Fall River Mass In Motion coordinator Julianne Kelly invited Durfee High School Summer School Program Coordinator Derek Farias to meet with her, Healthy City Fall River Coordinator David Weed, and Fall River Neighborhood Association Coordinator Perry Long on March 22, 2012 to discuss how a Recycle-A-Bike Program might get started at Durfee High School. Modeled after similar programs in Boston, Providence and Detroit, Ms. Kelly envisions a series of classes at the High School that would teach bicycle repair and related topics, such as physics and math, to students who would repair donated bicycles that they would then keep. "It's a terrific idea and one that I think we can make happen through this summer's 21st Century Program at Durfee," stated Farias. The two discussed details, including the potential role of adult volunteer recruited through the Neighborhood Associations. "By getting bicycles into the hands of students and teaching safety we'll be able to raise a generation that will make use of the bicycle routes we are creating," noted Kelly. The Massachusetts Mass in Motion project aims to promote wellness and to prevent overweight and obesity in Massachusetts, with a particular focus on the importance of healthy eating and physical activity by addressing systems, policies and environmental changes. For more information, contact Fall River Mass In Motion coordinator Julianne Kelly at 508-324-2405.

(Top row, left) Durfee High School Summer School Program Coordinator Derek Farias greets Fall River Mass In Motion coordinator Julianne Kelly in the 6th floor conference room at Government Center to go over the program proposal. (Top row, center and right) Julie describes the growing number of designated bicycle routes that connect various parts of Fall River, including the new Scholarship City Bicycle Route that will connect the City's East Side with Durfee High School, Bishop Connelly High School and Bristol Community College. (Middle row) Derek and Julie are joined by Healthy City Fall River Coordinator David Weed and Fall River Neighborhood Association Coordinator Perry Long for the discussion. (Bottom row, left and center) Mr. Long talks about ways that the Neighborhood Associations can support the project through the recruitment of volunteers. (Bottom row, right) Julie and Derek look over the two bicycles that are available at Government Center for employees to use in their work.