The MVTMA wrapped up another successful Bike-to-Work Week as part of the MassCommute Bicycle Challenge and Bay State Bike Week in May. Employees of MVTMA member businesses supported their companies in this friendly challenge against other businesses in the area and throughout the state. Pre-registration took place at an event sponsored by Philips. Throughout Bike-to-Work Week, bike commuters were welcomed at different member locations with a light breakfast and then were invited to two great wrap-up events, the MassCommute Bike Bash and the Merrimack Valley TMA Bike-to-Work Celebration. This year was also the inception of the Bike Buddy program that paired experienced cyclists with novices, or cyclists who simply wanted to ride with others during Bike Week. Participation was excellent with 91 bike commuters from 13 different companies. Participants logged 5175 miles during bike week, reducing CO2 emissions by more than 4000 pounds and racking up a savings of 207 gallons of gasoline or about $776.00!

Many thanks to all of the participants, to Jeff Spagat for donating space and to Corporate Chef's great discounts on food for the Bike to Work Celebration BBQ. Appreciation also goes out to Kathy Rogers of Philips and Linda Sbuttoni from VICOR for their efforts on behalf of Bike to Work week. MVTMA continues to be supported by our members and sponsors, and we also to extend our thanks to Andover Town Manager, Buzz Stapczynski for attending the Celebration BBQ and welcoming the attendees. Local sponsors donated over 30 great raffle prizes for the event.

MVTMA Executive Director Andrea Leary and TMA Board member Jeff Spagat are working with the Andover Economic Development Council (EDC) and Town Planners, Paul Materazzo and Lisa Schwarz as well as Andover Planning Board member Eric Macaux to bring amenities to the industrial areas in Andover, including River Road. Long-term goals for the EDC are to address issues relating to economic development, business retention and job creation in the town.

The group is currently working on developing language that will allow expanded business options in Andover's industrial districts - including medical facilities, small retail outlets, and coffee shops. The group believes that changes to the zoning language will improve the holistic environment in industrial areas and create more development and spending opportunities in Andover. Initial language will be presented to the Planning Board in October followed by additional meetings with the public. Any changes to the town's zoning language must be approved by a two-thirds majority of Town Meeting this spring.

The 2012 Summer Lunchtime Bike Ride Series was a great success with increased participation on each ride. The Series concluded with two final rides on September 12th and September 19th.

The MVTMA, in conjunction with MassDOT, MassRIDES and other Massachusetts TMAs celebrated Car-Free Week from September 17th to the 23rd. Participation was free and easy! Participants who went Car-Free or Car-Light were asked to track their green trips with NuRide, the nation's largest travel rewards and rideshare matching program.