With spring in the air, the Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee and the League of American Bicyclists, the national organization of bicyclists, announce that May is National Bike Month and Friday, May 20th is Bike to Work Day. Riding a bike is a fun way to get exercise, save money commuting to work, run errands around town or can simply be a healthy and enjoyable family activity. 

The Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee invites area citizens to participate in several rides organized in celebration of National Bike Month. Pre-registration is required for all rides. 

Mountain Bike Ride, Lily Pond Preserve

When: Saturday, May 7, 2022 @ 10:00 am
Location: Lily Pond trailhead, 150 High Street, Bath, Maine

On Saturday May 7th, Lawrence Kovacs, founding president of the Six Rivers local chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association will lead an hour and a half ride at the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust’s Lily Pond Preserve in Bath. Bath is home to more than twenty miles of fun and challenging single track mountain bike trails. This is a ride for folks with at least intermediate skills.

You must be comfortable riding on single track trails that have some roots and rocks. We will be riding on the less challenging trails in Lilly Pond, but they are still narrow and uneven in spots. This will be a “no-drop” ride, so don’t worry about keeping up! We will not leave anyone behind. You should have a mountain bike in good working condition and a helmet is required. We will be carrying some basic tools and a pump in case there is a mechanical issue.

The ride will depart at 10:00 am from the Lily Pond trailhead, located at 150 High Street in Bath. Rain date is May 14th. 

Round Trip from Bath to Wild Oats in Brunswick

When: Saturday, May 14, 2022 @ 8:30 am
Location: Bath Parks and Recreation Department Office, 4 Sheridan Rd, Bath, Maine

On Saturday, May 14th, Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee members Kevin Shute and Tim Blair will lead a 22 mile round trip ride from Bath to Brunswick, with a stop at Wild Oats Bakery and Cafe for a snack and rest stop. In one direction the ride will follow a portion of the East Coast Greenway north of Route 1, and in another direction the ride will follow a route south of Route 1. Riders must wear a helmet, highly visible clothing, and have a bike in good working condition. Departure is from the Bath Parks and Recreation Department office at 8:30 am.

Bath Bike Tour

When: Friday, May 20, 2022 @ 7:00 am
Location: Bath City Hall, 55 Front St., Bath, Maine

On Bike to Work Day, Friday, May 20th, Kevin and Tim will also lead a ride promoting bicycling in Bath. The 8 mile ride will highlight new and proposed pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure projects in the city. Following the ride participants are invited to join members of the bike/ped committee for a coffee at Cafe Creme’ and share ideas on how to improve bicycling in Bath. Riders will depart from Bath City Hall at 7am. 

The League of American Bicyclists has renewed the City of Bath’s designation as a Bicycle Friendly Community at the Bronze level. This decision involved careful review of Bath’s application and supplemental materials, as well as consultation with local cyclists and bike advocates. This award is presented only to communities with strong commitments to bicycling.

“Biking has the power to strengthen our nation economically, environmentally and socially and we are proud to continue honoring those who have laid the groundwork over several years to make biking a safe, accessible option for all,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “We are at a pivotal point in the movement to build a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone as we head into a year that could be transformational for investments in better biking and we’re grateful to have these 57 places making it possible for more people in their community to safely and easily choose bikes.”

“The City of Bath continues to make progress in making Bath a safer and more enjoyable city to walk and ride bikes,” said Tim Blair, Chair of the Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee. “With our Complete Streets Policy in place and a city staff committed to ongoing improvements, we are working hard to meet the growing demands of residents who want to use active transportation. Receiving this acknowledgement from The League of American Bicyclists is a good indicator of the city’s efforts and also serves as an inspiration to continue this important work.”

The League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly Community awards reflect local leaders’ ongoing work to build better places to bike and evaluate those efforts as part of a national movement. Each of the five levels of the Bicycle Friendly Community award – diamond, platinum, gold, silver, and bronze, plus an honorable mention category – provide a clear path for communities to continuously improve. Visit bikeleague.org/community to learn more about the BFC program.

The Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee is launching a campaign to help slow down vehicles and make the streets of Bath safe for all users. This campaign was originally inspired by a larger state-wide campaign being run by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. To make sure we design a campaign to fit the needs of Bath, we gathered input from community members using an online questionnaire.

Thank you to everyone who completed our questionnaire about vehicle speed in Bath and how it impacts you. The questionnaire is now offline and we are reviewing the entries and compiling a report. The concerns and suggestions that you provided in our questionnaire will help inform and influence the direction of our “Help Bath Thrive: Drive 25” campaign. Stay tuned for more details.

The Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee has established the “Kevin Shute Bicycle and Pedestrian Education and Advocacy Fund” as a way to accept donations for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee while also recognizing Kevin Shute who is a current and a founding member of the Committee. 

Committee members wanted to find a way to properly recognize the contributions made by Kevin Shute and decided that this fund is a perfect way to honor Kevin for his passion and knowledge of cycling, his patience and ability to work with everyone, and for his generosity of the time he has given to the community over the past 10 years. 

The Purpose of The Funds Raised

The Committee works closely with Bath City Staff to help prioritize projects and other items for inclusion in the budgets of Public Works, Planning & Development, and the Parks and Recreation Department. There are occasions when the Committee identifies important but unexpected expenditures for which no funds have been budgeted. These might include signage for new walking trails, banners to promote biking and walking, educational materials and other unexpected advocacy and promotional expenses. Expenses like these can now be covered using this special fund.

How To Make a Donation

If you would like to make a donation, you may do so by writing a Check to the City of Bath, and in the memo field indicate “Bike Ped”. Checks can be delivered to the Treasurer’s Office at Bath City Hall, 55 Front Street, Bath, Maine.

Funds will be expended based on a committee vote to ensure they will be utilized for the purposes they were intended. These gifts to the Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee are not tax deductible.

The Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee and Bath Public Works installed three new bike racks downtown on Monday, June 21st. This project is part of larger effort to increase the convenience and comfort of biking into the Downtown area. Having adequate bike parking located in numerous places throughout the Downtown area is an important part of encouraging citizens and visitors to the area to use bikes instead of vehicles. After receiving positive feedback from a Bike Rack Popup Project in 2019, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee has been working towards a goal of increasing bike parking throughout the City or Bath.

Three New Convenient Locations

The new racks have been installed in three convenient locations on Centre Street, Front Street, and Elm Street.

Updated Bike Rack Map

Visit the Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee’s Map of Bike Racks in Bath Maine to see a map that includes all the bike rack locations throughout the City of Bath.

A Big Thank You to the Volunteer Bike Rack Assemblers

On Friday, June 18th, volunteers gathered at Bath Public Works to assemble the bike racks. Thanks to everyone for getting this done. Special thanks go to Jake from Public Works who provided the group with a location and the necessary tools to get the work done.

The Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee is asking citizens of Bath to share their thoughts on how vehicle speed affects them. Please consider completing this short questionnaire to provide important information to the committee. The results of this questionnaire will inform the City of Bath’s planning process related to traffic calming and improving the safety and comfort of roads for all users.

On Wednesday, May 12, 2021, Bath Middle School students and teachers, and members of the Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee participated in a special Bike to School Day event. The event raised awareness about the benefits of biking to school and encourages students to consider it as an option to other modes of transportation.

Lawrence Kovacs, a teacher from RSU1, and a member of the Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee, organized this year’s event and had this to say:

“Thanks to everyone who helped celebrate Bike To School Day today! We had twenty three students and six teachers arrive at school by bike (plus one on an electric scooter). A big shout out to teachers Paige Gallagher, Micah Depper, Roman Quinn, Tom Bennoch and Amanda Brewer for joining the group from the YMCA. Thanks to Karen Curley for handing out prizes and stickers back at school. Thanks to community members Kevin Shute and Tim Blair for riding with us, both of whom serve on the Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee. And thanks to Jim Tasse at The Bicycle Coalition of Maine for sending a big box of great prizes for the kids. They loved them! Today created a positive buzz around commuting by bike, and hopefully events like this will encourage more kids to consider riding instead of driving or taking the bus. “

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With temperatures inching higher, the Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee and the Bath Parks and Recreation Department are inviting citizens to get on their bikes and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. May is National Bicycle Month, as designated by the League of American Cyclists, and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee, with assistance from the Parks and Recreation Department, will offer guided bicycle rides on three consecutive Saturdays beginning May 15th.

Ride for Experienced Riders

Saturday, May 15th
Leader: Kevin Shute

A 10 to 12 mile ride through West Bath and North Bath. Participants should have had a few miles on their bike this spring and be comfortable with a couple of moderate hills. Plan on an hour and a half of riding time. Departure for all rides is at 9:30 am from the Bath Recreation Department office located at 4 Sheridan Road.

Get Back on Your Bike Ride

Saturday, May 22nd
Leader: Mark Wheeler & Robert McChesney

This fun, slow ride is intended for riders who may be a bit leery of riding on the road, or haven’t been on their bike in a while. The hour long ride is a great chance to brush up on your cycling skills, gain confidence in your ability and meet riders who share the same biking goals. Departure for all rides is at 9:30 am from the Bath Recreation Department office located at 4 Sheridan Road.

Family Ride

Saturday, May 29th
Leader: Kevin Shute and other committee members

Riders should have some experience riding on the road and children must be accompanied by an adult. Some basic skills will be covered prior to venturing out on the road for a short ride. Departure for all rides is at 9:30 am from the Bath Recreation Department office located at 4 Sheridan Road.

Registration and Safety Information

All rides are free, and limited to 12 riders. Cyclists must pre-register on-line using the Bath Parks and Recreation registration portal. For more information contact the Bath Parks and Recreation at 443-8360.

All rides will follow Maine CDC guidelines to insure a safe event for all participants. Maine CDC requires that participants wear masks when not on their bikes, have 20 feet of separation when riding and 6 feet of separation when stopped.

In addition, riders must wear a helmet, observe the rules of the road, use hand signals, and wear bright, visible clothing. Each ride will begin with introductions, a pre-ride bike check and rules of the road. If you haven’t had your bike tuned up, it is suggested to make an appointment at one of the excellent local bike shops. Departure for all rides is at 9:30 am from the Bath Recreation Department office located at 4 Sheridan Road.

The following report lists accomplishments related to Bicycle and Pedestrian infrastructure and related projects in the city of Bath, Maine. The Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee works closely with municipal departments and other organizations to get this work done. We like to share Bath’s accomplishments each year, but somehow during all the disruption in March of 2020, we we never had an opportunity to share our 2019 accomplishments, so this report includes items from the past two years.

2020 Accomplishments

Sidewalk Construction and Maintenance

The Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee works closely with Bath Public Works to prioritize the City’s sidewalk rehabilitation and new construction projects. 

• New sidewalk construction on Western Avenue near Dunkin Donuts
• New sidewalk construction on Congress Avenue at tennis courts
• Sidewalk rehabilitation on Spring Street
• Sidewalk rehabilitation on Crescent Street
• Engineering for new sidewalk on Crawford Drive (started)

Other Bicycle and Pedestrian Related Accomplishments

New 10 foot travel lanes

• High Street from route 1 south to Winnegance.
• Washington Street from Route 1 south. 

Downtown Bike Racks

Bike Safety Class for Bath Middle School students
The Committee organized a Bike Safety Class for all 6th graders at Bath Middle School scheduled for April/May 2020 in collaboration with BCM and volunteers. Due to COVID it was canceled and will be rescheduled.

Complete Streets Policy Updated
The Committee delivered an updated Draft of Complete Streets Policy for Adoption by Council

Crosswalk Survey
The committee completed a survey of 350 crosswalks in the city, assessing location, curb ramps, detectable warning fields, lighting and sight lines.

Partial Closure of Front Street 
During summer, parking on the west side of Front Street was eliminated to widen the walkway to ensure social distanced pedestrian traffic and to allow for popup parklets. 

Slow ME Down Campaign
We have signed onto the Bike Coalition of Maine’s Slow ME Down campaign and are encouraging all members of the Bath community to sign on to the campaign as well.

2019 Accomplishments

Sidewalk Construction and Maintenance – 2019

• Sidewalk rehabilitation on Clifton Street
• Sidewalk rehabilitation on Mechanic Street
• Path rehabilitation from Fisher Mitchell School to Middle Street
• Sidewalk rehabilitation on North Street from High Street to Washington Street
• New sidewalk construction on High Street from Marshall Street to Getchell Street
• Sidewalk rehabilitation on Oliver Street Circle

Other Bicycle and Pedestrian Related Accomplishments – 2019

Popup Bike Rack on Front Street
A temporary bicycle rack was placed in the 30 minute parking spot at the corner of Front and Centre Street, in celebration of National National Bike month, May 2019. The rack accommodated 6 – 8 bicycles and the usage was monitored by Bath Middle School Students, led by teacher Monica Wright. At the completion of the project,  students presented their findings to the committee and citizens at Bath City Hall.

Google Map of Bath Maine Bike Racks
Committee member Carl Zies developed a map of Bath that displayed the location of all bicycle racks within the city. 

Bike to Work Day: Community Ride
On Friday, May 17th, a bike ride was held to celebrate Bike to Work Day. Approximately 6 citizens participated in the ride. Departure was from the Bath YMCA at 7am. Cyclists were joined by 12 Bath Middle School Students who are learning bicycle safety skills, through the Riding For Focus Program, led by BMS teacher, Lawrence Kovacs. 

Committee Blog
Tim Blair, Committee Member, developed a Bike/Ped blog. The intent is to promote news, education, advocacy and issues of importance pertaining to pedestrian and bicycle activities in Bath.

Community Involvement Day
The Committee had a display at the 2019 Community Involvement Day. Due to rain, the event was held at the Bath Elks Club, instead of the usual, more scenic location  of Waterfront Park. Participation  in the day increases visibility of the committee and gives citizens the opportunity to voice concerns on bike/ped issues. 

Bath Safety Day
Bath Safety Day was held, Saturday, June 1st at the Water Street parking lot next to the Bath Police Department. Committee members assisted in fitting helmets, tuning up bicycles and directing a bicycle skills obstacle course.

[Event Announcement from the Bicycle Coalition of Maine]

The 20th anniversary of the Bicycle Film Festival is going virtual and arriving in Maine March 12-21, hosted by us, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine.

Have you bought your ticket yet?

Click here to get one now before it’s too late!

This year, BFF Maine is presenting an international selection of the most important short films from the BFF collection. Film fans and bicycle fans alike will enjoy and be moved by stories featuring:

A charismatic Ghanian immigrant in Amsterdam who teaches adult women refugees to ride bikes
The first BMX crew in Nigeria
A bird’s-eye view of a Black Lives Matter protest ride from NYC to Washington, D.C.
New York City through the lens of female bike messengers
The anguish of a father coping with the loss of his son
The struggle of a young woman and her bike in Iran
Cycle sport as relief from genocide

…And more!

BFF Maine will also include a panel discussion following the films, entitled “Everybody Bicycling Everywhere in Maine.” Maine is an amazing part of the world to explore by bicycle! We’ll be sharing resources, advice, and personal experiences that support newcomers to take a chance and try something new, or embolden more avid cyclists to push their boundaries. Topics will cover equipment, skills and safety, route development, commuting, bike-packing and touring, inclusion regardless of age or background, adaptive cycling for people with disabilities, and ideas for blending bicycling into everyday lives. Please join us to celebrate bicycling in Maine!

Wondering how a virtual film festival works? A ticket allows you to view this fantastic series of short films and the panel discussion at any time during the period of March 12 at 6 p.m. ET to March 21 at 11:59 p.m. ET streamed to your computer, tablet, or smart TV by simply clicking on the link provided via email after you purchase.

Ticket prices are on a sliding scale of $10-20, and all ticket prices provide the same content. The Bicycle Coalition of Maine receives a portion of the proceeds.

Buy tickets here

Find out more about BFF here

We hope you’ll join us for some fantastic films!