After a successful virtual Hunterdon County Bike Month event during May 2020, goHunterdon is now promoting a “Summer of Cycling” through the organization’s “Bike Hunterdon” initiative.

“Hunterdon County offers so much for bicyclists of all ages and abilities. With peaceful rural roads, scenic vistas, exhilarating mountain bike trails, and miles and miles of family friendly multi-use paths, there really is something for everyone,” say Caryl Harris, goHunterdon Bicycle Specialist.

“During this unique time of COVID19, we have been inspired by the quote that “the bicycle is a simple solution to some of the world’s most complicated problems”, says Harris.  

Nationally, bicycling has increased in popularity in recent months as individuals and families are looking for activities to replace traditional group activities.  According to the NPD Group, which tracks retail-sporting-goods sales, children’s bike sales in March were up 56 percent compared to March 2019. Adult leisure bike sales are up a whopping 121 percent.

“There are so many people who have rediscovered a bicycle that may have been sitting in their garage or shed,” says Harris. “We’re encouraging Hunterdon residents to get out on their bikes and ride!”

goHunterdon’s Bike Hunterdon initiative promotes bicycling in Hunterdon County through the  www.bikehunterdon.org website. The site features bicycle routes/rides, information on bike maintenance and listings of local bike shops and bike clubs. The site also provides important bicycle safety information and New Jersey bicycle laws.

goHunterdon is using social media, including a Bike Hunterdon Facebook Group, Instagram, and the goHunterdon YouTube Channel, to engage directly with the community.

For more information, visit any of the online sites noted above, or contact Caryl Harris, charris@gohunterdon.org

Bicyclists are good for business. And, adequate bicycle parking tells bicyclists that they are welcome at a business or in a community.

According to the Adventure Cycling Association, towns with populations of just 750 people can generate more than $25 million from bicycle tourism annually. “Bicyclists require relatively little to attract them to your business or community, but bicycle parking is a key amenity to attract and welcome bicyclists to patronize local stores,” says Caryl Harris, goHunterdon Bicycle Specialist.

As part of the Bike Hunterdon initiative, goHunterdon is offering bicycle racks to local businesses and municipalities, for periods of up to one month, free of charge, to test demand for bicycle parking. “The bike rack loan program allows businesses and communities to gauge for themselves whether a bike rack is of value,” says Harris.

“During the COVID19 pandemic, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of local residents who are choosing to ride recreationally and use their bicycles as a form of transportation,” notes Harris.  “We are seeing individuals and families ride into town for ice cream, pick up to go orders from local restaurants, or ride to the farmers market” she reports.  “Providing an appropriate place for bicyclists to park becomes important.”

Businesses and municipalities may request to borrow a 4-bike or 8-bike capacity rack.  goHunterdon will deliver and secure the rack at an agreed upon location for up to 30 days.

For more information, contact Caryl Harris, goHunterdon Bicycle Specialist, charris@gohunterdon.org, or complete an online request form: https://www.gohunterdon.org/pedalpark

Hunterdon County has long been a premier destination for bicyclists. The county’s winding, hilly and quiet back roads, quaint towns, historic sites, and scenic vistas draw bicyclists of all ages,  making bicycle tourism a natural fit and a benefit to the county’s economy. Continue reading “Bicycle Tourism a Focus for goHunterdon”

Hunterdon County is a premier destination for bicyclists of all ages and skill levels. From winding country roads, quaint towns, villages and historic sites, to scenic vistas and gorgeous natural resources, there is something for everyone looking for a reason to jump on their bicycle.

Continue reading “BikeHunterdon.org Website Updated”