MA Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day - May 4

"MA Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day is only ONE week away! Schools: “Gear” up for this event on Wednesday, May 4th (which also happens to be Star Wars Day) by registering here https://tinyurl.com/3m7xm75w" 

@MassDOT

MA Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day - May 4

What's with Complete Streets?

The memo to the Franklin, MA Town Council and the "Complete Streets" presentation document scheduled for discussion at the Feb 17, 2021 meeting.

Link to the doc on the Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._complete_streets_web.pdf

Full agenda for the Town Council meeting Feb 17, 2021

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/february-17-town-council-agenda

 

MA Complete Streets Program - Overview for Town Council from Franklin Matters

What's with Complete Streets?

Bicycle recycling Event - Oct 24

Here’s an opportunity to get rid of those unwanted bicycles cluttering up your garage or shed: donate them for a good cause at the charity bike drive being held Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Franklin Recreation Department Headquarters located at 275 Beaver Street in Franklin, MA. 

The bike drive is being held by Franklin High School senior Alex Gardenier, who is an Eagle Scout candidate with Boy Scout Troop 99. He is conducting the bike drive to benefit the charitable organization Bikes Not Bombs (https://bikesnotbombs.org/about). 

For more details on what, when, etc.  https://02038.com/2020/10/charity-bike-drive-in-franklin-oct-24/

Bicycle recycling Event - Oct 24

 

 

Electronics Recycling - Nov 16

As many are aware, I do a lot of walking around Franklin and that helps me to find out what is going on. Sometimes I am in the right place at the right time (think train stuck on the Union St. tracks this week). Sometimes, I find something that is filed for future use or more research. I call all this activity  "reporting by walking around."

One such walk found the signs set up around the former Charter School (former St Mary's School) announcing the electronics recycling event scheduled for November 16. This event will also recycle bicycles.

When: Saturday, November 16 from 9 AM to 2 PM
Where: school parking lot at corner of Main and Pleasant Streets

Electronics Recycling - Nov 16

"It’s really giving people another option to getting around"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Transportation officials outlined several initiates to increase cycling and walking in its final State Bicycle Transportation Plan and State Pedestrian Transportation Plan released last week.

Constructing safer bike networks, increasing bike share programs and improving maintenance of trails are some initiatives state transportation officials are eyeing to get more cyclists on the roads.

The state Department of Transportation last week released its final Bicycle Transportation Plan and Pedestrian Transportation Plan highlighting initiatives to make streets safer for bicyclists and pedestrians. The bike plan was last updated in 2008 and the pedestrian plan in the late 1990s. There have been several advances in technology, research and design during that period.

“The transportation sector is evolving so rapidly,” said Jackie DeWolfe, DOT director of sustainable mobility."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190725/state-transportation-leaders-release-plans-to-increase-bicycle-pedestrian-traffic

view the bicycle plan - https://www.mass.gov/service-details/bicycle-plan
view the pedestrian plan - https://www.mass.gov/service-details/pedestrian-plan

view the bicycle plan

“They’re unbelievable - they’re bikes with a boost”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Whipping around a series of orange cones in the Franklin Police Department parking lot, Sgt. Jason Reilly sped up inches away from two cones placed side by side to create a barrier before gripping his front and rear brakes.

A radar gun clocked the Franklin police sergeant’s speed at 26 mph.

“That’s the fastest we’ve had right there – nice job, Sarge!” said Sgt. Jeff Watson of the Medway police, standing beside one of the $3,600 Trek electric bikes used by Reilly. They are brand-new to the Medway, Franklin and Millis police departments.

“This style of bike is the ultimate police bike,” said Watson, a mountain bike instructor for the past 24 years and owner of Police Mountain Bike Training New England."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190704/franklin-medway-and-millis-police-take-to-electric-bikes

“They’re unbelievable - they’re bikes with a boost”

US Census: Younger Workers in Cities More Likely to Bike to Work

Roughly 870,000 people report commuting by bicycle — many of them young and urban residents.

America Counts: Stories Behind the Numbers Younger Workers in Cities More Likely  to Bike to Work May 17 is National Bike to Work Day and events are held around the country to encourage people to commute by bicycle. The most recent American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates covering the years 2013-2017 show that about 872,000 people, or 0.6% of all workers in the United States (Table S0801), bike to work. The ACS asks workers about their primary method of transportation to work. This provides data about national commuting patterns, including biking to work.  https://census.gov/library/stories/2019/05/younger-workers-in-cities-more-likely-to-bike-to-work.html? About America Counts America Counts tells the stories behind the numbers in a new inviting way. It features stories on various topics such as families, housing, employment, business, education, the economy, emergency preparedness, and population. Contact our Public Information Office for media inquiries or interviews.

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This is an official email from the U.S. Census Bureau. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us (http://www.census.gov/about/contact-us.html)

Indoor Cycling Fundraiser - Apr 28

What: A three hour cycling fundraiser for the Pan Mass Challenge with New England Patriots Captain Matthew Slater. Matthew will be signing autographs and taking pictures with all riders. 100% of all monies raised will go directly to the Pan Mass Challenge/Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The event will be led by six fun and talented instructors!

Where: The Adirondack Club, 800 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA 02038

When: Sunday, April 28th from 1:00pm-4:00pm

How to Register: Registration should be done in person at the front desk of the Adirondack Club. Riders can register for a one, two or three hour ride. Non members are welcome!

Donation: It costs $100.00 for one hour, $200.00 for two hours, or $300.00 for three hours. Once you are registered, please follow the information below to make your donation. Donations must be made within 24 hours of registration and be received prior to the event. There will be prizes for the biggest fundraisers.

How to Pay: Payment can be done online by following the directions below:

1. Go to PMC website at www.pmc.org
2. Click on red Donate icon on right top of page.
3. Under “Enter a Rider’s name or EgiftID below”, enter “Team Phil’s Phriends”
4. Click on “Find a Rider”.
5. Click on “Team Phil’s Phriends, Needham, MA”
6. Enter donation amount

If you would prefer to pay by check, please make checks payable to the PMC/Phil’s Phriends and mail them to Carolyn Bohmiller, 205 Jordan Rd, Franklin, MA 02038.

If you have friends or family who would like to donate before or after the event, please provide them the instructions above to donate online, mail their checks to the above address, or bring their checks made out to the PMC/Phil’s Phriends with you on the day of the ride. If they are donating online, have them mention the rider’s name in the comment section.

Remember to bring some cash with you to try to win some great raffle items! The raffle will be open on Saturday, April 27 from 7:00-11:00 AM and again on Sunday, April 28 from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Food and drinks will be available for all riders.

Please contact Deb Simpson at dsimpson@adirondackclub.com or Carolyn Bohmiller at cbohmiller@yahoo.com if you have any further questions.
We look forward to seeing you on the 28th!

Indoor Cycling Fundraiser - Apr 28

Join Matthew Slater For A VIP Indoor Cycling Fundraiser - Apr 28

Sunday, April 28th 1-4pm

SAVE THE DATE SUNDAY, APRIL 28 - 1-4 PM RAISE FUNDS AND HAVE FUN! With Patriots Captain Matthew Slater! You don't want to miss this! We are planning an amazing indoor cycling event to support the Pan Mass Challenge/Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The Fundraising Part - All proceeds will be donated to Phil's Phriends and 100% of all monies raised go directly to the Pan Mass Challenge! The Fun Part - We will be joined by Patriots Captain, Matthew Slater! All riders will get a photo with Matthew and can bring an item for him to sign! And we have an official Super Bowl LI jersey to be raffled off! The Details - Sunday, April 28, from 1-4 PM in our awesome Cycle Zone Studio! Ride the entire three hours or recruit a team and share your ride! Minimum donation is $300 per bike; suggested donation $500. Mark your calendars, make your plans, build your team  and get ready to ride! Watch for more details coming soon! https://www.adirondackclub.com/

The Adirondack Club | 800 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by memberservices@adirondackclub.com in collaboration with Try it free today

Draft Statewide Bicycle Transportation Plan - available for public comment

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing that the Draft Statewide Bicycle Transportation Plan is now available for public comment. You can review the plan and provide feedback by clicking the link below.

2018 Statewide Bicycle Transportation Plan

https://massdot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=c80930586c474a3486d391a850007694

To realize the potential for everyday biking in Massachusetts and underscore MassDOT’s commitment to safety, MassDOT is releasing a new Statewide Bicycle Transportation Plan to make biking in Massachusetts a safe, comfortable, and convenient option for everyday travel.

As part of the Bike Plan, MassDOT developed the Municipal Resource Guide for Bikeability in recognition of the important role the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts will play. Created for municipal staff, elected officials, community members, and anyone interested in biking, the Resource Guide introduces core concepts to enhance community bikeability and directs readers to additional resources for more detailed information. 

The public comment period for the draft Bicycle Plan is open until January 31, 2019.

https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/10/31/18_08_31_MRGBiking.pdf

This was shared from the Mass.gov page
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/bicycle-plan

The bike lane markings painted as part of the Downtown Improvement
project that returned Main St to 2-way travel

NEHSCA Info Night - Tuesday, Dec 4

New England High School Cycling Association NEHSCA Info Night

Middle and High school mountain bike racing has come to New England. Tuesday December 4, 2018 at the Bellingham Public Library the Franklin/Bellingham based team Charles River Rats will be hosting an open house for people to come learn about riding and racing for their 5th - 12th grade kids.

Reach out to coach Rob Rood @ overthesummitcoaching@gmail.com for more information. Stop by at any time to meet the coaches, league officials and team members.


Dec 4, 6 PM - 7 PM

Bellingham Public Library Community Room
100 Blackstone St, Bellingham, MA 02019


Regards,
Rob

Head Coach, Over The Summit Coaching
overthesummitcoaching@gmail.com

OverTheSummitCoaching.com

screen grab from http://nehsca.com/ webpage

Hockomock Area YMCA Hosts 12th Annual Triathlon Sunday, July 22

Swim, bike and ride at the 12th annual Hockomock Area YMCA Triathlon on Sunday, July 22nd at Lake Pearl in Wrentham. Race starts at 8:00 AM (registration is at 6:00 AM) and consists of a ¼ mile swim in Lake Pearl, a 9 mile bike ride, and a 3.1 mile run.

This friendly USAT Sanctioned Sprint triathlon is designed to work for both beginners as well as advanced triathletes.

2017 participants

Great park venue, with all proceeds benefiting the Reach Out to Youth and Families Campaign at the Hockomock Area YMCA. The race will have you enjoying picturesque New England landscapes through quaint Wrentham Center. Bike and run provide moderate hills. The grass transition area is centrally located and easily accessed; each participant will enjoy roomy and secure transition space. This USA Triathlon sanctioned event is limited to 400 registered athletes. We are also proud to be the first paratriathlete-friendly USAT event in New England beginning in 2013 and continuing to this day.

Participants can expect a high-quality race at an affordable price. If space is available, registration will begin at 6:00 AM day of event - Sunday, 7/22. This year the after-race party will be at UNO Pizzeria and Grill in Wrentham located in the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets.

Register online and find more information at https://www.hockymca.org/triathlon. Online registration will close on July 20th at noon. Day of registration will begin at 6:00 AM on Sunday, July 22nd.

All proceeds will benefit the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Reach Out for Youth & Families Annual Campaign which is the primary vehicle in subsidizing confidential scholarship assistance and subsidized programs for youth, individuals and families to have a YMCA experience regardless of ability to pay. Funds raised provide confidential scholarship assistance, giving Y experiences including summer camp, child care and teen programs to local children and families in need.

bike action at the 2017 triathlon

Clinics will also be offered for all registered triathletes on Wednesday, July 11 at 5:30 PM and Saturday, July 14th at 8:00 AM. The clinics will feature an open water stroke clinic, followed by a transition area training and ending with the opportunity to bike the course. Each clinic is $20 per participant. Clinic pre-registration is required by calling 508-695-7001.

About The Hockomock Area YMCA

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. 

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

MBTA: Marathon Monday - Bus, Commuter Rail and Subway notice

Bus, Commuter Rail, and Subway Notice: 

Due to congestion, bikes (including folding bikes) are not allowed on any MBTA vehicles on Patriots' Day, Monday, April 17, 2017.

Last updated: Apr 10 2017 01:33 PM

Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/events/
Sent by the MBTA

MBTA Commuter rail will not allow bikes on Monday, Apr 17

Race for a Cause in The 10th Annual Hockomock Area YMCA Triathlon – JULY 24

SUNDAY - JULY 24, 2016

8:00 a.m. START TIME

Lake Pearl Luciano’s - 299 Creek Street, Wrentham, MA 0209

REGISTER NOW

This friendly sprint triathlon returns for its tenth year! The race is welcoming to beginners, youth/junior triathletes and paratriathletes. All proceeds benefit the Reach Out for Youth and Families Campaign. The Y is proud to be the first paratriathlete-friendly race in New England beginning in 2013 and continuing to this day.

Fast Facts

1/4 mile SWIM, 9 mile BIKE, 3.1 mile RUN.

• Swim is in a calm lake, with an in-water wave start.
• Bike and run provide moderate hills through Franklin, Norfolk, and Wrentham.
• Centrally located and easily accessed grass transition area.
• Free tech tee and finisher medals. Top 3 finishers in each category will also be recognized with place medals.
• Club competition with trophy to first place team. Club members are also eligible for individual medals.

CATEGORIES/AGE GROUPS

• Youth: 10-14 (with the permission of the Race Director)
• Junior: 14-19
• Age Groups (Male & Female, 20 years+)
• Clydesdale (Male 200+ lbs)
• Athena (Female 165+)
• Paratriathletes
• Relay Teams (Male, Female, Mixed): 2 or 3 person teams allowed

Race for a Cause in The 10th Annual Hockomock Area YMCA Triathlon – JULY 24

PMC Franklin Kids Ride - Sunday, June 12th

Register now for the 10th annual PMC Franklin Kids ride on Sunday, June 12th. This is a fun, supervised bike ride for kids age 3-14. 

There are 3 routes to choose from plus a bikes and trikes area for the little ones. 100% of all funds raised go to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund for life saving cancer research and treatment. 

Become a part of this healthy community activity that teaches kids they can make a difference. 

Register to ride or volunteer at http://www.kids.pmc.org/franklin.aspx

the pre-ride group photo from June 2015

MBTA: Commuter Rail notice - bicycle restrictions - Sunday, April 17

Due to Boston Marathon-related events, bikes (including folding bikes) are not allowed on Southside Commuter Rail trains on Sunday, April 17. Affected routes: Framingham/Worcester Line Franklin Line Fairmount Line Providence/Stoughton Line Middleborough/Lakeville Line Kingston/Plymouth Line Greenbush Line Last updated: Apr 16 2016 12:04 PM Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/events/

Franklin Line

Indoor Triathlon - Sunday, April 24

The Hockomock Area YMCA will be hosting an indoor triathlon on Sunday, April 24th. 

The segments will include a 15 minute swim, 25 minute bike and 20 minute run. All levels welcome (ages 14+). 

$40 to participate and all proceeds will benefit our Annual Reach Out for Youth and Families Campaign.

To register: https://hockymca.ejoinme.org/MyPages/IndoorTriathlon2016/tabid/756109/Default.aspx

Indoor Triathlon

New Mountain Bike League Forming in Massachusetts

Good Afternoon, 

My name is Rob Rood. I am writing to you because there is a new racing league forming in MA/RI/NH. 

I am the head coach of the team that will cover Bellingham/Franklin. The goal of the league is simple, to grow interest in mountain biking in New England among kids, grades 5-12. The racing is just to add an element of fun into the whole endeavor! 

We are having an info night about the team and the league at the Bellingham Town Library on March 1st @ 5:30pm. Attached is the flyer. (see below)

Would it be possible for you to post the flyer on your site? 

Some more info on the league can be found here http://www.nehsca.com (New England High School Cycling Association) 

We'll be showing a movie called SingleTrack High to the kids and parents https://vimeo.com/95958080

screen grab of  NEHSCA webpage

In the News: rezoning Dean Ave property, fund raising for helmets, host family 'fresh air'

The Town Council Wednesday night discussed rezoning six parcels of land along Dean Avenue to encourage the development of multi-family housing.The land had been zoned for industrial use, said Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. 

"It's basically the Thompson Press building," he said. "If approved, this would allow for the development of condominiums or apartments."Nutting said the Planning Board recommended the change.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150805/NEWS/150808139/1994/NEWS

After a helmet saved the life of 3-year-old Liam Stoltz last week, he and his family are hoping they can help save the lives of others.Liam escaped serious injury last Thursday morning when a covered trailer he was riding in that was attached to his father’s bicycle was run over by a Jeep Cherokee on Sanford Street in Medway, not far from their Franklin home.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150805/NEWS/150808182/1994/NEWS

For anyone who has ever thought about serving as a host family, the Grahams of Franklin said sharing their home has created a life-long friendship with someone they may not have otherwise crossed paths with. 

“We have gotten as much if not more out of the program than Audrey has,” said Colleen Graham.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150806/NEWS/150808111/1994/NEWS

In the News: Bike week, RFPs issued

Massachusetts will be celebrating bicycling next week, as Bay State Bike Week will be held from May 9 to 17. 

Bicycling organizations, neighborhood groups and local governments are encouraged to host a local event or participate in an existing activity. The events "encourage bicycling as a fun, healthy, safe, and sustainable travel choice," according to a press release from the state Department of Transportation. 

“Our administration is pleased to support Bay State Bike Week and encourages our citizens to participate in local events as a fun and healthy activity for the whole family,” Governor Charlie Baker said in the release. 

Bay State Bike Week is now in its seventh year.

screen grab of Bay State Bike Week webpage

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150507/NEWS/150507149/1994/NEWS

For additional information on Bike Week, http://baystatebikeweek.org/

The town has begun soliciting proposals to develop 33 acres off Pond Street after spending more than a month collecting feedback from nearby residents. 

On Wednesday, the Town Council voted unanimously to issue two separate requests for proposals for the town-owned parcels, which are bordered to the west by Interstate 495, to the east by Pond Street, to the south by commercial properties, and to the north by wetlands owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and a residential subdivision. 

Previous attempts to sell the land for economic development have proved unsuccessful. 

The first request seeks developers interested in leasing the land for a solar farm. Already benefiting from a solar array near the Wrentham line, officials expect the developer to have an energy agreement in place with another community or business.

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150507/NEWS/150506795/1994/NEWS

For the Franklin Matters summary of the Town Council meeting including the rate reduction for trash/recycling, check here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/sidewalks-beerwine-license-and-rfps.html