New Britain Herald Reports on "Bike-friendly city"

Monday, July 7, 2014 9:34 PM EDT
By ROBERT STORACE, STAFF WRITER

NEW BRITAIN — Get on your two-wheeler.  Citing the city’s public outreach efforts and municipal leadership, Bike Walk Connecticut has ranked New Britain as the third most bike-friendly community in the state.  It was also deemed the third most walk-friendly community.

Kelly Kennedy, executive director of the non profit, said in a statement that “being able to get around safely by bike or on foot isn’t just a fad or a health issue, or environmental issue. It’s an economic development issue. Towns that are bike and walk friendly are great places to live, work, shop and play.”

The scorecard and rankings, which were released July 1, were based on an online statewide public opinion survey conducted over the spring. The city got high marks for its public outreach efforts, having a bike/pedestrian task force, and is one of the few municipalities in the state to have a bike connectivity master plan. In addition, the city ranked 76 out of 100 for municipal leadership and engagement. It’s overall rank was 65 out of 100, trailing only Simsbury, which ranked 74.5 and New Haven, which ranked 73.5. There are 169 communities in the state, and only a few did not take park in the first-ever survey.  
> READ THE FULL NEW BRITAIN HERALD STORY HERE.

PHOTO:  Kevin Bartram | New Britain Herald Staff----A line of children wear new bicycle helmets during Bike Safety Day at the City of New Britain Camp Total Rec at Willow Brook Park.

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