National EMS Memorial Bike Ride Makes Stop in Stoughton

About 70 bike riders made their way through Stoughton on Saturday, May 19 as part of the East Coast route of the 2012 National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, which honors fallen Emergency Medical Services personnel.

The seven-day ride started in Boston the morning of May 19, and ends on Friday, May 25 in Alexandria, VA.

The riders made an early pitstop on May 19 at the ., as they were en route from Boston to Warrick, RI, the resting spot at the end of the ride's first day.  

As the riders took a left onto Freeman St., they were greeted by Stoughton Firefighters and memorial bike ride support staff, getting the chance to enjoy a cold drink and use the restroom before continuing on their route.

The riders come from about 20 different states, Tim Perkins, a public information officer for the national EMS Memorial Bike Ride, said. This is Perkins' fifth year doing the ride. 

"I'd be biased if I said there isn't anything more important...we're here to honor people who died in the line of duty," Perkins said. 

He said the goal of the ride is to also encourage EMS personnel to have healthy, safe lifestyles.

Riders were scheduled to pass through Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York (including NYC), New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland, before arriving in Virginia on May 25. 

The ride happens to coincide with National EMS week, which is May 20-26 this year.