The city of Longmont is looking to encourage and support local cyclists and bike enthusiasts this September as it launches its Sustainable Transportation Weekend.
“Transportation is one of the key factors in building a more sustainable community,” said Lisa Knoblauch, the city’s sustainability manager. “It’s currently the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., so when we think outside the car, we give ourselves the opportunity to re-invent our future.”
The Sustainable Transportation Weekend will be held on Sept. 9 and 10 with different activities planned for each day.
The weekend event will kick off on Sept. 9 with a bike extravaganza at Clark Centennial Park located at 1100 Lashley St.
The extravaganza will feature a bike repair event where bike technicians will provide simple bike fixes on items such as flat tires, brakes, chains and minor adjustments.
“Let’s get those broken bikes fixed so that they’re safe to ride and everyone can enjoy a little more time outdoors,” said Lauren Greenfield, traffic safety coordinator for the city of Longmont.
Derailleurs, cranks, wheels or full tune-ups will not be provided at this event.
On Sept. 10, the weekend will continue with a viewing of a new documentary, entitled "The Engine Inside."
The film is rated PG-13 and tells the story of six people from around the world and the power the bicycle has had to change their lives and communities.
The film will air from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Longmont Museum, 400 Quail St. A 30-minute panel discussion will take place after the movie and a Kids Zone with learning activities will also be offered for kids ages 5 to 10.
Following the documentary event, the city will launch its transportation fair from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The fair will include local community groups and bike shops as well as several bicycles, e-bikes and EV automobiles, refreshments, bike helmets, 2023 bike maps of Longmont and skills and drills activities for young riders.
Longmont’s Sustainable Transportation Weekend initiative comes as part of the city’s sustainability plan.
The plan was approved in 2016 and focuses on actions that can be implemented within the next five to ten years to help promote environmental stewardship, social equity and economic vitality.
The Sustainable Transportation Weekend event is free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged. For more information, click here.
