On foot and bicycles — even in a wheelchair — Westporters strolled and rode from one bridge to another this morning.
“Walk and Talk” — organized by Bike Westport, to highlight the opportunities and challenges of making Westport safer and more connected for everyone, and to publicize the “Pledge for a Walkable and Bikeable Westport“– drew candidates for office, voters, and several young people who must wait until the next decade to cast a ballot.
Plus a contingent of dogs.
Before the walk, at Jesup Green. (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
All shared a common goal. All enjoyed a perfect New England morning.
All had a great, healthy time, walking, riding and talking from Jesup Green, over the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, down Riverside Avenue and past the Cribari Bridge.
They ended at Kneads, with coffee and treats. A Wheels2U vehicle — part of the solution to Westport traffic — then ferried participants back to their vehicles.
(Some did not need it. They’d walked or biked to Jesup Green, from as far as Ellery Lane.)
And they’re off! (Photo/Dan Woog)
Markus Marty — founder and co-director of Bike Westport — set the tone with brief opening remarks.
“A walkable, bikeable Westport is essential to our health, safety and quality of life,” he said.
“Sidewalks, bike lanes and crosswalks are necessary. They make Westport safer, more natural, and an even more desirable place to live.
“Our streets belong to everyone: walkers, bikers and drivers.”
Marty endorsed a partnership between the town, state, cultural institutions, schools, community groups and neighbors.
Noting that all 3 first selectman candidates — Don O’Day, David Rosenwaks and Kevin Christie — had signed the pledge, and were taking part in the walk, Marty thanked them for saying at last week’s Sustainable Westport debate that they would devote “more resources and budgets” to efforts like these.
RTM members Peter Gold and Kristin Schneeman walk — er, ride — the talk. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Westport needs this so badly. Very few streets are easy to navigate on bikes and foot. I’m all for turning certain streets one-way to make things better.
Awesome!!!
safer and healthier for all. let’s do this!