Whitley County gets $3,000 bicycling grant

The Kentucky Bicycle and Bikeway Commission recently announced the award of 2017 Paula Nye Grant Awards totaling about $85,780 to 12 organizations around the state for projects related to pedestrian and bicycle safety and education, including one project in Whitley County.

Individual citizens provide the funds when they purchase and/or renew the colorful “Share the Road” license plates.

“Many Kentucky communities have really become involved in promoting cycling activities, infrastructure and safety programs and the Commissioners are very supportive,” said Commission Chairman Bill Gorton of Lexington.

The Whitley County Health Department’s Spokespeople Bike Club received a $3,000 award.

The club teaches youth bicycle skills, addresses public awareness and provides safety equipment for participants during their bicycling events.

The program conducts three bicycle rides annually beginning in April with the Earth Ride, followed by the Freedom Ride in July and the Night of the Living Tread Ride in late October.

One of the goals of the program is the ongoing purchase of bike helmets from either donations or grant funds for adults and children.

“These helmets are offered absolutely free and sized to fit participants heads for anyone that can’t afford a bike helmet or wants to participate in any biking event offered by the club,” Whitley County Health Department Health Educator Kathy Lay noted in the grant application.

Local officials had sought a $5,000 grant.