The Scarecrows on Main event was a cute distraction, but now, with Bicycles on Main, I’m convinced that Old Wethersfield is trying to become a real life Stars Hollow. There are worse things to be.

HB 5429 bicycle

Aligned with National Bike Month, decorated bicycles have been placed all along Main Street, some appearing in April. They are mostly of the Instagrammable, style over substance variety. The exceptions to that include the bicycle (pictured above) urging strollers to support HB 5429, a commonsense step to making roads a bit safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and those in their metal and glass boxes.

Bicycles decorated with flowers

As a refresher, HB 5429, an Act Concerning Pedestrian Safety, would establish a Vision Zero council in Connecticut, provide local municipalities with control over setting speed limits, make it less likely that you get doored while cycling, and give people a better chance at crossing roads safely.

bibliobicicleta

You can see the status of H.B. 5429 on the Connecticut General Assembly site.

Watermelon bike outside Temple Beth Torah

Events were scheduled throughout the month, from a Connecticut Wheelman vintage bicycle ride to a bike maintenance workshop sponsored by the Wethersfield High School Bicycle Club, and a number of other activities with or without any connection to bicycles.

Turntable bicycle

There are multiple book mobile bicycles, modeling how this mode of transportation is absolutely capable of hauling loads.

Art bike for Wethersfield Cove

Expect lots of spring and summer-themed bicycles, including more than a few that will make you want to go on a picnic, take a hike, and go to a garden shop. Tomato plants and watermelons can all be carried on bicycles, if you’re wondering.

Bicycle displayCoordination by Larissa Lake and Co. Salon and Spa, Heart of the Country, Tom Brown (The Bike Karma Bicycle and Cycling Stories Podcast), and Bike Walk Wethersfield, along with collaboration from dozens of organizations, businesses, and residents made this possible.

Alaska-themed art bicycle

Grange Fresh

Decorated bicycle at Heirloom Market

ET-themed art bicycle

I Spy bicycle

Bicycles on Main

History bicycle

lilac bicycle

Herons on bike

Artsy bicycle

Decorated bicycle in Wethersfield

Not bad for the first year that the Town of Wethersfield and The Old Wethersfield Shopkeepers Association (Explore Old Wethersfield) have organized this event.

Red onion bicycle

In the future, I would love to see a safety workshop that helps drivers be more respectful and cautious around people using bicycles, teaching motorists how those on bikes are entitled to use the roadways. There’s room to share the history of the Good Roads Movement. How about a hands-on workshop designing and implementing safer streets improvements, such as those that would slow vehicular traffic in Old Wethersfield? How about a bike hauling competition that challenges people to carry more than just bouquets in their bike baskets? Exploration of how going car-lite and car-free is less selfish? There are endless opportunities for how Bicycles on Main can evolve in future years, promising that it won’t become stale.

Red onions in bicycle basket

You have one more week to check out the art bikes: Bicycles on Main rolls away on May 30, 2021.

#ExploreOW

The Heritage Way Bike Path will take you to Old Wethersfield and there is expanded bicycle parking available. Another option is the 53W bus, which makes several stops in Old Wethersfield. The 53 and 144 buses will get you close. 

Bicycles on Main