BPAC Happenings: From Most Recent Back to 2018

June, 2023,  Bike Safety Rodeo 

BPAC sponsored the 2nd Annual Bike Safety Rodeo at the Senior Center for kids of all ages.  The large parking areas were transformed into 6 safety stations, and upon completion, kids received a Bike Safety Certificate from First Selectwoman, Peggy Lyons.  Officers Joe and Bill from Emergency Services provided an ambulance for the kids to explore, and Officer John Palmer was there with his Police Department motorcycle.  An Exotic and Vintage Bicycle Show ran concurrently for parents and kids to enjoy and learn about different types of bicycles over the years.

OUR SPONSORS:

Madison Beach & Recreation, Madison Senior Center, Madison Police Department, Madison EMS, Boy Scouts of America Troop 494 and Troop 490, St.Margaret’s Church, Bikes for Kids, Shoreline Greenway Trail, Vintage & Exotic Bike Exhibit.


scooter and bike

April & May, 2023, Supervised Open Biking at Ryerson Parking Lot

As a runup to the June Bike Safety Rodeo, BPAC sponsored two opportunities for children 3-8 years old to bring their bikes and helmets to the Ryerson parking lot.  There they could freely and safely ride their bikes under the supervision of BPAC members.  Youngsters had the opportunity to practice and enjoy the simple pleasure of riding their bikes with no cars and no other cares in the world.  These events provided a runup to the 2nd Annual Bike Safety Rodeo in June.  


open biking event

Summer, 2022, Bike/Walk Safety Ice Cream Initiative

BPAC coordinated with the Madison Police Department and Ashley’s to create an Ice Cream initiative rewarding safe Bike/Walk practices.  While Officer Palmer was on his shoreline motorcycle patrol over the summer, he stayed on the lookout for cyclists and pedestrians who were safely following bike/walk rules of the road.  

One town resident summed up the reaction:  This week the Police did something really smart.  If you were demonstrating safe road habits as a bicyclist or pedestrian, you got pulled over, thanked for being a good street citizen and rewarded with an Ashley’s gift certificate.  Needless to say, word flew through the under 12 community and all the kids are making their parents abide.  


Meet Officer John Palmer of Madison PD

May 21, 2022 Bike Safety Rodeo

To celebrate National Bike Month in May, BPAC sponsored a Bike Safety Rodeo for 3-8 year olds.  Held on a Saturday when the Senior Center was closed, and with the help of a multitude of volunteers, the grounds and large parking areas were transformed into 6 safety stations, ranging from helmet and bike checks to learning one arm turn signals and how to brake, ride curves, and manage through a slalom course.  

For the kids’ viewing pleasure, Madison’s Emergency Services filled one parking area with a police motorcycle, EMS ambulance and two fire trucks.  Highlighting bicycle history, a Vintage Bike display had numerous bicycles including a high wheel ‘penny farthing’ for all to admire.  Upon completion of the 6 safety stations, kids received a Bike Safety Certificate from First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons.  

Thank you!

Many thanks to our sponsors and volunteers!

  • Madison Senior Center
  • Madison Beach and Recreation
  • Madison Police Department
  • North Madison Fire Department
  • Madison Hose Company
  • Madison EMS
  • Shoreline Greenway Trail
  • Boy Scouts of America Troup 494
  • Boy Scouts of America Troup 490
  • St. Margaret’s Knights of Columbus
  • REI
  • Stop & Shop
  • Vintage and Exotic Bike Exhibit
  • UBEO Business Services
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Ryerson Elementary School joined in the celebration of national Walk to School Day by hosting an event that inspires school communities to come together and promote good health, school spirit, and safer routes for students to walk and bike to school.  

Over 50 second and third grade students joined their parents, teachers, principal, and superintendent in walking a newly designated trail from the Lenore Drive neighborhood off Summer Hill Road to Ryerson Elementary.  The trail crosses MLCT and Town owned land, and both the MLCT and Town were instrumental in clearing the trail for this purpose.  

From BPAC’s initial proposition to incorporate this trail into a Safe Routes to School network, the school administration, town, and MLCT were fully supportive of the concept and effort required to make it happen.  

It was a beautiful fall day and the turnout and enjoyment of the walk by all spoke to the desire and support for safer routes to school for all students.  

Ryerson Students Walk to School Oct 2021school pic 4 

Photo credit: Zoe Roos, Madison Public Schools

Jeffrey Elementary School joined the national Walk to School Day event that inspires communities to come together and promote health and safer routes for students to walk and bike to school.  

Meeting before school, approximately 150 students joined parents and administrators in walking a trail from Bauer Park to Jeffrey Elementary. 

The turnout and enthusiasm indicated the strong desire and support for safer routes to school for all students.  

View a summary of the event through pictures

BPAC’s “Pedestrian Pete” and “Biker Belle” were back for the Chamber of Commerce’s annual fall Scarecrow event, displaying important Bike/Walk Rules of the Road.

BPACs Scarecrows in the Town Scarecrow Contest
BPACs Scarecrows in the Town Scarecrow Contest

BPAC’s safety awareness committee promotes safe biking and walking on Madison’s popular shoreline roads.


Sample safety signs- Be safe, be seen, 3 feet its the law, walk facing traffic

June 4, 2019:  The Source: BPAC’s Shoreline Safety Signs Initiative for summer/fall 2019

Numerous attractive signs with safety tips for pedestrians, bicyclists, and cars were printed for display on Middle Beach Road, Middle Beach West, and Seaview.  First Selectman Tom Banisch and the Madison Police Department were contacted prior to reaching out to the public and supported the initiative.  Postcards were sent to residents on the shoreline with BPAC contact information if they would like a sign displayed in their yard.  The signs were 12 x 16 with safety tips like “Walk Facing Traffic” and “Share the Road”.  40 signs were originally printed and demand was great enough that 20 more were added.  Committee members placed the signs in June and picked them up in the fall.  Feedback about the signs was overwhelmingly positive and seemed to pay off with walking, biking and driving that better followed the safety rules of the road.

April, 2019 Hand High School Stationary Bike Races

On Friday, April 12, 2019, the Daniel Hand High School Mountain Bike Club in collaboration with the Madison Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) invited the Connecticut Cycling Advancement Program (CCAP) to hold a lunch activity where students would be able to race against each other on stationary bikes. These bikes, called computrainers, are connected to a TV where students can do a simulated road ride while seeing their power meter reading and time. Many students enjoyed this fun activity. Groups would gather around to watch highly anticipated races and would be talking about it for the rest of the day. Teachers and faculty also joined in. Many people stopped by the table to see materials provided by BPAC and to learn about bike safety rules of the road. It was a fun and educational activity before April break.

2019 DHHS bike activity3
2019 DHHS bike activity2

BPAC created “Pedestrian Pete” and “Biker Belle” for the Chamber of Commerce’s annual fall Scarecrow event, displaying important Bike/Walk Rules of the Road. 

Almost 600 BPAC survey respondents were automatically entered into a drawing held October 30, 2018 in front of the BPAC scarecrows. 

Maggie Anderson, age 4, assisted by BPAC member Ellen Weiss, drew the ticket for Emily Eisenlohr, who won a new Fitbit Versa smart watch.

Maggie, age 4, assisted by BPAC member Ellen Weiss, drew the ticket for Emily Eisenlohr, wh

Summer, 2018 BPAC Outreach Campaign

From June to September, 2018, an Outreach Campaign spread the word about BPAC and the newly adopted Complete Streets Policy 

Over 500 brochures were distributed to town establishments and at various town events to inform and encourage people to take a Survey giving the committee their ideas and concerns.

In August, 2018, BPAC Committee member, Ellen Weis, was highlighted as Pedestrian of the Week

June, 2018 Bike Rodeo Roundup for Bike Safety Education

Kicking off an initiative for Bicycle Safety in June, 2018, BPAC Student Advisor Sam Hauser of Madison Troop 490, used his Eagle Scout project to support Madison BPAC and teach bicycle safety to youngsters. We would like to thank Sam, along with Troop Leaders Tim Lynn, Dennis Dollahite, Andre Houser and Wayne Hubbs. North Madison Volunteer Fire Company volunteers were there with their truck for the children to visit, and Zane's Cycles was on hand as a generous sponsor.