CYCLISTS (and anyone interested in cleaner air and safer streets!) help Fresno County Bicycle Coalition (FCBC) kick off May’s “Central Valley Bike Month” tomorrow morning Wednesday May 1, 2019 at FCBC’s 18th Annual Mall Ride.
The annual ride with local elected and administrative officials is sponsored by the Fresno County Bicycle Coalition and is approximately 3.5 miles starting from Manchester Mall and ending ay Fresno City Hall. Riders will meet at Manchester Center, behind the FAX Transit Center, at 8 am, and leave for downtown at 8:15 am. The Fresno Police Department Bike Patrol Unit will provide escort the ride down Blackstone Ave, closing intersections until the ride passes.
Satellite rides from Starbucks at River Park Shopping Center (by REI) will be led by Chris Eacock of Tower Velo Bike Shop, and from Starbucks at Sierra Vista Mall in Clovis by FCBC president Ed Smith. Both satellite rides meet at 7 am, and will leave by 7:15 am, and arrive at Manchester by 8 am.
The ride will culminate with the Bike Month Proclamation at Fresno City Hall around 8:30 am this year, hence the “Mall2Hall Ride.” Cinnamon buns from Tree of Life Cafe and coffee from Valparaiso Coffee will be provided free for participants.
This is a chance for local cyclists, recreational or commuter, and local government officials, to show their support for better bike facilities in Fresno County. Such improvements will make cycling safer, get more people out of their cars, and clean the air (and help Fresnans get more physically fit in the process!)
Cyclists are advised to wear a helmet and check to make sure your bike is in good working order. There will be an air and mechanical station set up by Herb Bauer Cycling at Manchester Center, and a chance to ask the officials media what they are doing to make Fresno more livable.
Motorists are advised to drive with caution and allow 3 feet when passing bicyclists, and be on the lookout for bicyclists during the entire “May is Bike Month” who are participating in Central Valley Bike Month.