The new Veteran's Memorial Bridge over the Taunton River was dedicated at 11:00 a.m. on September 11, 2011 and a dedication ceremony followed shortly thereafter for the the Pvt. Michael Bouthot Bicycle Path. While most of the attention went to the opening of the bridge which had taken forty years of planning and nearly ten years to construct, the bicycle path was an important addition for those who want to walk or bike over the new span. While cycling was not yet permitted on the new path, several cyclists walked their bikes across the bridge to enjoy the spectacular views of the Taunton River in both directions. Once open for traffic, the bike path will connect with the western end of Wellington Street in the City's North End. From there, cyclists will have to navigate some quiet but narrow city streets to connect up either with President Avenue, North Main Street or Davol Street along the River. Plans for route markers is currently underway. Click here for the Herald News article. Click here for a short video. For more information about bicycle route development in the City, contact Fall River Mass In Motion Coordinator Julianne Kelly at 508-324-2405, City Planner Jim Hartnett at 508-324-2561 or Fall River Bicycle Committee Chairman Brian Pearson.

(Top row, left and center) With the bike path behind her, Sue Bouthot welcomes the crowd to the dedication of the  path to her son, Michael, who was killed in 2006 by an improvised explosive device during combat in Baghdad and unveils the sign at the end of the ceremony. (Top row, right) Carlos Medeiros of Somerset walks his bicycle to the Fall River side of the new Veterans' Memorial Bridge while enjoying the view from the wide pedestrian and bicycle path that runs on the north side of the bridge. (Middle row) Walkers and cyclists, including a Somerset fireman, enjoy spectacular views of the Taunton River from atop the bridge. (Bottom row, left) Patricia Pausek walks with her grandsons, Lucas and Benjamin Ward, while her son, Joseph, follows with Chef Jessica Williams and Joseph's sister, Lisa. (Bottom row, center and right) Cyclists and walkers return to the Somerset side following the dedication of the Bridge, including Barbara Marchetti of Somerset and Andre Coelho of Fall River.