Bike Day at the Capitol set for Augusta May 4

The Bicycle Coalition of Maine plans to host Bike Day at the Capitol Thursday, May 4 at the State House in Augusta.

The coalition is bringing back this event to raise awareness in the legislature and beyond of the needs and concerns of people walking and bicycling in Maine. All interested people are invited to join coalition staff and members to show state officials that they support investments in education and infrastructure, according to a news release from Jean Sideris, the coalition’s executive director.

The event, to take place rain or shine, will include activities to engage participants directly with issues and movements in Maine’s active transportation scene. Attendees can try out an e-bike, join on a walk audit or bike ride, and hear members of the BCM, Maine Department of Transportation, and legislators speak about efforts related to bike/pedestrian safety and infrastructure in Maine.

At 11:30 a.m. will be a ride to the Capitol. Meet at the parking lot at State and Manley Streets at 11:15 a.m., and departure is at 11:30 a.m.

A noon press conference in the courtyard between the State House and the Cross Building will include Sideris; Joyce Taylor, chief engineer of the MaineDOT; state Sen. Mattie Daughtry; and state Rep. Melanie Sachs

From 12:30-1:30 p.m will be a walk audit in Augusta or bike/e-bike ride to Hallowell and back on the Kennebec River Trail

Electric bike demos are offered from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

There are dozens of bicycle and pedestrian related bills moving through the legislature this year. Learn more at bikemaine.org/advocacy/legislative-work/131st-legislature.