Bicycling is a fun, healthy, economical and fuel efficient way to travel. Whether you are commuting to work or using your bike to complete a short trip, riding a bicycle instead of driving a car will contribute to lower emissions of air polution, less traffic congestion and better personal health. Take your bike to work, school, shopping or just for fun.

The Franklin, Hampshire and Hamden County regions of Massachusetts are scenic areas for bicycling. The Enjoy the Ride in the Connecticut River Valley media campaign was developed as part of a project, funded through the Federal Transportation Demand Management Program, to encourage people to ride their bicycles instead to driving. The overall goal is to encourage practices that will improve air quality by reducing the pollution emitted by automobiles. This webpage was established in conjunction with the video media campaign to provide additional information on materials contained in the video. This information and the web links provide additional information on safety, gear, and local resources for individuals wishing to take their bicycle.

Enjoy the Ride was created as part of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments and Pioneer Valley Planning Commission’s Share the Road in the Connecticut River Valley project with funding provided by the Executive Office of Transportation/MassHighway and the Federal Highway Administration from the Transportation Demand Management Program.

A number of local cyclists from Franklin, Hampshire and Hamden Counties in Massachusetts discuss why, when and how they choose to bicycle instead of driving. The video encourages the use of bicycles for transportation. It tells the stories of ordinary people who use their bicycles to travel to work, play and other routine daily activities. The video also includes educational information about proper equipment, rules of the road, and tips on how to handle the challenges that often face those who commute by bicycle. Take your bike and Enjoy the Ride.