SW Walk & Wheel Ways

Mission Statement

Founded in 2007, South Windsor Walk and Wheel Ways (SWWWW) is a volunteer organization of people living and working in South Windsor. Our mission is to create and implement a comprehensive plan to provide safe non-motorized passages for the community by expanding and linking trails, neighborhoods, transportation, public premises and open spaces within our community and to other towns.

Meetings

Join us at our meetings: South Windsor Walk & Wheel Ways meets on the first Wednesday of each month. The monthly meetings are held at 7pm at the South Windsor Parks and Recreation Department - Wapping School (91 Ayers Road, South Windsor CT).

Contact

Email: swwandww@cox.net

2016 Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community Award

2012 Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community Award

2011 Honorable Mention as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists

May is National Bike Month!

Here are some suggestions for biking this month from the League of American Bicyclists and South Windsor Walk & Wheel Ways

Go for a bike ride, solo or with members of your immediate household
Explore your town and neighboring towns
Ride the Charter Oak Greenway
Ride a stationary bike or set a new milestone for your home exercise routine
Check out these tips for riding safely and performing maintenance on your bike on the League of American Bicyclists Website: https://www.bikeleague.org/content/smart-cycling-tips-0 and videos: https://www.bikeleague.org/ridesmartvideos
Be safe and wear a helmet

In addition to being National Bike Month, May is Mental Health Month. The benefits of exercising for physical health have been promoted for decades, and it’s increasingly recognized that physical activity benefits mental health, as well. Our well-being, physically and mentally, is in focus right now. We don’t talk often enough about the mental health benefits of biking, including reducing stress and anxiety, and improving happiness, mental focus, and sleep. You don't have to put on Lycra or bike up a mountain to get these effects. Short and regular physical activity will go a long way to a cumulative effect on your health. This May, we’re not only encouraging people to bike because it is fun, but also because it feels good and is good for you.

Learn to Ride – Adults

Canceled

If you never learned to ride a bike as a child, our Learn to Ride class is for you. It doesn’t matter if you’re 18 or 80, we’ll get you rolling in no time! With our safe, easy, effective method, you will learn how to balance and ride a bike as well as adjust your helmet for proper fit. A second day for additional practice time, if needed, will be on Sunday from 1 to 3pm.

Time: 9am to 1pm

Location: SW Parks & Recreation

Class Size: 6 adults

Equipment: Bicycles and helmets are provided

Instructors: Certified League of American Bicyclists Instructors

National Bike to Work Day

Date changed to --Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Have you ever thought about riding your bike to work in the Hartford area but weren’t sure of the best route or wanted company on the ride? Join us for a guided ride from South Windsor to the Old State House in Hartford on Friday, May 15, 2020. A few of the SW Walk & Wheel Way members that make the trek regularly can answer questions about bike commuting and help you with route selection. Bike Walk CT will provide refreshments. The route is less than 10 miles, bring a helmet, water and a spare tire tube.

Meet at One Church parking lot, 855 Chapel Rd. at 6:30AM. Ride departs at 6:45AM. Check cancellation hotline if weather is questionable, 860-648-6349.

East Coast Greenway Bike Ride - Adults

Canceled

Ride the East Coast Greenway from South Windsor to Bolton and back on Saturday, May 23, 2020. The ride is approximately 20 miles round trip and moderately hilly. The trails are paved. Helmets are required. Bring water, snacks and a spare tire tube. The ride departs from the One Church parking lot at 855 Chapel Rd, South Windsor at 9AM. Registration for the ride runs from 8:45 to 9AM.

Bicycle Basics - Adults

Saturday, June 6, 2020

Are you coming back to cycling after a long absence and feeling a little shaky? Not comfortable using gears? Don’t feel like you are ready to mix with traffic yet? If you answered, “yes” to any of these questions, then Bicycling Basics is the class for you, as long as you are able to mount, balance, pedal, start, and stop a bicycle.

Time: 9am to 1pm

Class Location: SW Parks & Recreation

Class Size: 6 adults

Equipment: Bicycles and helmets are provided to those who register

Instructors: Certified League of American Bicyclists Instructors

Connecticut Trails Day

For Connecticut Trails Day we won’t have guided or group events, we are enthusiastically encouraging the public to use the Connecticut Forest & Park Association website (https://www.ctwoodlands.org) to plan their own outing, to get outside and to explore a new trail… whenever they can go. Every day is Trails Day! Now, more than ever, we all need time in the outdoors, in the woods and soaking in all the great health benefits that trails provide.

Thursday Evening Bike Rides - Adults

June 11 – August 13, 2020

Wind down on a leisurely evening ride through South Windsor, basking in stunning sunset views of our lovely town. The ride is approximately 10 to 15 miles on mostly quiet and flat roads. Helmets are required.

Meet at 5:45PM at the CT Valley Brewing Company, ride departs 6PM

Sunset Walk

Friday, July 10, 2020-Canceled due to weather

Join us at beautiful Nevers Park at sunset to walk the trails. Bring your own beverage to stay hydrated. All ages are welcomed! Meet at the Rotary Pavilion at 8 pm. Check cancellation hotline if weather is questionable at 860-648-6349.

More Information

Seeking Volunteers - 4^th Grade Bicycle Safety Education Program

If you enjoy riding your bike, spending time outdoors and working with children eager to ride bikes, then join the 4^th grade bicycle safety education program to assist students in mastering bicycle safety skills.

Members of SWW&WW and dedicated volunteers assist PE teachers with basic safety skills such as bike helmet fit, the ABC Quick Check, proper bike fit, hand signals, scanning, changing gears, fixing a flat, and, rules of the road. Students are taught “Balance First” method for children who need to learn to ride a bike.

Volunteers assist in many roles: working one-on-one with students, spotters at stations, and, ride with the students through a nearby neighborhood to practice the rules of the road. The 4^th grade bicycle safety education program is held in the spring and fall each year at all elementary schools. For more information and to volunteer, contact sww&ww@cox.net

SWW&WW Bike Racks & Bike Repair Station

We added a bike repair station with tools, an air pump, and an E-Bike charging station at the new restroom facility in Nevers Park next to the soccer field! The facility also has a water bottle refilling station, picnic tables and a bike rack. Enjoy a snack while charging your electric bike.

Look for our bike racks at parks, schools, libraries, businesses and popular gathering places in South Windsor. Please note the new bike racks at Dynamic Fitness Results on Rt. 5 and at CT Valley Brewing Company on Sullivan Avenue! For information on acquiring a bike rack at your business, check out our Bicycle Rack Cost Share Program on our website: www.swwww.org or help us purchase additional bike racks for the town by making a donation to South Windsor Walk & Wheel Ways through the South Windsor Community Fund at www.swfoundation.org.