Bike riders cross the finish line at the Tour de Belt. Photo: Capital Area Greenbelt Association
Local bicyclists showed up in force for the 2022 Tour de Belt, breaking records for both attendance and money raised.
According to the Capital Area Greenbelt Association, nearly 1,200 people made the 20-mile loop around the Greenbelt on June 5, raising $59,425.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the results of this year’s Tour de Belt and Finish Line Fest,” said Neelam Zaver, CAGA board member and Tour de Belt committee chair. “We’re so grateful to all those who contributed to the effort—from bike participants, to sponsors, to community volunteers—and made it such a fun and successful event!”
The ride started at the HACC campus in Harrisburg, looping around picturesque natural areas, parks, and open areas through Harrisburg, Paxtang, Penbrook and Susquehanna and Swatara townships. It ended at Commonwealth Charter Academy, where the first-ever Finish Line Fest offered live music and entertainment, food trucks and other fun activities.
The funds raised will support improvements and maintenance of the Greenbelt, according to CAGA. In 2021, the budget for these efforts surpassed $7 million and included increased safety of trail crossings at intersections, newly paved sections of the trail, and completion of the new Fort Hunter connection.
In all, the 2022 Tour de Belt event had 41 sponsors, including tops sponsors LCSWMA, Faulkner Subaru Harrisburg, Highmark Blue Shield and Penn State Health.
“Work to support the Greenbelt doesn’t stop now that Tour de Belt and Finish Line Fest are over—it’s a year-round effort by dedicated volunteers to care for and improve this important community resource,” said CAGA Board President Mike Shaull. “We encourage any local businesses, organizations, or individuals interested in getting involved to visit caga.org reach out to us at caga@caga.org for more information.”
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