8th Annual Tour de Montclair, Sunday May 16th 2010

Bike&Walk Montclair and the Montclair YMCA are thrilled to announce a joint celebration — the 8^thannual Tour de Montclair and the Y’s Healthy Kid Day. This community event will be held at Brookdale Park on Sunday, May 16, (rain or shine).

The Tour de Montclair is Bike&Walk Montclair’s signature event held each May during National Bike Month and in conjunction with May in Montclair.

It was attended by over 1000 cyclists last year. This year, cyclists of all abilities are invited to ride one of three routes: a car-free loop within the park, a short on-road route (about 8 miles) and a more challenging “long route” throughout Montclair (about 12 miles) There will be something for everyone!

The theme of this year’s tour, — “I Bike Montclair!”– celebrates the joy of cycling and to encourage people to bike more often. Arrive at 9 AM to check-in & warm-up. Ride starts at 10 AM. After the ride, enjoy the festival and fun! Participants will receive a commemorative Bike&Walk Montclair t-shirt (while supplies last).

Montclair YMCA Healthy Kids Day will also be held on May 16 in Brookdale Park, beginning at 11:00 AM. Participants are encouraged to “Put Play in Your Day” by joining the games and activities led by YMCA staff and volunteers.

Register - Online registration for the Tour de Montclair is convenient, easy, and will reserve a collectible souvenir “I Bike Montclair!” 2010 Tour t-shirt! Online registration is $12 per person or $30 per family (up to 5 members). On-site registration for the Tour de Montclair will open at 9:00 AM and is $15 per person or $35 per family (up to 5 members).

Become a Sponsor - This is a great opportunity to advertise your business thousands of participants and throughout the year. How many prior Tour de Montclair t-shirts do you see each week in Montclair?

Volunteer - This event is fully volunteer-run and we need you to help make the annual family-friendly bike ride and festival a success! The TdM Committee is looking for leaders to help with Site Management, Volunteer Management and Registration. Please contact TourdeMontclair@bikewalkmontclair.org for more information.

Route Maps: Car-free Loop, Short Route, Long Route

Enjoy the Ride: Get Smart. All participants (adults and children) are advised to watch this 7 minute video prior to the event.

For more information see, Bike&Walk Montclair's Tour de Montclair webpage.

Tour De Montclair - May 16th

BIKE&WALK MONTCLAIR and Montclair YMCA ANNOUNCE the 8^th ANNUAL TOUR DE MONTCLAIR

TO BE HELD MAY 16, 2010

Bike&Walk Montclair and the Montclair YMCA are thrilled to announce a joint celebration -- the 8^th annual Tour de Montclair and the Y’s Healthy Kid Day. This community cycling and recreation event will be held at Brookdale Park on Sunday, May 16, (rain or shine).

The Tour de Montclair drew over 1000 cyclists last year. This year, cyclists of all abilities are invited to ride one of three routes: a short car-free loop within the park, a medium on-road route (about 6 miles) and a more challenging "long route" throughout Montclair (about 14 miles) There will be something for everyone!

The theme of this year's tour, -- "I Bike&Walk Montclair!"-- celebrates the organization's new name and the group's goal -- to encourage people to walk and bike more often. On-site registration for the Tour de Montclair will open at 9:00 AM, The ride will start at 10 AM. Online registration is $12 per person or $30 per family (up to 5 members); On-site registration is $15 per person or $35 per family (up to 5 members) To register online, go to bikewalkmontclair.org.

Montclair YMCA Healthy Kids Day will also be held on May 16 in Brookdale Park, from 11:00-2:00 pm. Participants are encouraged to "Put Play in Your Day" by joining the games and activities led by YMCA staff and volunteers.

More information on the 2010 Tour de Montclair and the Montclair YMCA's Healthy Kids Day, including details on membership benefits and pre-registration promotions, can be found at Bike&Walk Montclair's new website: http://www.bikewalkmontclair.org.

Bike&Walk Montclair was founded in 2002 (as Bike Montclair) with the idea that Montclair could one day become a safe haven for walking and bicycling. Today, a dedicated and growing group of volunteers continues its mission: to create a bicycle-friendly and walkable Montclair through advocacy, education, and encouragement. Through these means, their aim is to improve our health, clean our air, make our streets safer and improve our overall quality of life.

Bike&Walk Montclair eagerly seeks new members from Montclair and surrounding communities.

UPDATE - Montclair passes 'Complete Streets' policy

Montclair has passed a Complete Streets policy, as reported in this October 13th article from the Montclair Times. The Montclair council was able to quickly move past some differences and approve a slightly revised version of the originally proposed policy. (Click here for the language of Montclair's resolution.)

We at WalkBikeJersey congratulate Montclair for being the first municipality or county in New Jersey, that we are aware of, to make such progress regarding Complete Streets. However, New Jersey still has a long way to go with regards to this and other bicycle and pedestrian safety initiatives.

As reported earlier, the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, NJ Future, along with our friends at the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and at AARP New Jersey are pushing for a state level Complete Streets policy. We support them in their efforts as this is a critical policy that must move forward if the needs bicyclists and pedestrians are to advance here in New Jersey.