July 7, 2026

Record-breaking Ride the State showcases Connecticut’s East Coast Greenway

A record, sold-out field of 200 participants from 14 states joined the East Coast Greenway’s 16th-annual Ride the State: Connecticut, a recreational 67-mile bicycle ride from New Haven to Hartford — from the Boathouse to the Statehouse — on Saturday, June 27.

Ranking among the largest fundraising rides in Connecticut, this year’s Ride the State again raised funds to support the completion of Connecticut’s marquee Greenway corridors. Once fully connected, the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail and Hartford Connector will help link communities across the state and support safe, car-free travel for recreation and transportation.

East Coast Greenway Alliance Treasurer Joe Impellizeri raised more than $3,000 as the event’s top fundraiser.

“We once again have drawn attention to the very few East Coast Greenway gaps remaining in Central Connecticut: Plainville, Simsbury, Bloomfield and Hartford,” said Alliance Southern New England Manager Bruce Donald. “Our sponsors, riders and friends help to make our work possible; I want to thank them all.”

The ride began at the Canal Dock Boathouse on Long Wharf Drive in New Haven and finished at Connecticut’s Old State House in Hartford. In between, the scenic route passed through Hamden, Cheshire, Southington, Plainville, Farmington, Avon, Simsbury, East Granby and Bloomfield. Many riders returned to New Haven via CT Rail for a true multi-modal experience.

“It’s economic impact, it’s quality of life. It’s a perfect example of how great these greenways are here in Connecticut. Connecticut has spent millions of dollars and a lot of planning has gone forth into the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, which is also the East Coast Greenway,” Steve Mitchell, Connecticut Committee Chair for the Alliance, told News 8 WTNH-TV.