Folks on Spokes benefit event to take over Milford downtown streets
- GAB NEWS
- Sep 10
- 2 min read
By Brian Gioiele, Staff Writer
Sep 8, 2025
Folks on Spokes & Step Forward, now in its 34th year, will kick off on Sept. 14, 2025, at Fowler Field in Milford, with proceeds benefiting Bridges Healthcare.
MILFORD — The 34th annual Folks on Spokes & Step Forward Ride +Walk for mental health takes over downtown Milford on Sept. 14.
This annual event benefits Bridges Healthcare and remains one of the longest-running charity rides in the state.
The event, which begins at 8 a.m. at Fowler Field, has attracted hundreds of cyclists and walkers who participate to raise funds and awareness for mental health and addiction recovery services that help thousands of local people every year.
“Since this event began in 1991, the greater Milford community has been riding and now walking to support Bridges Healthcare’s vital programs for mental health and substance use disorders,” said Jennifer Fiorillo, Bridges CEO and president.
“We appreciate the strong bonds we have created with our clients, supporters and event sponsors and look forward to remaining your local connection to health,” Fiorillo added.
Event participants can choose from 5-, 10-, 20- or 40-mile cycling routes or take part in a 5K walk — all are along the scenic Connecticut shoreline. Attendees can ride or walk individually or as a team.
Fundraising is encouraged and free registration is offered to each person who commits to raising $100 by Sept. 14.
In addition to the ride and walk, the event features a remembrance ceremony to honor lives lost to suicide, addiction and overdose or honor those who are still living; music and kids’ activities; a free lunch and T-shirt for all registered participants; and community resource tables and opportunities to connect with local mental health advocates.
Pre-event registration fees are $50 per cyclist, $35 per walker, and $15 for those younger than 18. Children 6 and younger are free. Registration on the day of the event is $60 per cyclist and $40 per walker.
Hundreds of riders, walkers and volunteers are expected to attend to support Bridges’ community mental health and addiction recovery programs and services. The goal is to raise $45,000 which will help adults, children and families move toward healing, recovery and renewal.
Last year, Bridges reached nearly 9,000 individuals through outpatient, in-home, community outreach and coordinated prevention efforts.
The event’s major sponsors are NFP, The Milford Bank and The Cretella-Boni Family. To register, sponsor, volunteer or learn more, visit https://bit.ly/BridgesRideWalk2025.
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