Mattapan on Wheels sets off for the 12th time

By Seth Daniel, News Editor, Dorchester Reporter

July 27, 2022

Christina Rose, Courtneay Small, Peter Cheung, Charlotte Fleetwood of Boston Transportation Department, and Eliza Parad of the Boston Cyclist Union.

The 12th annual Mattapan on Wheels took place last Saturday morning at Ryan Playground on River Street. More than 100 cyclists from Mattapan, Dorchester and other communities joined in to make one of three rides – a family ride to Tenean Beach in Dorchester, an intermediate ride, and an expert ride to the Arnold Arboretum. Mattapan Food & Fitness Director Shavel’le Olivier said that for more than a decade the organization has been trying to promote bicycling in the community – particularly for Black and Brown people and youth. The result is an active biking community in Mattapan that gathered for the 12th annual ride.

Photos by Seth Daniel

Councillor Ruthzee Louijeune, Mattapan Food & Fitness Chair Vivien Morris, Mattapan Food & Fitness Director Shavel’le Olivier, State Rep. Brandy Fluker Oakley and Fatima Ali-Salaam, president of the Greater Mattapan Neighborhood Council (GMNC).

Mattapan on Wheels volunteers Winnie Yuan, Chris Eugene, and Nathan Laurore.

Bermina Chery was ready to take on the intermediate ride on Saturday morning.

Abeo Powder signed up for the 12-mile expert ride.

Malaysia Fuller-Staten, a community organizer with the Boston Cyclist Union.

Arriving to Ryan Playground on two wheels was Theresa Jordan.

Steve Snekvik repairs his wheel before leaving.

Danny Garcia of Mattapan and Quintell Brown, visiting from New Jersey, were ready for a morning ride.

Ishmael Hazelwood, youth riding coordinator, and Shavel’le Olivier, co-organizer of the event.

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