Ansonia to host 3rd annual bike rally to commemorate Lallement

Pierre Lallement

   ANSONIA - The Cultural Commission welcomes bike riders and their families May 5 to join in the third annual bicycle rally commemorating Pierre Lallement, the inventor of the bicycle, chairwoman Judy Nicolari said today.

    Lallement, a Frenchman, was living in Ansonia when he invented the pedal bicycle in 1865. His first trip pedaling his invention was from Ansonia to New Haven.

    Last year's rally was in June, but the Cultural Commission moved it to May because it is National Bike Month.

    Nicolari said, "Cyclists will have two options as to where they would like to join in the rally."   
    One is to start in New Haven at 10:15 a.m. at the corner of College and Chapel Streets, the site of their Pierre Lallement plaque on the Green. They can take the route with the New Haven riders.
    Registration will be held at the Cultural Commission booth at Webster Park for Valley riders.
    Nicolari said a rider release form will be available for anyone under 18 who wants to participate.
    Registration for riders leaving from New Haven will be held before 10 a.m. at the corner of College and Chapel Streets. the site of the Pierre Lallement plaque.

    A second option is for cyclists to be at Webster Park on Central Street (behind Big Y Supermarket) at 11 a.m. and proceed with the riders to East Main and Main Streets to Veterans Memorial Park next to City Hall.
    A kickoff ceremony and rally in honor of Lallement will be held in the park.
    Guest speakers will include:
    Mayor James Della Volpe; author David Herlihy, President of the Lallement Memorial Committee who wrote commentary for the book, “Pierre Lallement and His Bicycle;” Laura Burrone, committee member, New Haven International Festival of Arts and Ideas; and student Ryan Amato winner of last year’s essay contest, “The Ride of the Wooden Horse.”

    DJ Phyllis Kaplan will play songs including “Eye of The Tiger,” the theme from a “Rocky” movie to inspire cyclists as they arrive at Veterans Memorial Park.
    Nicolari said the commission will have snacks and drinks available for those cyclists participating in the ride.
    After the ceremony a “Festival of Bikes” sponsored by the Economic Development Commission will be held on Main Street. A list of festival activities will be announced.