South Coast Bikeway

Connecting the Communities of South Coast Massachusetts by bicycle

event

Pedal for the Path 2024

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Pedal for the Path ride poster 2024

Join us for our signature event of the year – a cycling tour of the South Coast with beautiful views, quiet roads and lots of fun.

New this year: the 35-mile loop will follow the newly established Dartmouth Heritage Trail bicycle route, winding through Dartmouth’s ten founding villages from Hixville in the north to Round Hill in the south. The official PFTP route will be posted on our website and Facebook event and emailed closer to the ride. A waiver will be provided at sign-in.

Also new this year: registration is free. You can donate here. There are two new ways to show your support. Jerseys and Tech tees are available for purchase at registration.

This signature event highlights the beauty and history of the South Coast and includes ice cream! We will celebrate recent progress along the South Coast Bikeway, highlight the Northern Scenic Greenway project that will connect Fall River to New Bedford through Westport and Dartmouth, and update attendees about the status of the bikeway in our ten-member communities.

New this year, it’s FREE, but let us know you are riding.
Donations are welcome and Merch is for sale.

Register Today!

Online registration closes at 6 p.m. on Saturday, 9/7. Event-day registration is welcome at 8 a.m on 9/8. The ride starts at 9 a.m.

What is it?

​The South Coast Bikeway Alliance (SCBA) will hold its sixth regional bike ride, Pedal for the Path. Beginning and ending at Running Brook Vineyard, 35-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 food truck, wine and beverages for purchase, and live music.

Sponsored stops include:

Hill Crest Ice Cream

Davoll’s General Store rest stop

Scuttlebutt Coffee Company Water Stop

More to come...

ROUTE
Official SCBA PFTP 35 mile Route: Ride with GPS route

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.  

We need to know how many will attend, sign up – right away! 

Register Today!

Not planning to ride? Donate Thank you! 

Volunteers Needed!

We will need plenty of help on the day of the event, Sunday, September 8.   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. 

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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 at Running Brook Vineyard, 335 Old Fall River Rd, Dartmouth, MA 02747 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. The ride starts at 9 am. 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@gmail.com

 What’s the refund policy?

  • This is a free event. And the ride will be RAIN or SHINE.

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

  • Registration is required but tickets are not.
  • You will be required to sign a waiver when you arrive.

 What is the terrain?      

  • The route traverses country roads as well as city streets and a few suburban blocks. A drawbridge, that opens 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 offer pre-ride safety checks and on-road assistance.
  • On the Spot Mobile Bike Repair will provide assistance at the start, on the road as needed, and will sweep the course.
  • Artemis 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 a phone number for assistance. 
  • In an emergency, call 911.

What about maps/cue sheets?​

  • 35 mile route: GPS route to be provided
  • Printed maps and cue sheets will be available for viewing at check-in on the day of the ride.

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

  • Remember to register online. We will have a list of registered riders.
  • 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.
  • If you desire food along the way, be prepared to purchase items at stores along the route.
Register Today!

Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors!

Rider support generously provided by:

Become a Matching Donor

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Team South Coast Bikeway Alliance (SCBA) is participating in the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride on Sunday, October 6, 2024. SCBA seeks a matching donation from your company to our nonprofit for every dollar Team SCBA raises for the Buzzards Bay Coalition Watershed Ride.  

Regional partnering for better bike riding is essential to us. The Coalition’s Watershed  Ride activates many of our supporters in a fitness and fundraising challenge that features our region’s exceptional bike riding landscape. Over the years, our riders have raised $46,000 for the Coalition. In our family-friendly bicycling event, Pedal for the Path, we’ve raised over $22,000 riding the Bikeway route from Westport through New Bedford and Fairhaven to Mattapoisett and back. We’ve also received corporate grants totaling $10,000 from BayCoast Bank, $30,000 from Community Preservation Act funds combined from Westport, Dartmouth, and New Bedford, and $40,000 from the Commonwealth’s MassTrails grant program. 

The funds raised will be used as matching funds for design, engineering, and build grants to complete the South Coast Bikeway, a planned cycling route from Rhode Island to Cape Cod Canal. Team SCBA’s goal is $30,000. This is sufficient to meet the required match for a MassTrails grant of $120,000. We have projects in Westport, Dartmouth, and New Bedford in mind, but more coordination with those communities is needed to determine the exact needs.

SCBA is an 501c3 organization whose mission is to assist our member communities in completing their portion of the South Coast Bikeway. Last year our team raised over $21,000 for a total of over $46,000 for the Buzzards Bay Coalition over the last 8 years. Let’s make this our best year yet by supporting our two causes.

Please reach out to thesouthcoastbikeway@gmail.com for more information about becoming a matching sponsor.

TEAM SCBA NOW FORMING for the WATERSHED RIDE

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Team South Coast Bikeway Alliance (SCBA) is riding in the October 6 Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride. We are looking for more team members. If you have ridden as an individual in the past or are taking on the challenge for the first time, please join the South Coast Bikeway team. The funds you raise for the Coalition will be matched by SCBA sponsors, benefiting two causes.

The SCBA has been given permission to “piggyback” on the Watershed Ride fundraising. Whatever you raise for Buzzards Bay will be matched by (still-to-be determined) donors to the SCBA. Thank you for your support! Donate or join our team here.  Use code PATH for $20 off registration until September 13.

If you don’t ride, please consider a donation to the SCBA team or to the South Coast Bikeway.  Funds raised will be used as matching funds for design, engineering and build grants to complete the South Coast Bikeway, a planned cycling route from Rhode Island to Cape Cod Canal. The Goal for team SCBA is $30,000. This is sufficient to meet the required match for a MassTrails grant of $120,000. We have projects in Westport and Dartmouth in mind but more coordination with those communities is needed to determine the exact needs.

SCBA is an 501c3 organization whose mission is to assist our member communities in completing their portion of the South Coast Bikeway. Last year our team raised over $21,000 for a total of over $46,000 for the Buzzards Bay Coalition over the last 8 years. Let’s make this our best year yet by supporting our two causes.

Tour de Creme Ride!

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JOIN “TEAM SOUTH COAST BIKEWAY” to support both the completion of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail and the creation and maintenance of Mattapoisett Land Trust trails and ride in the Tour de Creme!

The Mattapoisett Land Trust and the Friends of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail are sponsoring  the 6th Annual Tour de Crème on May 19th, 2024, a fundraising event combining SouthCoast’s fabulous cycling with some of its best ice cream spots. With scenic routes of 9, 22 and 45 miles, there’s a creamery tour for everyone. Eight participating creameries will be scooping up ice cream to fuel your ride. Your participation will help create and maintain hiking and biking trails in Mattapoisett.

The creamery tours start from Mattapoisett Town Beach between 10 am and 12 noon, rain or shine. They end at the Land Trust’s Munro Waterfront Preserve at the head of Mattapoisett Harbor. There participants will enjoy lobster rolls and hot food, beer and cold beverages, more ice cream, and live music at the post-ride party!

This is not just a social event; it is an important charity fundraiser for both organizations. This is their largest annual public fundraiser in support of building and maintaining biking and hiking trails in Mattapoisett. Donations can be made through the PledgeReg site or by sending a checks to the Mattapoisett Land Trust. Encourage your family and friends to contribute in support of their local trail work.

Participation is limited and advance registration is required. Visit their website http://www.tourdecreme.org/ for complete details including participating creameries and volunteer signup.

Bikes & Beers Farm Coast Ride!

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

The South Coast Bikeway Alliance, along with our friends at the Buzzards Bay Coalition, are the official charity partners for the inaugural Bikes & Beers Farm Coast, a scenic and fun ride through Westport. Join team SOUTH COAST BIKEWAY and Use code CHARITYBENEFIT15 for 15% off registration. Register today and support better bicycling facilities in the south coast and the protection of Buzzards Bay all while cycling then celebrating at Buzzards Bay Brewing! https://runsignup.com/bikesandbeers-westport

BIKES & BEERS Cycling Event Series 2024 is coming to BUZZARDS BAY BREWING for an Inaugural Bike Ride & Beer Event! Ride a 15, 30, or 45-mile route through the beautiful area of Westport, Massachusetts followed by a post-ride Beer Festival! The Bikes & Beers FARM COAST MASSACHUSETTS cycling event departs from BUZZARDS BAY BREWING and travels the beautiful area of South Coast, MA. All rides feature morning fuel stations, marked routes, GPS turn-by-turn instruction, rest stops, refreshments, ride marshals, and SAG support. Finish back at BUZZARDS BAY BREWING for a beer festival atmosphere of rewarding craft beers, live music, a charity raffle & much more!

This is a ride for everyone – All riding levels are welcome! Volunteers are needed and tickets are available for the post ride celebration, too!

SCBA Annual Meeting

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Greetings South Coast Bikeway Alliance followers. Have you provided your contact information to our organization at one of our past meetings, at an event such as our annual Bike Summit or Pedal for the Path fundraiser, etc?

Anyone who has done so is considered a “member” of the alliance and, therefore, eligible to vote for the Steering Committee Members and officers at the Annual Meeting of the South Coast Bikeway Alliance. Won’t you please consider volunteering your time and talent to help us complete the South Coast Bikeway? Not a cyclist? No worries! Pathways are for all who walk, run, ride and roll.

The 2024 Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 9, at 6:00 pm at the James Arnold Mansion (formerly known as the Wamsutta Club) at 427 County St. in New Bedford. Access via zoom will be provided.

Nominations will be accepted for the following officer positions, in writing, up until Thursday, April 4, at 6:00 pm. by completing this form https://forms.gle/Rg46hLMutiP2Kc1E7
or sending them to thesouthcoastbikeway@gmail.com.

Officers
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Steering Committee Member – Wareham, Marion, Mattapoisett, Fairhaven, New Bedford, Dartmouth, Westport, Fall River, Somerset and Swansea

For more detail on the role and responsibility of each position, please refer to the SCBA bylaws which may be found at https://southcoastbikeway.com/resources/bylaws/.

If you have any questions, please send them to thesouthcoastbikeway@gmail.com.