To the Editor:

Dog days of summer are here, and the Friends of the Bike Path hope our residents and visitors have been enjoying the great summer weather.

Three initiatives are underway with regard to improved biking and walking in Mattapoisett. The first is the “Walk Bike Run” survey, part of the town’s planning for improved walking, running and biking. Please fill one out. You can find it at the library or on the town website, www.mattapoisett.net. Visitors, workers, and all residents are encouraged to fill it out.

The second initiative is the Summer Bike Challenge, a friendly competition among South Coast towns to ride the most miles per capita and to generate the most riders per capita. Prizes will be awarded in September. For more information, go to www.SouthCoastBikeway.com. Every mile ridden for Mattapoisett in August will count in the competition.

Thirdly, we are planning a regional fundraising effort. We need at least another $34,000 to complete the segment of the Bike Path to Depot Street. The Friends will reach outside our small town by asking our supporters – residents and businesses – to help spread the word across the South Coast and beyond. If you’d like to offer a matching donation for regional donations, email Bonne DeSousa, bdesousa43@comcast.net. To show your support and stay updated, please “friend” or “like” us on our Facebook page “Friends of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail,” and make our website one of your favorites. Tax-deductible checks made out to “Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike Path” can be sent to P.O. Box 1336, Mattapoisett, MA 02739.

Bonne DeSousa,

President, Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike Path