CRCOG is seeking volunteers for its Bicycle and Pedestrian Count on September 9, 10, 11, 13 and 14. The counts will be focused on documenting changes in bike and pedestrian activity that are related to CTfastrak, East Coast Greenway connections, bike plans on Burnside Avenue, New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail and other upcoming projects. The statistics will serve as support to fund additional projects to benefit cyclists and pedestrians in the future. 

CRCOG is looking for volunteers to count for two hours in the Capitol Region. Weekday counts will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (September 9, 10 and 11) from 4 to 6 p.m. Weekend counts on Saturday and Sunday (September 13 and 14) will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

For more information, contact Mike Cipiano at mcipriano@crcog.org or 860-522-2217, ext. 223. 

WFSB reports Milford is working to install new bike racks throughout the city. The city already has some spots picked out for new racks, however they are also looking for public input from the people who will use them. Some spots that are up for consideration include around municipal buildings and town beaches. 

If you have a bike rack location suggestion, send an e-mail to MilfordBikeRacks@ci.milford.ct.us

Bike Walk Connecticut member David Fine published an article in News-Times. 

Here is a look at the article: 

When I read that one of the feature elements of the proposed new housing for downtown Danbury ("Downtown to get townhouses," The News-Times, July 13) was 24 free-standing parking garages, I became concerned that Danbury might miss a golden opportunity to begin developing our non-motorized transportation program.

All the evidence suggests that the "millennials," the likely occupants of many of the new units in the Greystar property, are driving less and getting their drivers' licenses at a later age. They simply desire more "bikeable" and "walkable" communities.

Read the full article here. 

Town officials in Old Lyme this week stated they are trying to coordinate the Sound View revitalization project, which will add bike paths throughout its beach communities.

The project calls for a bike path to run from Hartford Avenue, along Route 156, up to the Raymond E. Baldwin Bridge. A picnic area with permanent restrooms and parking spaces would replace the town-owned parking lot near the beach.

First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder said the revitalization project would attract more walkers and bicyclists to the neighborhood.

A federal transportation grant will fund 80% of the project's total cost. 

Read the full article in The Day here. 

A public meeting will be held in South Windsor on Friday, June 27 at 8 a.m. to discuss the development of South Windsor Center. 

According to the town, the Planning & Zoning Commission is looking for ways to encourage the evolution of the Town Center into a walkable, pedestrian-friendly place with a variety of uses. 

The meeting will be held at the Council Chambers of the South Windsor Town Hall. The public is invited to join in the discussion. For more information, visit southwindsor.org.

The annual Kids Health and Safety Day will take place in Middletown on Saturday, June 14 from 10 to 2 p.m.

The day will include a 4.5 mile family bike ride that is sponsored by the Middletown Complete Streets Committee. The ride will leave at 9:30 a.m. from the Cross Street A.M.E. Zion Church on West Street. 

There will also be a bike rodeo where kids can bring their bicycles for a free safety check from Pedal Power. 

For more information, read the article in the Hartford Courant here. 

Design plans are almost complete for the new streetscape in Collinsville.

During a town meeting on Tuesday, an architect hired by the town said the design of the improvements is almost complete and a final version will be presented later this month. 

According to an article in the Hartford Courant, the plans shown on Tuesday called for improvements to the intersection of Main and Bridge streets and an extension of Main Street to Front Street. 

Read the full article here. 

The Norwalk Bike/Walk Task Force will be working to make streets in sidewalks safer throughout the city.

According to The Hour, Norwalk Mayor Harry W. Rilling announced the formation of the task force last week. 

The task force will look into creating safer routes for citizens to get to school, work and shopping places. The group will also work to implement plans and studies that are already in place in Norwalk. 

Read the full article here. 

Bikes for Kids is collecting bicycles for needy families in New London, New Haven, Middletown and Hartford areas. The charity is seeking donations of gently used bicycles through Saturday, May 24. Donations can be dropped off at Reynolds Subaru, 268 Hamburg Road, Lyme. Donors also can arrange to have bikes picked up by calling (860) 395-7321.

CONGRATULATIONS to the towns of Farmington and West Hartford, CT for earning designations as Bike Friendly Communities!  This is what happens when residents, town staff, and elected leaders work together to make their towns a better place to bike.  Well done!

Efforts like these will be included in our upcoming Complete Streets Leadership Forum.