Save the Bethlehem Bicycle Cooperative North Block Party

CAT-Coalition for Appropriate Transportation has helped more than 2,000 cyclists at BBC North over the last 3 years thanks to the generosity of the property owner, Fred Achey, and our many other sponsors. But now we must find a new location in downtown North Bethlehem to continue offering support for cyclists in this neighborhood.

CAT are holding this Save the BBC North Block Party to raise awareness of our need for a new location. We need 1,500 square feet of space with plumbing and electricity at a nominal rent to continue operating BBC North. We have 3 months before the “BBC North” facility will close, at least temporarily, if we don’t find a new location. Bethlehem Mayor John B. Callahan is expected to attend early in the afternoon and go on a bike ride with interested cyclists.

Attending the Block Party is free, although we ask families and individual cyclists to register in advance by visiting our website: CAR-FREE.ORG.

There will be free food, music, and bicycle education. CAT will give away free helmets for all children who need them, plus provide helmet fittings for all children and adults. Professional mechanics will conduct free safety checks of all bikes. Anyone bringing a bike with a flat tire will not only have it fixed, but a free lesson in how to fix and prevent flat tires in the future (please bring the entire bike).  League of American Bicyclists certified Cycling Instructors will take cyclists through a traffic-free basic skills course, lead rides on the Lehigh Canal towpath and conduct destination rides anywhere in Bethlehem.

Donations to help with moving costs can be made online or at the Block Party.

We hope to have the BBC West up and running in about 3 months, so there should be continuity of service for those willing to travel to 1935 West Broad Street in Bethlehem for bicycle education classes, use of the educational bike shop and other support services for those using a bicycle for transportation.

Note: CAR-FREE.ORG Administrative Offices Moved

We have successfully moved the CAR-FREE.ORG administrative functions from 14 W. Raspberry Street to the Forté Building, 1337 East Fifth Street in South Bethlehem, thanks to excellent lease terms from owner Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley.