East Montpelier is putting itself on the map as a rural community that will regularly open a section of paved road to use primarily by people on foot, bicycles, etc. this year, in a continuation of an initiative from last year. The first event this year is July 9, 9 am to noon, and the Selectboard has authorized continuing these on the second Sunday of each month, through October.

There will be a detour for drivers around the bike-pad section of Country Road, from Barnes to Templeton, during this time. Volunteers are needed to help staff the barricades at the ends of the road, and we've asked the Sheriff's Department to send a deputy to help with traffic calming. All are welcome to come with their roller blades, bicycles, etc. or just on foot. Local driving to and from residences (respectful of the bike-ped users) is allowed during this time and, of course, emergency vehicles will have full access to the road, if needed. Afterwards, the event will be evaluated at the July 24 Selectboard meeting.

I told our hard-working town office staff and Recreation Board that I was happy to be the one to receive feedback on the proposal. Please send any feedback on this experiment to me at cetnier@eastmontpeliervt.org. If you want to help organize or volunteer at the events, please contact Larry Gilbert at conradgilbert@gmail.com.

Event Info

Nov 29, 2024, 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Nov 29, 2024, 6 to 7 PM

Dec 3, 2024, 5 to 7 PM