Young bicyclers can now borrow a children’s bicycle and enjoy Fairfield Hills trails and scenery on two wheels.

“The bikes are here, helmets are here, locks are here, and everything is approved” for a Bike Lending Program, said Parks & Recreation Director Amy Mangold. Last week, she watched as Nathan DePaolo pedaled around an open field outside Newtown Community Center. He was the first to ride one of more than 100 bikes, suitable for ages 4-12, which are now stored for use at the community center, 8 Simpson Street.

Children visiting Fairfield Hills can borrow a bike for use on the grounds on a same-day, borrow-and-return policy, Ms Mangold said. Bikes are available for check-out through the recreation department, now located within the community center, between 8 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. Ms Mangold said for the first visit, a parent will need to sign a waver that the department will keep on file.

On November 1, Nathan grew more confident on the bicycle and attempted climbing small hills and riding into dips and hollows. His father, Clinton DePaolo, a Parks & Recreation Commission member, and his mother, Anouk, encouraged Nathan, who enjoyed his afternoon.

The children’s bicycles are a donation through Brad Accettella, a Newtown resident and part of the Newtown Bike and Trails Committee. His company, Guardian Bikes (guardianbikes.com), sells directly to consumers, he told recreation members during a meeting in April. “Blemished bikes come back to the warehouse,” he said. He then offered to donate them to Parks & Rec.

About 100 bikes, “in good shape,” were at a warehouse in Salt Lake City, Utah, and were shipped to Newtown earlier this year. The bicycle company has brake engineering designed to avoid the front brake from stopping short, sending the rider over the handlebars.

While watching his son take the inaugural ride for the Town's new bike lending program, Mr Accettella said the back wheel of the bicycles in the lending program will skid, but the front brake “will act intelligently,” so the rider will not flip over the bars.

Watching his son laugh as he rode in widening loops, Mr DePaolo said, “People now have access to bikes and can get their kids out.”

Nodding to Mr Accettella, Mr DePaolo said, “Because of Brad, Amy is able to offer the town something special.”

“I’m thankful for the collaboration. This is great for families and a lot of fun,” Ms Mangold said.

“Getting kids on bikes is the main goal,” Mr Accettella said. Ms Mangold hopes to “use the gift to its potential,” she said, mentioning he idea of a bike park and bike lessons.

Bikes in various sizes are stored on bike racks outside the community center and are available for free to residents and for $5 for non-residents for the rest of the fall season.