Mayor hosts first annual bike ride
Northampton Mayor Anthony Pristash is a bicycle enthusiast of note. A typical day-off activity sees Pristash on his bicycle riding on the D&L Trail or around the borough. Pristash decided to use his bicycling fervor and create an event that builds multigenerational community.
Pristash worked with Northampton Police Bike Officer Manny Torres to develop the inaugural Mayor’s Bicycle Fun Run. The event was held at the borough’s Canal Street Park May 30.
Pristash; Bonnie Almond and Xuan Lam, councilmember and junior councilmember, respectively; and Jake Kutzler, grandson of borough council President Julia Kutzler, staffed the registration table.
The event was promoted by the Northampton Area Kiwanis Club. Local Kiwanis leader Tom Harp was on hand representing Kiwanis in support of the community-strengthening effort that assists children.
The Northampton Fire Department was present with a truck and an all-terrain vehicle called Tom Cat for all to see. Firefighter Noah Hassler explained to attendees the role of the vehicles for public safety. Ambulance first responders were also present to support the effort.
Under the pavilion were refreshments and light snacks.
KJ Lehigh Mobile DJ Services staff Sara Disciacca, of Orefield, played popular music noon-3 p.m.
Two young residents, Mark Chabala and Darcy Bonifcaio, of Northampton, patiently waited on their bikes for the bike ride to begin. The attendee list grew as they got closer to the set 3 p.m. start time.
Torres gathered the attendees on bikes to provide instruction as to where the bike ride would go. He delighted attendees with his positive, interactional style. The bikers then departed on the fun ride.
Pristash was happy about the support the event received from several community-spirited organizations. He pointed out kids as young as fourth-graders were invited to participate.
He said he felt the cooler, windy day might have suppressed turnout, but he looks forward to growing the community bike event and expects the second annual Mayor’s Bicycle Fun Run to be expanded for younger kids and their families.