Brian Slattery Photo
At the 2019 ride.
Fifteen years later, it’s fair to say that “Rock to Rock” is a New Haven institution, along with the movements that birthed it.
As usual, hundreds of cyclists of all ages and abilities are expected to turn out for the annual event at East Rock Park this Saturday for a host of group rides ranging from one mile to 60, as well as an eco-conscious “green” fair and live klezmer music and drumming. Click here for the full schedule and details. The free event will benefit 20 local environmental organizations.
A new feature is a “bike rodeo” in which the Coalition for Active Transportation will help riders and budding riders work on their moves and on skills like hand signaling and shifting.
Initially organized by Solar Youth and Common Ground High School, the event began in 2008 as grassroots bike activism was growing in New Haven along with environmental activism. The growth of Rock To Rock reflects the city’s green and two-wheel-friendly evolution.
Two of this year’s events organizers, Chris Schweitzer and Lee Osorio, spoke Tuesday about that in a preview conversation on WNHH FM’s “Dateline New Haven” program.
“It’s fun. It’s community building. It supports a lot of great work in New Haven,” Schweitzer said.
“Bring your bike,” added Osorio, executive director of the Coalition. “Bring your skills. Bring your helmet. And we’ll see you there!”
Click on the video below to watch the full conversation.
It's wonderful how bicycling has grown in New Haven. Unlike electric cars, or even buses, it has near zero bad environmental effects, while still be far faster and easier than walking. Heck, septuagenarian speed demon Kevin McCarthy has commented on how bicycling allows him to whiz past buses.