March 2008

Active Williamsburg Alliance

Monitor

In This Issue

JCC Citizens Want More Walking/Biking Trails

It has been a while since you have heard from Active Williamsburg Alliance, but rest assured, we've been busy in our continual push to improve bicycling and pedestrian facilities throughout the Williamsburg Area.

A number of events are coming up so take a minute to read through the newsletter, and then, go pull out your favorite walking or hiking shoes or tune up your bike and celebrate all the area has to offer!

And as always, if you have a pedestrian or bicycle-related issue, we would love to hear from you!

Happy Spring,

Stephanie

AWA Receives Grant to Provide Helmets to Children

Bike Rodeo As part of the "May is Bike Month" festivities, AWA is once again teaming up with the Williamsburg Area Bicyclists (WAB) to provide helmets to children.

The helmet fittings will be conducted at Pedal the Parkway on Saturday, May 3, and on Sunday, May 18, before the Children's Bike Ride.

AWA received a grant from the Virginia Department of Health Division of Injury & Violence Prevention to purchase helmets for May 2008. AWA membership dues also ensure that we have a ready supply of helmets to give away at various events throughout the year.

AWA gave away 125 helmets and fitted dozens more during three family oriented events during the 2007 "May is Bike Month" festivities.

Stay tuned for more information on all the events scheduled for the 2008 Bike Month.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: We need you to help with helmet fittings. No experience is necessary! We will train you prior to the event. Please contact Stephanie if interested.

Mainland Farm JCC Citizens Make it Clear: More Walking and Biking Trails!

As James City County begins to revise its Comprehensive Plan, residents have had the opportunity to weigh in on issues that are important to them. When asked what the County where it should spend more money, nearly 4 of every 5 residents answered more walking and biking trails. The response ranked #1 among recreational and cultural opportunities on the Resident Survey, and AWA has taken that message before the Board of Supervisors. More Info

It's Spring! Check out some local events!

Mark your calendars! In addition to a whole month of bicycling activities in May, there are a number of fun activities occuring in our area in the coming weeks! Here's just a sample:

MARCH 30: Venture to New Quarter Park for club day. Learn more about the various clubs and organizations in the area. More Info

APRIL 5: EVMA is hosting a Bike Festival at York River State Park from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. More Info

MAY 10: The 2008 Capital to Capital Bike Ride. Ride from Williamsburg to Richmond and support the development of the Virginia Capital Trail. More Info

JUNE 7: Celebrate National Trails Day along the Virginia Capital Trail from 10:00 to 1:00pm on Saturday, June 7 at the Chickahominy Riverfront Park. All ages are welcome for this family-friendly event!

Have something to add to the calendar? Let us know!

Become a Member!

Please take a moment to join AWA. As a chapter of BikeWalk Virginia, you automatically become a member of both organizations, supporting local and statewide efforts to improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities and to educate pedestrians and bicyclists.

Your membership dues support our helmet giveaway program and assist in the education and advocacy to make the Williamsburg area a safer place to walk, run, and bicycle. And as a 501(c)(3) organization, BikeWalk Virginia (and AWA) are eligible to receive tax-deductible donations.

Learn More