Bridge-to-Bridge Walk Highlights Community Momentum for a Walkable + Bikeable Westport
On Sunday morning, October 19, more than sixty Westporters walking, biking, rolling, and scooting joined Bike Westport for the Bridge-to-Bridge Walk. The group set off from Jesup Green at the Westport Library, crossed the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, followed Riverside Avenue past the Cribari Bridge, and finished at Kneads Bakery in Saugatuck.
The event brought together residents, advocates, and local candidates to highlight the need for safer, more connected routes between Westport’s neighborhoods, schools, and destinations.
“All three candidates for First Selectman walked with us,” said Markus Marty, Founder and Director of Bike Westport. “It was an important moment for the community to walk, talk, and imagine what’s possible for a safer, more connected Westport.”
In his opening remarks, Marty reminded participants that the effort is about more than infrastructure. “Our mission is cultural,” he said. “It’s about making walking and biking feel safe and natural, and building a shared understanding that our streets belong to everyone: drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. The Pledge for a Walkable + Bikeable Westport is not a list of demands. It is a roadmap for partnership and progress.”
He noted that the Connecticut Department of Transportation now requires projects to include sidewalks, bike lanes, and crosswalks whenever possible. “That is what a ‘complete street’ looks like,” he said. “Westport has the opportunity to put that vision into action, and the Bridge-to-Bridge Walk shows how our community is ready to move forward together.”
Crossing the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge (Photo: John Videler)
Voices from the Walk
Kevin Christie, Democratic candidate for First Selectman, emphasized how better connectivity builds stronger neighborhoods:
“A more walkable and bikeable community helps to create a more connected community. It creates a healthier community. It gives peace of mind to families that just want their kids to be able to safely see their friends on the next street over. And the more we connect our communities with more walking and bikes, it will also help to mitigate traffic. That’s why I’m incredibly supportive of the Bike Westport Pledge.”
David Rosenwaks, running as an Independent, shared a vision of a greener, healthier town:
“We accomplish so many things by making the town more walkable and bikeable. We can eliminate cars from the road, improve air quality, and create a better sense of community. If we can get the community on board in a big way, with bike lanes and a real organized effort, we’ll be able to achieve a lot.”
Don O’Day, Republican candidate for First Selectman, focused on safety as the foundation of good government:
“Everybody walks. Everybody bikes. Safety is the number one thing that a government can provide to its citizens, and a walkable, bikeable community is exactly what safety is all about. I signed this pledge early on, and I’m fully committed to it. I encourage everyone to take a look, sign, and be with us.”
From Sustainable Westport, co-director Gately Ross spoke passionately about why this work matters for families:
“I have three boys. We live near an elementary school, but it’s not safe for them to walk or bike there. Walking and biking give kids independence, confidence, and freedom — things that are missing when the streets aren’t safe. This is a pledge that works for everyone. Who wouldn’t want to live in a safer, more connected community?”
Building Momentum for Change
Throughout the walk, Bike Westport leaders highlighted opportunities for safer routes, including the potential for protected bike lanes on Riverside Avenue, new crosswalks and traffic-calming measures, and a bicycle safety curriculum for Westport’s elementary schools.
The Pledge for a Walkable + Bikeable Westport now has nearly 900 signers and continues to gain momentum.
Help us keep the momentum going.
Sign and share the Pledge for a Walkable + Bikeable Westport
