To the Editor:

Last week's Sippican Week photo of the bicyclist in the snow demonstrates as truth: The increasing popularity of bicycling for exercise, transportation and recreation is undeniable. Bicycling in Mattapoisett will become even more popular when the Mattapoisett Rail Trail is completed, providing an attractive car-free route through Mattapoisett to Fairhaven, Marion and points beyond: a pleasure filled ride to the store, the library, to grandma's house.

But a ride to the bike path includes a ride on the roads for most people. With so many people riding now and more on the way, it is time for Mattapoisett biking enthusiasts, parents, business owners and others to join forces to make riding conditions in town as good as they can be everywhere, not just on the path. Last fall the Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike Path started a new initiative, Bike Friendly Mattapoisett. We're starting to meet again this year and you'll hear more from us as the spring advances. We'd like you to get involved.

Our goal is to improve bicycling conditions and make our town a more attractive place for cyclists of all ages. We need to increase visibility for bicycling issues: motorist awareness, the rules of the road and best practices like hand and voice signaling and equipping bikes and clothing with reflectors. We'll do this though a town-wide information campaign, information booths, a bike riding club, bike events and more. We hope to be working with community groups like the Boy Scouts as well. Right now, anyone can sign up for the Tri-town Bike Riding Club by contacting the Mattapoisett and Marion Recreation Departments.

All fall and through the holiday season the Town, the Bike Path Committee and the Friends worked hard and made substantial progress on our submissions to the state. When the state schedules our public hearing, we'll need supporters to come out. Also, along with the Town, the Friends are starting another fundraising campaign, to make sure we can complete the bike path as scheduled in 2015-16. We are applying for grants, and we need volunteers to work on the kinds of activities foundations need to see: participation at bike events, information booths and bike counters on the path. You don't have to ride to get involved.

The Bike Friendly Mattapoisett program is aimed at turning the high level of popular support for the bike path into action and real gains for health, recreation, safety and the bike path. To get involved, call Bonne DeSousa at 508 951-2406 or email her at bdesousa43@verizon.net. You can also friend us on Facebook (Friends of Mattapoisett Rail Trail) for information about events and updates on our web page.

Bonne DeSousa