South Coast Bikeway

Connecting the Communities of South Coast Massachusetts by bicycle

News Archive

Ribbon cutting! New Trail Segment Opens!

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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.

The Summit is Back!

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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

Pedal for the Path 2022

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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?

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

Fort to Fort Ride – 2022

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Celebrate Bay State Bike Month with a ride along the South Coast Bikeway.  Ride from Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven to Fort Taber in New Bedford. On Saturday, May 21 cyclists will follow a mostly protected route from Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven, MA to Fort Taber in New Bedford, MA and experience breathtaking views, the top seaport in the USA, and loads of history. This is a casual, unsupported ride with an out and back route. Several opportunities to stop for ice cream or other treats if you desire. Helmets required.

Where: Fort Phoenix 100 Green ST, Fairhaven, MA
When: Saturday, May 21 @ 1 pm.  (rain date Sunday, May 21 @ 1 pm)
​Route: Fort to Fort
Distance: 20 miles round trip (may be shortened or lengthened as desired)

Let us know you will be joining us. Register today.