[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6248390,"mediaKeyId","3209931-fade9fead78702f3b92de549cf98c296","parentId",3209931,"title","Norwalk commission allocates remaining FY funds to tent, giveaways and training","audioSeconds",752,"startMs",5740000,"endMs",6492000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3209931-fade9fead78702f3b92de549cf98c296&start=5740&end=6492","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3209931-fade9fead78702f3b92de549cf98c296/thumbnail_5740000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6248390/Norwalk-City/Fairfield/Connecticut/Norwalk-commission-allocates-remaining-FY-funds-to-tent-giveaways-and-training","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248390-0a6d075135d23f82c4831832f67c5fb6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204334&Signature=heMbk7HoOjQURKMFR63pczE7cIpLSdk1Q6Xe8-YxBQsDoBpU~yA3Pou85vgKLanAz3nj135FBwIFVhj6MfJXGrq4ajR3yYejUWBrlVoiygj6gZmzqAzqkMvTqCWn-wChNE-7zx-CTIouesdKjOsmCdWGPw2TUg~8RZhCAisg0o9qTlqGxO9Jqkl2Mw8TDgaUM~Wixy0kjrMzd9-bSfkvvJ40sgOeywsGWkymJ0vXhbra~PlTgtxErnSmqspFSep5TzQP4bljuf-jLgBp0cFihwFWWu8Ptfq0t68~jfWGKztbHUyFFPz2JSiDhGaRj7wsVpSVhOQdhiv8SPIUmsLZUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Norwalk, CT","date","2025-05-05T00:00:00Z","article","Facing an imminent fiscal‑year deadline to spend remaining funds, the Norwalk Bike Walk Commission on May 5 approved purchases for outreach equipment and rider education.

Commissioners discussed outstanding budget lines and approved a multi‑part plan: purchase a printed canopy tent for use at tabling events, buy drawstring bags and full‑size water bottles for giveaways, and cover two commissioners’ registrations for REI bike‑repair workshops. Commissioner Tanner Thompson moved to allocate approximately $500 toward a printed canopy and divide the remaining balance between water bottles and drawstring bags; the motion passed unanimously. The commission also authorized $65 to cover two commissioners’ registration for REI classes (member rates), a motion seconded and approved.

Nick Pappas reported prior quotes for giveaway items and offered to obtain final vendor quotes and process the orders through the city purchasing workflow. Commissioners prioritized durable, bike‑cage‑compatible water bottles and a lightweight, easy‑deploy canopy suited to repeated field use.

Separately, commissioners reviewed Earth Day outreach outcomes: Nick said the rainy weather depressed overall attendance but volunteers staffed the bike‑valet and fielded questions; an estimated handful of bikes used the valet service during the event. Commissioners recommended adding QR codes linking to the commission’s Linktree or Instagram at future tables to convert public interest into email sign‑ups and to consider a printed tent to avoid being co‑branded under other sponsors’ tents.

The commission directed staff and volunteers to finalize quotes and return purchases to the purchasing cycle before the fiscal deadline; vendors and event logistics will be coordinated by commissioners volunteering as leads.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Norwalk Bike Walk Commission 05-05-2025","oneSentenceSummary","With a fiscal‑year spending deadline approaching, the commission authorized a printed canopy, drawstring bags and water bottles and agreed to fund two commissioners' enrollment in REI repair workshops.","taxTitle","Norwalk City, Fairfield, Connecticut","taxId",4245,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6248395,"Norwalk commission unanimously backs letter supporting East Wall Street connectivity grant",553,4673000,5226000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3209931-fade9fead78702f3b92de549cf98c296&start=4673&end=5226","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3209931-fade9fead78702f3b92de549cf98c296/thumbnail_4673000.jpg","/articles/6248395/Norwalk-City/Fairfield/Connecticut/Norwalk-commission-unanimously-backs-letter-supporting-East-Wall-Street-connectivity-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248395-5e8627efc42559627eb303b0ef72b668/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204334&Signature=JQfWQ-soexPtujGNb0oHuJl-nJjB1HFyjxDpRndOFPOLyCK1hZOgjeVQvzJ5YD0i2PF~Q496ndRV75VoXaM7lF8XeYq7iV0WfCdgEYzcjnDJ5fAopvCUa~VyVungCULHOYrfVX~-DslVeTJA02mWa3Sv9ZD-ESZNU0xue84rMfQ2xZHQxuzjLgLmJcotXLVYDTTPEKWsmxUDTLZSyzQMvD1EWvNMN1mWXNRNtPX5W06b0owCxR6Dj~xj8e9~EcKMG8yT4Uogzld8wQn~WjUl6Z5afwI2qNl5SgAZFyQIi6tlQip127oG16M42BSosoCqNsrEMaC7zds0Hu0DmgSwAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Norwalk Bike Walk Commission voted unanimously on May 5 to authorize a staff member to finalize and send a letter of support for a state Community Connectivity Grant submission to extend streetscape and bicycle improvements on East Wall Street between Brook Street and East Avenue.

Nel Blazkowicz, who has been coordinating with city planning staff, described the proposed project as a streetscape scope that would connect bike lanes to the larger Wall Street project, upgrade sidewalks, and include a bike box at East Wall Street where it meets East Avenue. \"This would be for the state's community connectivity grant project submission, for this upcoming year,\" Nel said, explaining the intent to submit for fiscal year 2025–26 funding.

Commissioners asked questions about whether the five‑way intersection would be in the project area and how the design would address vehicle queuing that can block bike lanes. Commissioners acknowledged that the project would not by itself resolve all safety issues at the intersection but said extending the streetscape and continuous bike lanes is a necessary step.

Emily moved to authorize staff to edit and send a form letter of support for the grant on behalf of the commission. The motion was seconded, called and the presiding officer recorded the vote as unanimous.

Commissioners asked for a draft to review and requested the letter be returned for final edits if necessary; staff requested May 14 to submit the letter. The action is advisory — a local letter of support to accompany the municipal grant application — and does not bind the city to the project design or funding.

The grant submission and the commission letter are part of an ongoing planning process; design work and specific changes to on‑street parking and signalization will be determined in later engineering phases if the grant is awarded.","The commission authorized staff to finalize and submit a letter of support for a state Community Connectivity Grant to extend Wall Street streetscape work and add bike lanes between Brook Street and East Avenue.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6248402,"Norwalk commission plans Bike to Work Day tabling, offers vouchers to support local cafe",563,2438000,3001000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3209931-fade9fead78702f3b92de549cf98c296&start=2438&end=3001","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3209931-fade9fead78702f3b92de549cf98c296/thumbnail_2438000.jpg","/articles/6248402/Norwalk-City/Fairfield/Connecticut/Norwalk-commission-plans-Bike-to-Work-Day-tabling-offers-vouchers-to-support-local-cafe","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248402-e0faf815f9d18c5a0cea3c567f4bbcb7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204334&Signature=iABNiJGViCrEoUrblgR545qulp8AKhWsDlCVnn2MxuWy~MHsdNI7Pn2L6bC088OFjdbOEzZNmcQneNq2ARWAhwqr9ZqFmYW2Ejikbs9VuX~kF9sz3hfqtz~9qPg-ZDuEEg2Nj8olUMwh5BnoRbyIvWm8wu1NPx2juDoHAMqpNSiDPFQbSf0Rhzzmzd~j~oQ56cFC0SvaOxMYdbITjFJ35XGiXOdf7gL3-wtN9~btaifOkaHr8ZToD315xeIph079~B53DK0NjVQO-USdZedL4rUC5LluX3PYLQWeaH01yG3jKsGsxmtuvSIidIkeHK0V99F4VYl35ZxmevSPyuLDxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Norwalk Bike Walk Commission on May 5 finalized plans for Bike to Work Week and Bike to Work Day, including a tabling presence at South Norwalk (Sono) Train Station and a partnership with a local coffee vendor to offer drink vouchers to commuters.

Commissioners discussed logistics, location and timing for tabling on Friday, May 16. Becca Stoll said Black by Demand Coffee (inside Sono Station) agreed to accept vouchers and proposed a voucher arrangement; commissioners discussed allocating up to $200 for vouchers and small food items to incentivize people who biked to the station. “We approved $200,” Emily, the presiding officer, confirmed during the meeting as the group discussed vouchers and coupon logistics.

Staff and commissioners decided the commission will table on the State Street side of South Norwalk Train Station during morning commuter hours, with core coverage suggested between 6:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Commissioners volunteered to staff shifts; the commission will follow up with the parking authority and other city contacts to secure permission.

Practical details remain to be finalized: whether the commission will hand out printed one‑time vouchers redeemable through May 31, how many vouchers to print, and whether to include small snack items as part of the voucher package. Manny and other commissioners offered to design and print coupons if needed. CT Rides and the city’s Mayoral staff offered social promotion and cross‑promotion on Transportation Tuesday posts.

The group also discussed using the tabling opportunity to demonstrate practical multimodal options (racking bikes on buses, intermodal connections) and cross‑promote Bike to Work Week events such as an evening bike party. Commissioners agreed to work out the final promotional graphics and coupon mechanics by email prior to the event.

No formal ordinance or policy was proposed; the meeting focused on outreach and use of an existing commission budget to incentivize commuter behavior and support a local small business.","The commission arranged a tabling presence at South Norwalk train station for Bike to Work Day and agreed to spend commission funds on drink vouchers to support a local business and incentivize commuters.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6248406,"Norwalk commission hears safety concerns, training options as e‑bike use rises",669,809000,1478000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3209931-fade9fead78702f3b92de549cf98c296&start=809&end=1478","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3209931-fade9fead78702f3b92de549cf98c296/thumbnail_809000.jpg","/articles/6248406/Norwalk-City/Fairfield/Connecticut/Norwalk-commission-hears-safety-concerns-training-options-as-ebike-use-rises","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248406-c6d1d39933075c2925e3b55851118afa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204334&Signature=fjWV-E4wUDuvIRZT0MEkGP6iCVSgQHDNbf0VHY1HPxeaR0ugpzTQuZdJU70hj3wuHq6Nme-zTuPRTpd8x~fshb-JXvipeXZuJaLtf8G6oXr-sMShweg1wR2GwVajBWP4L3cm6onwXmjs9O~L0UGcJvFLWEHwbFnWdE4DO4LR4VPtNTb8~PHXm7BfRbmPhgg4gl0883iS16WPlxRu0usbdDcJdwiCiu7xsdhviVrgrFmKwN6F8a4a~4agglmWAJPfkuD~Zr5unNqjpFE86uXc3gJaahFe7Zqd8WT4uTI76ps~HacXvFXSXAzFtpnQUe3ughieMZHUenUK1c1MVdPecQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Norwalk Bike Walk Commission on May 5 heard a briefing on recent bike-safety workshops and an extended discussion of e‑bike training and regulation as local use rises.

Commissioners and outside presenters described in-person skills clinics at Connecticut State Community College Norwalk, a new local League-certified instructor and outreach ideas to reach parents and students. The conversation turned to safety risks tied to higher-powered e‑bikes, how shops and programs can help steer buyers toward appropriate models, and a need for clearer public information about Connecticut rules and age limits.

Chaz Foster, a presenter who led a Safe Cycling class at CT State Norwalk, said attendance at in-person workshops has been spotty and suggested offering paid or low-cost sessions to increase commitment. “One option would be, that sound cyclist of which I'm a board member, and kinda sponsors these, we could do something like…charge,” Foster said, adding that a modest fee can increase attendee follow-through and could be paired with club membership or other incentives. Foster described organizing daylong sessions with a classroom presentation and an afternoon ride at sites such as Fox Run School and CT State Norwalk so riders can practice on nearby protected facilities.

Foster and commissioners flagged safety issues specific to e‑bikes: throttle‑enabled models can accelerate unexpectedly for inexperienced riders, especially younger riders whose impulse control is still developing, and some motorized two‑wheelers that lack pedals (described in the meeting as “eMoto”) are treated differently under law and may be restricted from trails or require a license. Foster told the commission that Connecticut’s age restriction for certain higher‑powered e‑bikes is not prominently disclosed by manufacturers or sellers, and recommended education targeted at parents and bike retailers.

Commissioners and guests also discussed the standard class system for e‑bikes (class 1, 2 and 3). Commissioner Tanner Thompson and others emphasized that education should include both cautions and benefits: “When we talk about e‑bikes we should be including both the responsibility and the power,” Thompson said, noting e‑bikes can expand access and replace car trips when used appropriately.

The commission and presenters described recent local activity: an April 15 classroom presentation and an April 22 outdoor skills workshop at CT State Norwalk led by Foster, and Julia Green of the Norwalk Health Department earning a League certification as an instructor. Commissioners asked staff to consider remote (Zoom) sessions and short recorded clips to scale outreach and to coordinate with local partners such as bike shops and Watch for Me CT to produce Norwalk-specific materials.

Commissioners agreed to continue coordinating trainings with Safe Routes to School leaders and to pursue bilingual and school‑based outreach for walk‑and‑bike-to-school efforts. No formal policy changes or municipal code amendments were proposed at the meeting; commissioners instead focused on training, outreach logistics and materials distribution.

Looking ahead, commission members said they will follow up with CT State Norwalk and community partners to schedule additional classes, explore modest-fee registration to raise attendance, and request Norwalk-specific educational materials from regional partners.

The presentation and discussion were led during the new-business portion of the meeting and included time for public questions and feedback from commissioners and city staff.","The Norwalk Bike Walk Commission discussed recent safety workshops, certified instructors and gaps in public understanding of e‑bike classes and age rules. A visiting instructor urged more training for riders and parents.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Norwalk commission allocates remaining FY funds to tent, giveaways and training

Norwalk commission unanimously backs letter supporting East Wall Street connectivity grant

Norwalk commission plans Bike to Work Day tabling, offers vouchers to support local cafe

Norwalk commission hears safety concerns, training options as e‑bike use rises