At its May 7 meeting, Gorham’s Town Council issued a proclamation recognizing May as “Bike Month” in Gorham. The proclamation invites all residents of Gorham to enjoy a bike ride and learn more about the many benefits that bike-riding can bring to our community.

Bike Month also presents an opportunity to raise awareness regarding the current conditions of street safety throughout Gorham, particularly for bikers and walkers. In 2017, Gorham produced a Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan which provides an excellent blueprint for improved safety and accessibility for multiple modes of transportation.

Gorham has a well-established network of off-road trails. Mountain bikers come from across New England to enjoy Gorham’s unrivaled offerings. The great success of Gorham’s trails demonstrates how safe and effective infrastructure can generate increased ridership, while also producing economic activity for our local businesses.

Improved safety for bikers and walkers can improve public health and increase opportunities for community building amongst our residents. What’s more: in towns, villages, and cities across our country (and across the world), there is a growing record of evidence that demonstrates safer streets result in increased community activity and more productive economic centers, as businesses tend to locate where there are people and viable market opportunities.

As compared to ever-expanding infrastructure costs for our cars and trucks, safety measures for biking and walking are relatively inexpensive, and have been proven to deliver a strong return on investment, both in terms of improved quality of life for residents, as well as moving the needle on economic development around village centers.

Gorham’s Bike Month proclamation also recognizes May 13 – May 19 as “Bike to Work Week” and Friday, May 17 as “Bike to Work Day.” Volunteers from our biking community plan to set up info stations along the Crosstown Trail for portions of Bike to Work Day / Week to help raise awareness around bike safety and community. We welcome all Gorham residents and visitors to be their own power and enjoy a ride this month!

For volunteering and/or learning more about biking, email Lou Simms at csimms@gorham.me.us.