Cycling advocates gathered for the 7th Annual Summit sponsored by the South Coast Bikeway Alliance, at Ft. Tabor on March 24, 2016. Alliance President Bob Espindola. introduced keynote speaker Colleen Abrams, co-founder of Wachusett Greenways, an all-volunteer non-profit group established in 1995 to connect the Wachusett community with trails and greenways. The group is building and maintaining thirty miles of the Mass Central Rail Trail through six towns in partnership with others. Colleen described the history of the project and took questions about how different aspects of the project have been funded. Mass In Motion Fall River Coordinator Julie Kelly was there with WalkFallRiver staff members Eric Andrade and Janice Velozo and members of Bike Fall River including retired city planner Al Lima, for whom the new Quequechan River Rail Trail has been named. Following Ms.Abrams' presentation, members were reminded to to participate in the South Coast Summer Bicycle Challenge.  Click here for a one-hour-sixteen-minute video of the event Click here for photos of last year's Summit.. For more information, contact Fall River Mass In Motion coordinator Julianne Kelly at 508-324-2405.

(Top row) Alliance Vice-President and Founding Member Bonnie deSousa welcomes members and guests before Alliance President Bob Espindola introduces keynote speaker Colleen Abrams, co-founder of Wachusett Greenways, (Row two) Mass In Motion Fall River Coordinator Julie Kelly, right, listens as Ms. Abrams describes the rail trail development. (Row three)  BikeFallRiver member listens as Ms. Abrams responds to questions. (Row four) After Ms. Abrams finishes, Mr. Espindola recognizes Janice Velozo for her work. (Bottom row) Ms. deSousa and Mr. Espindola thank the members for their support before drawing the door prize winner. (Bottom row, center) Julie Kelly jokes with Quequechan River Rail Trail designer Al Lima while Fall River Forester Mike Laboissiere talks with Partners School Wellness Coordinator Marcia Picard. (Bottom row, right) Deborah Roher of BikeFallRiver checks out the WalkFallRiver.org table manned by Eric Andrade.