FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 16, 2016

CONTACT:

Shannon Binns, Executive Director

Sustain Charlotte

phone: 704-338-2610

email: [email protected]

Hundreds participate in Sustain Charlotte’s Biketoberfest

Charlotte, NC - Hundreds of Charlotte area residents and visitors enjoyed a Saturday afternoon of exploring the city’s South End, Wesley Heights, and Center City neighborhoods by biking, walking, or riding transit during Charlotte’s second annual Biketoberfest. This family-friendly event showcased the ease of travel without a car in these parts of the city.

People of all ages and ability levels participated in a scavenger hunt from 12:00pm to 5:00pm, visiting such diverse destinations as the Bechtler Museum, Discovery Place, bike shops, local breweries, UNCC’s Center City art gallery, and many more. For each destination visited, participants earned a stamp in their official Biketoberfest Passport and chances to win prizes at the after party including a bicycle, helmets, and gift certificates to over a dozen local businesses.

Sustain Charlotte’s Executive Director, Shannon Binns, is thrilled to see Biketoberfest grow in popularity from the first event last year. “Over the past few years, we’ve seen a lot more people on bicycles in Charlotte. Out on the event route, the excitement was palatable as hundreds of participants -- some of whom hadn’t even ridden a bicycle for years -- discovered just how delightful an experience you can have in your community when you’re interacting with other people and the built environment on a human scale. Getting around the city by bike, on foot, or by transit allows you to meet your neighbors and experience the city in an incredible way that just doesn’t happen when you’re stuck inside your car.”

WHY: As Charlotte prepares to welcome 400,000 new residents to the city over the next 25 years, creative solutions are needed to meet the increasing demands on the city’s aging and inadequate transportation network. Biketoberfest brought the Charlotte community together for an event that allowed residents to have fun getting around the city without driving, with the ultimate goal of encouraging greater resident engagement in making Charlotte a city that’s friendly for bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit riders.

WHO: Sustain Charlotte’s Biketoberfest event was sponsored by various local businesses. Sponsors are listed at sustaincharlotte.org/biketoberfest.

WHEN: Saturday, October 15, 12:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m. with after party at Triple C Brewing Co.

WHERE: The event began and ended at Triple C Brewing Co.. The official route and destinations were within Center City, South End and Wesley Heights neighborhoods, Charlotte NC. A full list and map of route destinations is available on the event page.

###

Sustain Charlotte is a nonprofit organization working to advance a region-wide sustainability movement by serving as a catalyst for change. Our mission is to inspire choices that lead to a healthier and more vibrant community for generations to come.  For more information visit www.sustaincharlotte.org.