Rides for Moving Planet

A number of local nonprofit groups will participate in bicycle rides Saturday as part of Moving Planet, an international event promoting clean transportation options organized by 350.org. Needham Bikes, the Green Needham Collaborative, and the Needham Community Farm are joining in a local bike ride that will highlight various environmental initiatives around town. The first stop is the High Rock School, where participants can hear an informal presentation on solar energy projects, including the new solar panels at the school. Then, at the town’s recycling and transfer station, riders will stop to discuss the wind-power feasibility study and a possible solar-panel installation, as well as composting and recycling initiatives. At 11:30 a.m., the ride ends with a picnic lunch at the Needham Community Farm (bring your own), where riders will learn about the farm’s mission to encourage a more sustainable lifestyle. A second ride, organized by Needham Bikes, will travel 13 miles from Town Hall to Boston Common, where participants will join a regional Moving Planet rally. Leaving at 12:30, the riders will go through the Arnold Arboretum, and then follow the bike path that runs through the Southwest Corridor Park. More information, including a map of the route from Town Hall to Boston Common, can be found at www.needhambikes.org or on the Needham event page on www.moving-newengland.org. - Dan Adams