The South Coast Bikeway Alliance (SCBA) has announced its 7th annual bike summit, to be held on Thursday, March 23 at the Fort Taber Community Center.

This year's summit will focus on building the South Coast Bikeway, and aims to bring awareness to planned projects in Dartmouth, Marion, Mattapoisett, and Wareham. Attendees will also celebrate completed paths in New Bedford and Fall River, as well as learn about the potential to link the two cities with a 3.5-mile greenway in the largely rural areas north of I-195.

Keynote speaker Colleen Abrams, president of Wachusett Greenways, will talk about her group's experience as steward of the Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT) in central Massachusetts. In 1995, this all-volunteer nonprofit group and their partners began to build and maintain trails. Discover how its model of working with nonprofits and state agencies could advance the progress of the pathways in the South Coast.

A welcoming reception with exhibitors begins at 5:30 p.m. Bikeway advocates, land preservationists, town and city planners, and bicycle enthusiasts will be on hand to answer questions.

The speakers program begins at 6 p.m. and concludes at 7:30 p.m. All who have an interest in recreational pathways , alternative transportation, promotion of tourism and economic development on the South Coast are welcome and encouraged to attend this free event. Light refreshments will be offered.

Pre-registration is appreciated. Visit the events calendar at southcoastbikeway.com, or call Jackie Jones at 508-824-1367, ext. 234.

The Fort Taber Community Center is located at 1000A S Rodney French Boulevard, New Bedford.