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December 2020 Newsletter
Remembering MaryEllen Thibodeau
Last month we all lost MaryEllen Thibodeau after her long illness. I first met MaryEllen many years ago after she completed a coast-to-coast cycling trip with her husband Rick Thibodeau. She had started becoming active in cycling and pedestrian issues in central Connecticut, and her enthusiasm and dedication were contagious to many, including me. She was instrumental in developing the Central CT Bicycling Alliance, and its transformation into Bike Walk CT, and became the first leader of Bike Walk CT. After leaving organizational leadership a number of years ago, MaryEllen and Rick continued to be strong supporters up to the present. Thank you MaryEllen and Rick. We commit to building on the foundations you were so involved in developing.

--Bike Walk CT Board Chair, Bill Young
Get in the Loop
The Central Connecticut Loop Trail, designated as such by the Connecticut General Assembly in 2019, is a 111-mile circular route that utilizes the Air Line Trail, the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, the Charter Oak Greenway, the Hop River Trail, and various other segments (some on-road, some off road). The loop passes the CTrail stations in Hartford and Meriden, allowing commuting cyclists to reach many destinations along the rail line. Once completed, the trail will become an attraction for out-of-state cyclists. View the trail on Google Maps.

The Jonah Center for Earth and Art in Middletown/Portland is promoting the trail and efforts to fund completion of a few remaining sections: a 6-mile gap between Middletown and Meriden; a 1200-foot gap in East Hampton; and a 3-mile gap in Portland. Contact John Hall at the Jonah Center if you know of other trail gaps anywhere in the state in need of completion. Funding many gaps across the state through state bonding or other sources may be the way to go. 
Holiday Giving
There is still time to direct some holiday magic to Bike Walk CT. We need your help to reach our year-end goals! Most of our funding comes from individuals, and your support is critical. If you are able, please make a donation or join as a member today.
Thank you for supporting our work! Together we are making CT a better place to bike and walk.
Legislative Update
Last month we asked for your input on legislative wishes for the upcoming 2021 session, and we received many emails. Thank you! There is still time for more input so please send it to Bill Young at billyoung55@att.net.

Most of the input received so far relates to cyclist and pedestrian safety, infrastructure planning and development, and adequate funding. There are also some local issues which will need to be handled by towns and cities, rather than the state legislature and administration. The legislative session will be starting next month. Please watch our newsletter, emails, and social media for information about proposed bills, hearing schedules, and opportunities to participate.
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