Take a moonlight ride at the refuge

NEWBURYPORT — The road through the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is a popular place for bicyclists of all skill levels and ages to enjoy a calm ride through natural beauty.

On Friday, Oct. 20, Newburyport Livable Streets and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge are sponsoring an after-hours community ride on the refuge road.

“We are excited to offer this experience to area residents, and we’re extremely grateful to Parker River for opening up the refuge in the evening for this event,” organizer Sheila Taintor said.

Taintor said the Moonlight Ride reflects Newburyport Livable Streets’ mission of supporting the health and well-being of the community by promoting safe streets for walking and cycling. Providing a car-free evening for community members to bike on the refuge provides a unique after-dark experience in nature, and allows new or nervous riders to gain confidence safely biking at night.

Ella Weber, visitor services manager at the refuge, noted that biking provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the sounds and sights of wildlife at night while reducing the impact of vehicle headlights.

“At this time of year, birds and other wildlife are engaged in fall migration and dark skies are essential,” Weber said. “Bright artificial light can cause confusion and disorientation, which may lead to exhaustion or fatal collisions.”

Cyclists will gather in Lot 1 at the refuge and take off down the refuge foad. The roundtrip distance is about 4.6 miles. At the halfway mark, riders will be able to warm up with hot cocoa courtesy of Chococoa Baking.

Participants who decorate their bikes will be entered in a raffle. Prizes include several refuge day passes as well as an annual pass.

Massachusetts has a new vulnerable users law that is intended to make walking and cycling in the state safer. A provision of the new law is a requirement that people cycling at night have rear red lights on their bikes, as well as reflectors, in addition to white front lights. Thanks to the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition (MassBike), the event organizers will be distributing rear lights to those who do not already have them on their bikes. Staff from Riverside Cycle will be on hand at the beginning of the event to help install the rear lights.

Ride organizers expressed their thanks to supporting businesses and organizations Chococoa Baking, Riverside Cycle, MassBike and the Coastal Trails Coalition. Preregistration for the Moonlight Ride is required.

Detailed event information and a sign-up form are available at http://bit.ly/ refugeride.

The Moonlight Ride is for all ages and abilities.

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