■A group of Massachusetts cyclists has banded together to forcefully publicize the pressing need for specific bicycle legislation. Pedal Against Pollution, a bicycle hike from Pittsfield to Boston, will pass through Northampton Saturday afternoon. The schedule calls for a stop at Wiggins Tavern.
■Gov. Francis Sargent on Monday appointed Mayor Sean Dunphy to an advisory council to the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. Mayor Dunphy was sworn in for a three-year term at ceremonies at the governor’s office Monday afternoon.
■In the same week that Easthampton is opening a new skateboard park, Northampton officials are renewing a commitment to build one of their own. The resolve to build a park for skateboarders and in-line skaters comes after city police officer Daniel Block outlined results last night of a survey in which 73.8% of the responding youth said they wanted a park.
■A traffic light will be installed at the intersection of Route 66 and Florence Road, site of several accidents and two fatalities, during a rebuilding of the state road next year.
■The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Board awarded a $308,000 planning grant to the University of Massachusetts Amherst Wednesday, a move intended to pave the way for a $95 million infusion into the university’s life sciences program in coming years.
■Rabbit sculptures for children to play on at Kendrick Park will be among the more visible components of the second Amherst Biennial. The Design Review Board this week approved installation of the three cast resin rabbits created by South Hadley artist Lee Hutt to mark the launch of this year’s Biennial, which runs from Oct. 6 through Nov. 30.