Mayor Joins Cyclists for Bike to Work Day

As dozens of young Chester County Family Academy students cheered them on, a pack of riders, including West Chester Mayor Carolyn Comitta pedalled to the West Chester Borough Municipal Building to promote biking and biking safety.

Mayor Comitta singled out siblings Brigid and Peter Dolan for special recognition for their efforts to raise money for bike parking facilities at St. Agnes Parish School. Brigid is an eighth grader and Peter is in the sixth grade.

Chester County Cycling Coalition Chairwoman Ellen Zadoff is the woman behind the ride and the campaign to alert drivers, bikers, and the general public about the benefits of riding a bike to work or school and about bicycle safety.

"What we're trying to tell people is the it's a great way to get to work," Zadoff told West Chester Patch.  She also puts her advice into practice. "I often ride my bike to work and it's a seven-mile commute. Instead of getting to work all fuzzy-headed, I get there and I'm actually ready to work and I've had my workout."

The organization is offering beginner "on the road" cycling classes for bikers who already ride but who want to learn more about road safety. Zadoff says it's "for people who are comfortable on their bikes but who want to feel more comfortable.

Details on the Next Beginner Class:

Beginner Bicycle Rides

Beginner rides are geared toward riders who are at least 16 years old and feel confident enough to ride a bike but not confident enough to ride on the road. Cyclists under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. This is not a bike maintenance class so make sure your bike is in good working order and that you have a helmet.

Please sign the Release and Waiver of Liability of liability and bring it to the ride.

West Chester

Before riding, we will review the ABC quick check, basic bicycle handling skills and Rules of the Road. After feeling comfortable on our bikes, we will explore bicycle routes in and around West Chester Borough at an easy pace.

When: 5:30pm Thursdays May 23 - August 30 (x July 4)
Where: Parking lot M West Chester University. South High Street and S. Matlack St West Chester.