Bike Walk Connecticut aims to promote the development of safe and connected biking and walking infrastructure and to provide bike safety education within Connecticut.
Bike Walk Connecticut was formed in 2005 as the Central Connecticut Bicycle Alliance (CCBA) to advocate for bike-friendly facilities and policies in central Connecticut to benefit recreational and commuter cyclists. CCBA took over the Hartford Bike to Work program that an association of agencies and individuals started in 2000. CCBA received 501(C)(3) status in January 2006. In April 2010, CCBA broadened its mission to include pedestrian issues, adopted a statewide focus, and changed its name to Bike Walk Connecticut.
Bike Walk Connecticut is the only organization working at the state level to make Connecticut a better place to bike and walk.
We work:
-With the state legislature to promote active transportation and laws that protect the rights of cyclists and pedestrians;
-With state agency leaders, other policymakers, and other advocacy organizations to get good policies, practices, and funding for cycling and pedestrian infrastructure;
-To increase grassroots efforts to make communities better places to bike and walk;
-At the federal level, working cooperatively with national organizations, such as the League of American Bicyclists, the Alliance for Biking and Walking, Transportation for America, and SmartGrowth America, to ensure continued funding for biking and walking projects.
-Promoting active transportation as a cost-effective, zero-emissions, healthy mode of transportation
-Educating elected officials and policymakers about active transportation as an economic development issue
-Facilitating a multi-media Share the Road campaign
-Full implementation of the complete streets law at the state level
-Ensuring implementation of the Vulnerable Users Law
-Educating the public about the Complete Streets law
-Encouraging cycling through our statewide Bike to Work campaign
-Encouraging local advocacy efforts for bike-friendly, walk-friendly cities and towns
Think you might be interested in serving on the Bike Walk CT Board of Directors? We’re always on the lookout for strong board candidates who want to help take our professional advocacy organization to the next level. Please read about board expectations for membership, governance and fundraising, and then email us your interest. Thank you!
In 2022, Alan, a retired healthcare executive with extensive management experience, moved to Connecticut to be closer to his family. With a career spanning senior roles in major health insurance carriers, Alan shifted to volunteer work post-retirement. He serves on the Board of the Tichenor Clinic for Children and was a volunteer exhibit presenter at the Aquarium of the Pacific. A lifelong cyclist, he joined Bike Walk Connecticut, quickly becoming Co-Chair to further its mission for safer biking and walking. Alan holds a Master’s in Special Education from SFSU, an MBA from CSUN, and a BS from UCLA.
Ric Barry serves in the Business Office at the Department of Revenue Services, State of Connecticut, bringing a commitment to public service and operational efficiency. A passionate year-round bike commuter, Ric traverses the landscapes of New England both for commuting and recreation. His dedication to cycling extends into advocacy, where he champions safer, more accessible trails for cyclists and walkers alike. Ric’s vision is to enhance trail systems to be inclusive, catering to a diverse community of users. His dual focus on his professional responsibilities and his advocacy reflects his deep commitment to improving community infrastructure.
Mary Cockram, a Hartford resident for 25 years, blends her love for biking with her expertise in grant writing and program evaluation through her consulting firm. Her clients span historic house museums to community development organizations. Previously, Mary served as Program Director at Aid to Artisans for 14 years, where she evaluated and documented the impact of crafts development programs worldwide. She has also worked extensively in Bolivia, Brazil, Haiti, and Russia. Mary holds a Master's degree in International Agriculture and Rural Development and a BS in Communication from Cornell University. She is actively involved in the Hartford Advisory Commission on Food Policy.
Joseph, a Glastonbury native, rekindled his passion for cycling after a car accident in 2018 left him seeking rehabilitation through biking. This early love for riding transformed into advocacy for cycling and pedestrian safety. Joseph resides in Hartford's walkable West End, close to vibrant local scenes. He is pursuing a Business Administration degree at Central Connecticut State University and has transitioned from a career in aerospace engineering to a technical recruiter, aiding in business growth. Joseph also plans to start a business with his father. Outside of work, he enjoys biking on the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail or relaxing in Elizabeth Park.
Elizabeth is a data engineer at Travelers, commuting by bus or bike from her home in Hartford, where she has lived for many years. A graduate of Central CT State University with a bachelor's degree and an MBA, she embraces an active lifestyle that includes biking, hiking, running, and walking her dogs. Originally from northwestern CT, Elizabeth enjoys exploring the diverse landscapes her region offers. Her commitment to a sustainable commute and active living reflects her dedication to personal health and environmental stewardship.
Steven, V.P. of Mitchell Auto Group and lifelong multisport enthusiast, balances his automotive roots with a passion for bicycling and running. At 14, he embarked on long-distance rides with his Raleigh Chopper and Panasonic touring bike, eventually cycling across the U.S. in 1977 and from Maine to Florida recently with the East Coast Greenway tour. A Northeastern University alumnus with a Marketing degree and former ski team captain, Steven is also an instrument-rated pilot and certified cycling and ski instructor. Residing in Avon with his wife, Susan, they have five children and four grandsons.
Ernie, based in the New Haven area, has been an avid cyclist for over two decades, enjoying rides both solo and with his team, New England Brewing Team Craft Beer. With more than 30 years of experience in tax policy at the state level, he also plays an active role in state and local politics. Ernie holds a BA in Economics from the University of Connecticut and a Master’s in Public Policy from Trinity College. His deep understanding of economic and policy issues combines with his passion for cycling, contributing to his active engagement in his community and profession.
Bruce has spearheaded greenway advocacy in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Central Massachusetts since 2016, following 14 years as president of the Farmington Valley Trails Council. As Chairman of the Governor’s Connecticut Greenways Council from 2014, he coordinated state-wide stakeholders to enhance the greenway system. His work earned him recognition from the Connecticut General Assembly in 2016 and awards from Bike/Walk Connecticut and the Mass Central Rail Trail Coalition. Bruce holds degrees from Middlebury and Trinity College and authored a book on Civil War history. Previously, he had a 17-year career in international finance. He is also an avid bicyclist and skier.
Yalanda, a longtime resident of Windsor after being raised in nearby Bloomfield, is an active member of the Octagon Cycling Club in Bloomfield. Passionate about cycling, she not only enjoys riding but also encourages others to explore the joys of cycling. Her enthusiasm extends beyond the bike trails, as Yalanda is actively involved in various charitable functions. She cherishes spending quality time with her family and friends, embodying a community-oriented spirit. Yalanda's commitment to her hobbies and her community showcases her dedication to promoting active lifestyles and community engagement.
Elizabeth is a staff attorney at the Connecticut Association of Realtors and mom to two avid bike riders! She lives with her family in West Hartford. A graduate of Fordham University and UConn Law School, she loves being outside in all seasons! She enjoys many forms of biking and in particular has recently developed a love of gravel. She also loves tennis, kayaking, cross country skiing and hiking. She's interested in creating safe places for Connecticut residents to enjoy the great outdoors!
Bob Bessel has seen the power and potential of bike and pedestrian trails as Canton’s First Selectman (2019-2023), member of CRCOG, director of the Connecticut Council of Small Towns, and chairman of Canton’s Economic Development Agency. He is an active advocate for linking people with nature and each other via multimodal transportation. Prior to serving in public office, Bob directed public relations efforts for COCC, a Connecticut-based technology service for banks and credit unions. He has a Bachelors degree in English from the University of Massachusetts.
Promoting safer, more accessible biking and walking across Connecticut. Join us in creating healthier communities and sustainable environments.
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