Community Corner
Local Officials to Ride at Bike Jam
Event will offer bicycle education, helmet giveaways,and food and music all day Saturday.
Easton Mayor Sal Panto, State Representative Bob Freeman, and Congressman Charlie Dent will lead the way Saturday for a two-mile community bicycle ride through the city for the 2nd Annual Easton Bicycle Jam.
Starting at 11 a.m. and running until 4 p.m., the ride, kicking off from Riverside Park at 12:30 p.m., is just one of many bike-related activities planned for the event.
Organizer Sophia Feller of the West Ward Neighborhood Partnership said the day will highlight bike safety and education.
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“You really do need to have some training to be safe,” Feller said, adding that wearing a helmet is imperative.
To that effect, the first 100 minors to have their bikes put through a safety check will receive a free helmet if they need one.
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But the event is about fun too.
Live music, art and food will round out an afternoon of ongoing safety checks and bike workshops.
The winner of a bike safety poster contest, to be created on-site at the event in the arts tent, will be awarded a new bicycle, Feller said.
, Bucktooth Beaver Band, and Cornerstone Sound will play in the park's amphitheatre and local sidewalk chalk artist Dan Fonseca will show off his art.
It's about promoting bike friendliness in the city, and physical fitness too, Feller said.
The city would like to be designated a “Bicycle Friendly” town by the League of American Cyclists, she said, adding that only three cities in Pennsylvania have been recognized by the bike organization.
Easton is at the hub of three trail projects, making it a natural place for cyclists to congregate, she noted. And bike safety and awareness will only become more important as they gain popularity, “especially as the weather gets warmer.”
But the Bike Jam, now in its second year, helps to get the word out. And even those who don't bike are welcome.
“We invited skateboarders too,” Feller said. “I think it's going to be a really fun day. There's a lot going on.”
The even is free, but donations to support the acquisition of more helmets are welcome. For more information or to volunteer, search Facebook “Easton Bicycle Jam”, or call 610-515-0891.
