complete and ready to experience on foot or bike.

Filed Under: Events, News, Press Tagged With: East Coast Greenway, event, Mattapoisett, Mattapoisett Rail Trail

The Summit is Back!

April 19, 2023 by Sandra

On Tuesday, May 9 the South Coast Bikeway Alliance’s 10th Annual Bike Summit returns.  Join us from 6 – 8 pm as we gather at the James Arnold Mansion (formerly the Wamsutta Club) at 427 County ST in New Bedford to share news and progress along the South Coast Bikeway. Guest speakers include MassDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Pete Sutton, MassBike Communications Coordinator, Jes Slavin and SRPEDD Transportation Planners Jon Gray, Andrea Duarte and Sean Hilton. Ride your bicycle to the event or park free in the lot or on the surrounding streets. Check our Facebook page and website for group rides to the Summit. Please let us know you plan to attend by submitting a RSVP.

Arrive at 6 to visit with South Coast Bikeway Alliance Representatives in our member communities from Swansea to Wareham.  Find out what is happening in your community and learn how you can help complete the bikeway. Our speakers session will begin at 6:30 and will include:

  • Pete Sutton of MassDOT sharing updates on projects along the Route 6 corridor.
  • SRPEDD Transportation Planners will share their new Trip Generator and aspects of their soon to be released Bike Plan.
  • Jes Slavin of MassBike will give an overview of the new Massachusetts Vulnerable Road Users Law.
RSVP

Want to ride to the event? Group rides will be leaving from South Dartmouth and Fairhaven. Learn more and sign up at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSkwYFZAMxK0zihEhpfHQAvaOc4ENP2Yxm1XCq2iuGXIEuqA/viewform?usp=pp_url

Filed Under: Events-past, News Tagged With: Bike Summit, event

Happy New Year! New Trail Segment Opens!

January 4, 2023 by Sandra

Map illustrating the Mattapoisett Rail Trail.

Check out our latest newsletter.

https://mailchi.mp/c1714e990933/new-trail-segment-opens-more-to-come-in-2023

Filed Under: News

Pedal for the Path 2022 was a great success!

September 26, 2022 by Sandra

Thank you to all of the 140+ registered riders, 20+ volunteers and our generous sponsors for supporting our 5th annual Pedal for the Path fundraiser ride.

Filed Under: News

Pedal for the Path 2022

August 19, 2022 by Sandra

The Pedal for the Path returns, Sunday September 11, 2022

The Pedal for the Path returns, Sunday September 11, 2022

Join us for our signature fundraising event of the year – a cycling tour of the South Coast with beautiful views, quiet roads and lots of fun. Keep an eye on this page for updates!

Registration is OPEN! Register today as space is limited.
Free t-shirts if you register by August 28.

Register Today!

What is it?

​The South Coast Bikeway Alliance (SCBA) will hold its fifth regional bike-ride fundraiser, Pedal for the Path.

Beginning and ending at Cisco Brewers Kitchen & Bar, two distances (52 and 30 miles) offer miles of fabulous cycling, postcard perfect scenic views, more historic places than you can count, and, along the way, memorable ice cream and more! A post ride celebration features a Cisco food and beverage voucher, live music and a spectacular view!!

Sponsored stops include:
(Note: Each route has a different selection of stops.)
Acushnet Creamery at Pier 3 – ice cream
Davoll’s General Store

Del’s Lemonade served by Dorothy Cox Chocolates
Dairy Maid will serve up Dole Whip at Cisco after the ride.

ROUTES
52 mile route:  ridewithgps
30 mile route: ridewithgps

Use the RidewithGPS app (iOS or Android), or visit the links above to download route data or send to your device.

Please check back here and on our Facebook page for the latest event updates. Contact us at thesouthcoastbikeway@gmail.com if you have any questions.  

Registration opens August 1. As space is limited, sign up – right away! 

Register Today!

Not planning to ride? Donations are welcome on our website or Facebook page! Thank you! 

Volunteers Needed!

We will need plenty of help on the day of the event, Sunday, September 11.   If you don’t feel like riding but want to be outside doing something helpful and fun – then this is your opportunity to have it all. 

​

What is it for?

This ride will help raise funds to further advance the results of the Closing the Gap feasibility study enabling the communities of Dartmouth, New Bedford, and Westport to move closer to completing their portions of a multi-use South Coast Bikeway spanning from Swansea to Wareham. Sections have already been completed in Fall River, Fairhaven, New Bedford and Mattapoisett. We need your help to bring the Path to completion!  

FAQ’s

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

  • There’s plenty of free parking in the north East Beach parking lot from 8 am to 4 pm. Look for the event sign.

When can I check in for the ride?

  • Registration check-in starts at 8:00 am. All riders must check-in at planned intervals (indicated on map and cue sheet). Riders must return by 3:00 pm; ride support will be provided up to 3:00 pm.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

  • Email us: thesouthcoastbikeway@south-coast-bikeway

 What’s the refund policy?

  • No refunds, very sorry. And the ride will be RAIN or SHINE.

 Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

  • Print or online receipts are accepted. 
  • You will be required to sign a waiver when you arrive.

 Is my registration fee or ticket transferable?

  • Not transferable, sorry. 

 What is the terrain?      

  • The route traverses country roads as well as city streets and a few suburban blocks, depending upon the distance you choose. Two drawbridges, that open every half hour, may encourage you to pause and look at the boats! Water refills and bathrooms will be available at rest areas and ice cream stops.

 How do I get my ice cream or other benefits?    

  • Present yourself at the counter or kiosk with your rider bib on. 

What kind of cycling support will be available?

  • Yesteryear Cyclery will provide assistance at the start, on the road as needed, and will sweep the course.

What if I can’t complete the entire route?

  • You will be provided an emergency phone number for assistance. 

What about maps/cue sheets?​

  • 52 mile route: 
  • 30 mile route:
  • Maps and cue sheets will NOT be available through BikeReg.
  • Printed maps and cue sheets will also be available at check-in on the day of the ride.

What do I need to bring on the day of the ride?

  • Remember to bring your confirmation email (electronic or hard copy) with you to check-in.
  • Helmets must be worn.
  • Water bottles are a must for this long ride. Water stations will provide refills.
  • Bike gloves help prevent injury to hands from long hours on the handlebars.
  • Snacks and water are provided at the checkpoints. If you have other preferences (sports drink, juice, etc.) be prepared to purchase items at stores along the way.
Register Today!

Thank you to our 2022 Sponsors!

Silvia Custom Builders

Filed Under: Events-past

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