Tag Archives: Bike Westport

Roundup: Neighbors’ App, Clean Up The Neighborhood, Drive Less …

Posted on May 5, 2025 | 3 comments

The Congressional App Challenge is the most prestigious prize in student computer science.

Students design an app using any programming language on any platform, with no limits on topic or function. Winners from each congressional district have their apps featured online — and in the US Capitol.

And the winners this year for Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District are … Rohan Sareen and Sahil Vora.

The Staples High School sophomores’ app — “Neighborly Impact” — was selected by Representative Jim Himes, for its innovation, design and real-worldl impact.

The app allows neighbors to connect, and get items, medicine, and services.

Rohan and Sahil — the first Staples students to win the contest — are finalizing several safety features. It will then be released to the public.

Himes honored the enterprising pair last month in Washington, at the #HouseofCode ceremony.

Sahil Vora, Rohan Sareen and Congressman Jim Himes, in Washington.

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Saturday was “Clean Up Westport Day.”

To celebrate, members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399, and the VFW Auxiliary, picked up litter and beautified nearby Riverside Avenue.

“Our members are proud to give back to Westport,” says VFW quartermaster Phil Delgado. “Events like this allow us to stay connected to the town, and each other.”

Cleaning up at the VFW (from left): Bob Rogers, Janice Veno, Frank Veno, Steve Jenkins, Buyile Rani, Betsy Shoupm Phil Delgado. Photo/ Patty Kondub)

On the other side of the river, the Democratic Women of Westport (and one Democratic Man) cleaned up Grace Salmon Park.

Rear, from left: Nancy Axthelm, Tracy Porosoff, Allyson Stollenwerck, Becky Martin, Abby Tolan. Front: Sal Liccione. Not pictured: Candace Banks, Jessica Hill, Joan Gillman.

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Speaking of clean-ups: Josh Berkowsky wants to organize another one.

He and the Saugatuck Congregational Church usually help out at Riverside Park. However, there’s a (good) problem: It’s improved dramatically over the past few years. There’s considereably less trash there. (Thanks, Parks & Rec Department!)

Josh has been checking out new spots. But he doesn’t know every place in Westport. So he asked “06880” to help find “trash-covered waterways or shorelines.”

If you know of one for Josh, the Church (and others — maybe you?) to tackle, email jberkowsky1@gmail.com. Put “Trash” in the subject line.

Josh, and the environment, thank you.

Riverside Park: too clean! (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Speaking of the environment: Bike Westport sends along news of the Drive-Less Challenge.

Sponsored by CTRides, the event promotes alternatives to driving. There are more than most people realize: train, bus, scooter, carpool, vanpool, bike, walk, telecommute.

And, in Westport, Wheels2U.

For every 17 car trips eliminated, CTRides will plant 1 tree.

Need an incentive beyond helping the environment? Just download the “CTRides” app, or click here. Record your non-car trips, from now through May 31.

For every 1+ trips, you’re eligible to win 1 of 10 $25 gift cards. For 20 or more trips, you can win 1 of 4 $100 cards. For 30+ trips, you can win 1 of 2 $250 gift cards — and for 50 or more trips, you’re eligible for a $500 card.

As of yesterday, CTRides recorded 9,518 car trips eliminated; 149,953 miles, $104,967  and 6,606 gallons of gas saved. So far too, 559 trees will be planted.

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As beautiful as spring is, it’s also prime pollen season.

We’re familiar with high tide, low tide, ebb tide, neap tide, and red tide.

Yesterday was yellow tide.

This was the scene at Compo Beach, as way too much pollen washed ashore:

(Photo/Eric Bosch)

(Photo/Jim Hood)

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Speaking of the beach: It’s not too early to think about the fireworks.

And to worry about them.

Alert reader Sunil Hirani sent a news article about President Trump’s tariffs. It notes that over 90% of fireworks used in the US are imported — and 95% of those imports come from China.

“06880” reached out to Corporal Craig Bergamo, president of the Independence Day’s longtime sponsor, Westport PAL.

He replied quickly. He’s checked with his fireworks guy, who says everything is okay.

Party on!

(Photo/Elissa Moses)

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Over 225 people enjoyed the next best thing to Creedence Clearwater Revival Saturday night, at the Westport Library.

Green River — the CCR/John Fogerty tribute band — rocked all their hits.

It was part of “Supper & Soul,” the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s ongoing series that combines dinner at one of 11 restaurants, a concert, and after-party drinks.

Next up for the Chamber: the much-loved Dog Festival, May 18 at Winslow Park.

Green River, at Supper & Soul. (Photo/Matthew Mandell)

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For a cemetery, there’s a lot of life at Willowbrook.

JC Martin offers today’s lively “Westport … Naturally” shot, of a mallard in the water just off Main Street:

(Photo/JC Martin)

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And finally … Happy Cinco de Mayo!

(Another Monday, another week of “06880” Roundups. They’re informative and fun … but they don’t just fall from the sky. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Environment, Staples HS, technology, Transportation

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Walking And Biking In Westport: The Jeff Speck Way

Posted on May 30, 2024 | 17 comments

“Walkable cities” are environmentally, socially and economically vibrant.

Can Westport become a “walkable town”?

Sustainable Westport thinks so.

On June 4, the non-profit group brings urban planner Jeff Speck to Bedford Middle School (6 p.m. reception, 6:30 presentation).

Jeff Speck

Speck — whose books include “Walkable City: How Downtown Saves America, One Step at a Time” — speaks nationally on how towns and cities can embrace walking and biking.

In February, he addressed a capacity crowd at the New Canaan Library.

But Westport is a bit different from our suburban neighbor, Speck acknowledges. For one thing, a river runs through us.

For another, our train station — the town’s transportation hub — is located away from downtown.

Speck has been to Westport. He likes it.

“You’ve got good bones,” he says. “A lot of places don’t have a traditional downtown, with small streets and buildings that make it walkable.”

Westport “is starting on third base.”

What will get our home town to home plate?

As with any walkable, bikable community, 4 things are part of the framework. It must be “useful, safe, comfortable and interesting.”

“Communities like Westport don’t like to change,” Speck notes.

“It’s not complacency. It’s a fear of losing what they have. I understand that.”

But, he adds, change is often necessary for “resilience and longevity.”

One obvious place to look is the Post Road. Speck knows it’s a state route; the town does not control it. But, he says, there are ways to make it “calmer, and more welcoming.”

More controversial might be his thoughts about downtown. He advocates apartments — and a parking garage hidden behind them — at the Baldwin lot on Elm Street.

Jeff Speck thinks a parking garage — and apartments in front — would make downtown more lively and “resilient.”

More people, and easier parking, would make downtown more lively, Speck says.

“A lot of people would love to live in smaller units: young people, older ones. The more bodies you have downtown, the better it can weather the economic storms that visit our communities.”

He’s seen the “shock and outrage” that accompany suggestions like that, in dozens of communities. That fades, he says, when they see how well those ideas work.

Two places where, he says, these hidden parking lots work are Northampton, Massachusetts and Frederick, Maryland.

Speck has another idea — one that he was unaware is currently causing great debate here.

He was surprised, when he visited Westport, to see that “the waterfront is a parking lot.” He’d prefer “a linear park” along the Saugatuck River.

“If I wasn’t so busy, I’d draw it up myself,” he says.

Some of Jeff Speck’s ideas align with those proposed originally by the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee, for more green space by the Saugatuck River. The idea is controversial.

Another “major opportunity” is to add more housing near the train station.

The area is “under-utilized,” he says. “People can live right by the railroad. It’s a healthier lifestyle, for themselves and the planet.

“You learn in Planning 101 to bring housing to transit, and transit to housing.

One challenge to ideas like those, he reiterates, is that “communities generally don’t like to change.

“Most people in most communities would like more apartments. They just don’t want them near them.”

Most public meetings until the last decade “pitted NIMBYs against the business goals of developers,” Speck explains. “Planners had to choose which they wanted.

“Now you’ve got pro-housing, pro-sustainability, pro-biking people, who just want to see their community do the right thing. They’ve been effective.”

Speck had not heard of Bike Westport, a non-profit dedicated to making Westport more safe for biking and walking.

But, he says, “Bike groups have been my biggest supporters. I hope they show up.

“It will be a lively discussion, I promise.”

(Click here to register for Jeff Speck’s June 4 talk, and more information.)

(“06880” regularly covers the environment, real estate, local politics, transportation — and the intersection of them all. Please click here to support our hyper-local journalism. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Yankee Doodle Fair, P&Z, Earthplace …

Posted on May 24, 2024 | 1 comment

Okay, now we know summer is just around the corner.

The Westport Woman’s Club has announced the dates for the Yankee Doodle Fair.

The century-old tradition returns Fathers Day weekend. From Thursday, June 13 through Sunday, June 16, the grounds and parking lot on Imperial Avenue will transform from a staid club into a carnival, for “kids” of all ages.

Profits support charities throughout Fairfield County, need-based scholarships to Staples High School students, and the Woman’s Club food closet.

Among the rides: a carousel, Flying Dumbo, Dizzy Dragon, Frog Hopper, Scrambler, Cliff Hanger, Zero Gravity and Expo Wheel. Unlimited ride wristbands make things easy (and inexpensive).

The youngest fairgoers will enjoy sand art and snowflake painting.

Entertainment includes rock and country/bluegrass bands. There are raffle prizes and a “take a chance” tent.

Plus of course a food court with hamburgers, hot dogs, Greek food, Good Humor ice cream, baked goods — and beer and wine.

Proceeds help support a wide array of Fairfield County charities, need-based scholarships for Staples High School students, and the WWC food closet.

Yankee Doodle Fair sponsors include Belta’s Farm Legacy, Ellen Hooker, Rich Dean Boxing & Fitness, Salon Paul Michael, Sam Sloat Coins, Westport National Bank, Continuum Card, National Express, Izzo’s Landscapes, JMG Insurance, Principal Wealth Partners, Toni Mickiewicz-William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty.

For more details, click here.

Yankee Doodle Fair magic!

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Effective immediately — well, at its next (June 3) meeting anyway — Planning & Zoning Commission sessions will begin at 6 p.m. The previous start time was 7.

P&Z Chair Paul Lebowitz says: “After many late night meetings, the Commission decided to start one hour, earlier with the hope of completing our meetings earlier.

“Our goal is to allow for more convenient opportunities for public participation, and also ensure a more focused and productive discussion between the applicants and Commission members.”

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Many Westporters love Earthplace, for its property, programs, and friendly, inclusive vibe.

Many other Westporters have never heard of it. Or if they have, they haven’t checked it out.

The non-profit science, conservation and education center, tucked into Westport’s northwest corner off Stony Brook Road, has an extensive menu of summer offerings. Click here for the program guide, listing drop-in activities, teen programs, and family and adult events.

There’s a summer camp for grades 3-8, and leadership training for 14- and 15-year-olds. Click here for camp offerings.

Among the summer activities for all ages:

  • Nature journaling
  • Group canoe paddle
  • Themed campfire
  • Brooks ‘n’ bugs
  • Organic vegetable gardening
  • Invasive plant removal days
  • Butterfly walk
  • Wildflower ID walk
  • Build-a-bouquet
  • Craft & Sip.

Click here to learn more.

Earthplace (Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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Taylor Swift joined over 50 Kings Highway Elementary School students on Wednesday, for their first-ever Rise ‘n’ Ride.

Well, at least “Shake It Off” played through a speaker.

Youngsters rode loops around the PJ Romano track. Westport Police representatives Gregory Gunter and Rachel Hall — the KHS School Safety Officer — talked about the importance of always wearing a helmet.

Sara Holland Sports helped teach kids to ride, while Johan Rodriguez of Smart Cycles was there for bicycle maintenance.

The event was a collaboration with Bike Westport, whose goal is to promote safer cycling and walking in Westport.

Principal Tracey Carbone called it “an incredible and energizing way to start the day. This might be the start of a new tradition at KHS.”

Bike Westport co-founder Markus Marty — a KHS parent — said, “There is nothing more joyful than seeing children’s happy faces, enjoying their independence pedaling on their own.”

Markus is happy to help other school host similar events. Email markus@bikewestport.org.

Officer Gregory Gunter, and the Kings Highway bike riders.

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Multi-talented Andrew Wilk discussed his career in the arts on Wednesday, at a Y’s Men of Westport and Weston-hosted Library event.

Former Y’s Men president John Brandt interviewed his fellow Westporter. The former executive producer and director of “Live From Lincoln Center” — and much more — discussed the wide variety of music, theater, dance and solo performances he captured, over a 30-year span.

Click below for the video of Wilk’s talk:

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A reader writes: “On Thursday I saw a young lady defacing the corner of Post Road and Main Street with a red writing device to ‘save Gaza.’

“She can hold whatever sign she wants. But she should not deface our streets.”

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Bedside Reading is “a luxury amenity program that places books by the bedsides in 5 -star hotels and boutique properties.”

Serendipity Labs is neither. It’s a co-working space on Post Road West, just over the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

But Beside Reading has partnered with Serendipity Labs, for a “Books & Cocktails” event June 11 (5 to 7 p.m.), featurinng authors Jeanne McWilliams Blasberg, Stacey L. Tucker and Philip Myles Dane. Jane Ubell-Meyer, founder of Bedside Reading and book columnist for luxury lifestyle magazines and websites will host.

There’s also an oracle/tarot card reading. The event is open to the public. Reservations are necessary (click here), and books will be available for sale.

Authors’ books for the Serendipity Labs’ event.

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At first glance, it looks like a bagel.

Oy!

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is actually a giant mushroom. Dr. Edward Paul says “it sprouted seemingly overnight in a mulch bed.”

(Photo/Edward Paul)

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And finally … in honor of that large mushroom (above):

(Feed your head! And feed “06880”! Please click here to support our work. Thank you very much.)

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Posted in Arts, Education, Local business, Local politics, Politics

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Roundup: Day Of Champions, Sunrise Rotary Service, Winslow Park Poop …

Posted on May 20, 2024 | 9 comments

Every elementary school kid in town, it seemed, raced onto PJ Romano Field yesterday morning, for the annual Day of Champions.

Their parents were there too. All were decked out in costumes — just one part of the offbeat, fun and very important competition.

A small part of the large Day of Champions crowd. 

In just a few years, the Day of Champions has become one of Westport’s favorite traditions.

Jordan Schur’s GOATS team.

The event raised over $150,000 for Experience Camps, the Westport-based network of activities for children who have lost parents or siblings.

This boy named Will, his twin sister (not pictured) and younger sister lost their dad in 2022. Will gave an inspiring speech, about the importance of Experience Camps in his life.

So who was the big winner, when all the games were over?

Experience Camps, for sure.

Crushin’ it, at the Day of Champions. (All photos/Dan Woog)

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A few yards away from Winslow Park — and just a few hours later — Bernadette Peters wowed a sold-out Westport Country Playhouse crowd.

The Tony Award-winning stage, film, television and recording star gave shout-outs to the historic Playhouse (where she has performed before), as she offered unique interpretations of beloved Broadway songs by Stephen Sondheim, Rodgers & Hammerstein and others.

Her haunting “Send in the Clowns” was a special highlight.

Peters referenced the Dog Festival, when she talked about co-founding Broadway Barks with Mary Tyler Moore. Unfortunately, she said, she didn’t make it over to the park; she was doing her sound check.

It was a warm, wonderful evening. And one more sign that the Westport Country Playhouse’s 93rd year will be one of its best ever.

Bernadette Peters (Photo/Dan Woog)

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The Westport Sunrise Rotary Club joined Saturday’s international Day of Service.

Working with Westport’s Department of Human Services, volunteers cleaned up a Westport yard that needed help. They filled 30 large lawn and leaf bags — a small act that made a big difference.

Sunrise Rotarians (from left to right): Bob Galan, Bruce Fritz, Rob Hauck, Bruce Paul and Ted Freeman.

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Also yesterday: the Staples wrestlers’ car wash, at the Shell station across from Winslow Park (and the well-attended Dog Festival).

Many high school teams raise funds this way.

But not many do it with the grapplers’ style: They all wore their singlets.

At least, they started out that way.

(Photo/Jennifer Rosen)

PS: This is not the only way the wrestlers help the community. They’re well known for taking on a variety of heavy labor tasks, like moving furniture or hauling rocks. Whatever people pay goes right back to their program.

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Meanwhile, some folks are not contributing to their community.

Cindy Blount send this photo …

… and writes: “Walking my dog in Winslow park on Saturday, I was astounded to find a number of dog poop bags left on the side of the trails in the woods.

“I picked them up. How about a reminder to dog owners to either drop them in the trash cans provided at the park, or take them home and toss them?”

It is astonishing that people will take the time to clean up after their dog — perhaps because someone is watching — but can’t be bothered to carry it a few more minutes, or yards, to a trash can.

I’ve written about this before. It doesn’t seem to make a difference.

The people who need to read this, don’t.

Or if they do, they just don’t care.

What a sad way to live your life.

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Also yesterday: the Sound Cyclists Bicycle Club’s Bloomin’ Metric event.

There were 4 rides — 25, 40, 75 and 100 kilometers — starting and ending at Sherwood Island State Park.

Attendees enjoyed food trucks, bike inspections and vendors.

Among the booths: Bike Westport.

Markus Marty, a founder of the local group — which advocates for safer streets throughout town, for riders, pedestrians and drivers — brought his “smoothie blender bike.”

He gave out free smoothies, to raise awareness of the cause.

Well, Markus, notes, “they weren’t completely free. People had to work for them.”

How? As the photo below shows, the smoothie blender worked not on electricity, but on people pedal power.

Which made the drink even more enjoyable.

(Photo/Markus Marty)

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There hasn’t been a lot of sun for the past few days (weeks) (months).

But when there is, this green frog (rana clamitans, according to Morgan Veltri of Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center enjoys it.

And — while posing for our “Westport … Naturally” feature — also blends in well with the surroundings.

(Photo/Morgan Veltri)

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And finally … on this date in 1873, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis receive a U.S. patent for blue jeans with copper rivets. Strauss went on to form a company to manufacture them, which is why today they are called “Levis,” and not “Jacobs.”

(Another week of Roundups begins. “06880” keeps you up to date on everything happening in town — and we do it 24/7/365. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Children, Environment, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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“06880” Podcast: Markus Marty

Posted on February 27, 2024 | 6 comments

Markus Marty grew up in Switzerland. From age 4 on, he biked everywhere. He spent 15 years in New York, and rode somewhere every day of the year.

After moving to Westport in 2020, he was stunned to find biking here more difficult than New York.

The other day, Markus and I chatted onstage at the Westport Library. We talked about Bike Westport — the non-profit he helped found to make bicycling (and walking) better and safer all over town.

We discussed other quality of life issues too. I learned a lot, about both transportation and Markus.

Click below, to watch our “06880” podcast.

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Posted in Media, Transportation

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Bike Westport Survey: We Want To Ride. We Fear For Our Lives.

Posted on January 23, 2024 | 11 comments

Westporters want to ride bikes.

But they fear for their safety.

Those are 2 major takeaways from Bike Westport‘s first survey.

It’s an important snapshot. The non-profit — formed last year by Markus Marty and Peter Gold, with help from Adam Ganser — got responses from 1,596 residents last fall.

They expected to hear from families with young children. But the biggest group — 34% — have lived in Westport for over 2 decades. 46% do no have any children under 18 at home.

No matter their age, bike safety is a huge concern.

Marty — a filmmaker and photographer who grew up in Switzerland (where from age 4 on he biked everywhere), and spent 15 years in New York (where he rode somewhere every day of the year) — got the idea for the survey after moving here in 2020.

He knew exactly what was missing here — opportunities for safe biking — but, as a newcomer, was unsure if others shared his concerns.

With such a high response rate, Marty now knows he’s not alone.

Markus Marty bikes around town, with his children in a trailer.

Over half the respondents ride a bike. Of those who do, 40% ride more than once a week.

Among survey-takers’ biggest issues: distracted/aggressive drivers, Westport’s lack of bike lanes, and poor road conditions.

Marty thought the beach would be a major destination for bike riders. But people want to ride everywhere: downtown, to schools, the train station and many other spots.

While cyclists and drivers disagree on many things, Marty says, they do agree on one: the need for bike lanes. They make driving as well as biking safer.

Though he hears often that “roads are too narrow” for bike lanes, Marty notes that a recent study shows that narrower roadways actually save lives. They also come with environmental and economic benefits.

Asked for specific comments, survey-takers noted a wide range of complaints — some of them involving bikers themselves. For example:

  • “Lack of contiguous bike lanes (they suddenly stop, or you have to switch to the other side of the street).”
  • “Overly aggressive bike riders that ignore stop signs and lights, and seem to hunt in packs.”
  • “Drivers who feel it is acceptable to cross the yellow line to pass cyclists when they face oncoming traffic.”
  • “Kids who do not wear helmets.”
  • “Bikers that ride directly in front of cars for extended periods, or do not respect the boundaries of bike lanes.”
  • “No one signals anymore!”
  • “Westport does not need more bicycling infrastructure. Having more than is already here will only increase congestion, especially as most cyclists do not follow the rules of the road. “
  • “Just like in Europe, we need to make cycling a safe, fun alternative transport/leisure option. We have a small enough community to do this, and create an identity like a little Amsterdam.”
  • “Why are there no bike racks in Westport?”

There was a consensus that Westport should invest more in bicycle safety and infrastructure.

“We need representation that specifically supports the interests of all members of traffic,” Marty says.

“It feels as though most of the focus goes into making the town a safer place to drive. Riders and pedestrians are left out of the conversation.”

Beckett Lohs rides to school.

80% of survey takers were unaware of Westport’s federal grant of $450,000 to study safer streets.

Marty calls this “an incredible opportunity for this town to conduct a thorough audit of its road system, find ways to improve it, and have the potential of many more funds to do actual work).”

He wants Bike Westport to provide input. He is waiting for a status update on the grant from 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich.

In the meantime, Marty says, “we continue to imagine what a safe, walkable and rideable Westport would look like.”

Studies and plans have been made in the past. Most have been shelved.

“We want to get an overview of the best elements, what’s been done, and why those plans were not implemented, as well as study best practices in similar communities.”

(To view complete survey results, click here. To learn more about Bike Westport — including how to join and donate — click here.)

(“06880” regularly covers transportation issues — and everything else that goes round in Westport. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Grace Salmon Park (Photo/Patricia McMahon)

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Roundup: LWV Voters’ Guide, Bike Survey, Hook’d …

Posted on October 16, 2023 | 11 comments

The League of Women Voters’ Guide — a much-anticipated, always- indispensable tool for local elections — is now online.

Click here for the Vote411.org website; then enter your address. You’ll get a ton of information about Westport’s November 7 election, including all the races, plus candidates’ biographies and statements.

The website links automatically to your correct Representative Town Meeting district (there are 9 in Westport; each district elects 4 RTM members).

Through the site, you can also double-check your voter registration.

For information on voter registration, absentee ballots, polling places, voting districts and a sample ballot, click here.

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Bike Westport — the non-profit advocating for bicycle and pedestrian safety — wants in-depth answers to Westporters’ views on biking (and driving) around town.

A new survey takes only 3 minutes. It may be the easiest to navigate, clearest and most well designed online survey I’ve ever seen. Click here to begin.

For more information on Bike Westport, click here.

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Today is Hook’d’s last day.

Last day for the season, I assume, though the sign below is ambiguous:

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

So hurry on down today, for $1 off all food. That means just $28 for a lobster roll!

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Diwali — the Hindu festival of lights — will be celebrated at Saugatuck Congregational Church on Saturday, November 4 (6 to 10 p.m.).

The evening includes food, dancing, and children and adult performers.

Tickets are $50 for adults, and $35 for children ages 6-18. Those 5 and under are free. RSVP by October 20: Venmo kumuda-kumar; Zelle kumuda.kumar@gmail.com.

Questions? Call 646-852-4921.

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Claudia Sherwood Servidio spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” scene at the Cross Highway/Hockanum Road corner. Enjoy!

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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And finally … happy 46th birthday to Fairfield’s own John Mayer.

Many Westporters enjoyed his performance earlier this month at Bridgeport’s Sound on Sound Festival.

He was introduced by Governor Lamont, and told a story about how his father — the longtime principal at Bridgeport’s Central High — would confiscate students’ prohibited-by-school-rules Walkmans.

At the end of the year, he brought those that were not claimed home to Mayer and his brother. That was the future superstar’s introduction to music from around the world.

(You can keep up with local election coverage on “06880.” And you can keep “06880” going with a contribution. Please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Local politics, religion, Transportation, Westport life

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Sustainable Westport: Town Needs “Holistic Transportation Plan”

Posted on October 1, 2023 | 17 comments

Sustainable Westport inspires, supports and connects residents, organizations and the town on our goal to becoming a Net Zero community by 2050.

The non-profit advises the first selectman, Westport Public Schools, commissions and departments on determining and setting environmental policies and decisions, to transform Westport into a more sustainable community.

Co-directors Gately Ross & Johanna Martell say:

As commuters head back to work after summer vacations and school drop-offs and pick-ups resume, it’s hard not to notice the recent uptick in traffic throughout Westport.

The major roads in town are a mess of congestion most of the day. Traffic is not only frustrating and inconvenient, but also terribly unhealthy for us and our local environment.

Just another day downtown.

Did you know that the promotion of clean and convenient choices for transportation is one of the 5 pillars that Sustainable Westport identified as critical for the town of Westport to address to reach its goal of becoming a Net Zero community by 2050, or sooner?

Sustainable Westport works to educate the community about the harmful health and environmental effects of idling, promote the adoption of emission-free EV cars and buses, and advocate for the use of public transportation and rideshare options like Wheels2U.

Our transportation efforts pair nicely with Bike Westport, a new grassroots organization dedicated to making our town more bike and pedestrian-friendly.

The benefits of biking and walking extend far beyond the environment; our health, both physical and mental, age-appropriate independence, and increased community are also benefits that the residents of Westport wholeheartedly endorse.

Imke Lohs, Adam Ganser and Markus Marty of Bike Westport. 

As counsel to the municipal government, Sustainable Westport recently wrote a memo of support regarding an additional increase to railroad parking fees as an opportunity to begin the conversation about developing a holistic transportation plan that supports our collective goals.

The town administration, Representative Town Meeting and Board of Education need to develop a more comprehensive transportation plan that includes a highly connected, zero pollution, zero carbon transport system, including commuter shuttles and ridesharing, as well as biking, footpaths, and pedestrian walkways.

Although our town has set a formal resolution to reach Net Zero by 2050, we lack an actionable, comprehensive plan to get there. As we look around at the increasing traffic and inability to get from Point A to Point B in Westport in a timely manner, let’s demand that our leaders seek out collaborative and innovative solutions to move us forward. 

 We will continue to keep you posted on our collective progress.

 

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Posted in Environment, Local politics, Transportation

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Bike Westport Rides To The Rescue

Posted on September 12, 2023 | 20 comments

Adam Ganser is an architect and urban planner. He runs a not-for-profit in New York, focusing on parks and open space. For 10 years, he was vice president of planning and design for the High Line.

He and his family moved part-time to Westport 2 1/2 years ago. An avid cyclist, he was surprised to feel less safe on a bike here than in the city.

Filmmaker/photographer Markus Marty grew up in Switzerland, where from age 4 on he biked everywhere. He spent 15 years in New York,  and rode somewhere every day of the year.

He and his family came to Westport in 2020. Recently, on Meet Your Teacher Day, he took his 5-year-old on a bike trailer to Kings Highway School.

Planning to ride with his child every day, Markus asked a staff member where the bike rack was. “She looked at me for a long time,” he says. “She had no idea.”

Markus Marty, with 5-year-old Miles and 3-year-old Ellis, ready for the commute from Saugatuck to Kings Highway Elementary and Earthplace preschool. (Photo/Greta Schmauzer)

The 2 men — introduced by mutual friends — quickly bonded over their shared passion for bicycles.

They also realized that Westport is not exactly bike-friendly.

In many ways in fact, it is bike-hostile.

Markus and Adam are young and energetic. They love much about their new town. Now they want to make it even better.

They are both idealistic and realistic. They are not zealots. But they also are doing whatever they can to raise awareness, advocate, and get things done.

Along with Peter Gold — a Representative Town Meeting member, Westport Transit District director and a cyclist, and an integral first member — Markus created BikeWestport. Adam has no formal affiliation, but offers support and advice.

The non-profit’s mission is to build “a community of people who desire more, safer and better cycling and walking options in Westport”; work with town and state governments to improve bicycling infrastructure and connect neighborhoods to areas like downtown, Saugatuck, Longshore, the beaches and schools, and educate riders and drivers on safe biking practices and laws.

It’s a big mission. It’s crucially important, to the quality of life of every Westporter.

But a journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.

Or one turn of a pedal.

As relative newcomers, with years of experience on bikes in crowded city streets, Markus and Adam are surprised that many residents are “scared to leave their property without a car. Kids won’t ride a bike, or walk to schools.”

There are good reasons: a lack of sidewalk, narrow streets, dangerous drivers.

Markus Marty and his kids ride wherever they can. Here they’ve walked their bikes across the Saugatuck River pedestrian railroad bridge and are on Ferry Lane East, headed to Compo Beach.

Despite a broad movement — across the nation, and the world — to encourage environmentally sound modes of transportation, Westport is heading the opposite way.

“It’s nobody’s fault,” Adam notes. “But everyone has an anecdote about why they’re scared.”

Because of those concerns, he says “we have a huge opportunity. Residents want to bike to school, the library, the train station. We have to strike while the iron is hot.

“This town is so well regarded. It’s a great location. People are passionate about the library, schools, beaches. They’re all relatively close. What’s missing is a way for people to get to them without a car.”

Beckett Lohs bikes to Saugatuck Elementary School.

In July, the RTM approved an appropriation for a $562,500 “Safe Streets for All Action Plan.” The goal is to identify the most significant safety concerns, and devise strategies to address them.

Adam and Markus want bicycle and pedestrian issues to be not only part of the study, but priorities.

That has not been true in the past. The recent Downtown Plan Implementation Committee discussion mentioned bikes in passing; they seem more like an afterthought than a central part of the project.

The Bike Westport team (from left): Imke Lohs, Adam Ganser, Markus Marty.

Markus — who grew up cycling in Switzerland, then continued every day, in all weather in New York (a typical ride was from his Upper West Side apartment down to the pool at Chelsea Piers) — says, “I’ve never been as inactive as I am in the suburbs.”

His 5- and 3-year-olds both ride bikes. (The one due later this month will too, he promises.)

To ensure their safety — and encourage others to ride too — he and Adam are learning how this town works. And a bit about its transportation history, too.

“So many people say ‘it can’t be done,'” Adam notes. “‘You can’t use eminent domain for sidewalks.’ ‘You can’t widen the roads.'” They’re out to prove it can be done.

They hear, “These roads were made for horses and wagons.” Markus counters, “Europe is even older. They don’t have wide roads. But the smallest ones have room for sidewalks and bike lanes.”

BikeWestport is not just about kids and fit adults riding bicycles. With the advent and affordability of e-bikes, Markus says, people of any age can ride up a hill, or in a suit to the train station, without breaking a sweat.

Markus and Adam have already met with police officials and parents to discuss “bike buses” (group rides to school).

Westport Police officer Craig Bergamo leads a safe biking class at Saugatuck Elementary School. (Photo/Imke Lohs)

Still ahead: a survey. Continued advocacy around the issue. Ensuring that any discussion about traffic safety includes not just drivers, but bicyclists and pedestrians too.

“If the ideas are good, you can always get to ‘yes,'” Markus says.

He welcomes all comments, ideas, and offers of help. Click here for the BikeWestport website. To contact them, email info@bikewestport.org.

(There is potential for a bike store in Saugatuck too — complete with e-bikes. Any bike repair or technician person interested in being part of the venture should email info@bikewestport.org too.)

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