Missoula Bike - Walk - Bus Week Moves to September

Missoula's 22nd annual Bike Walk Bus Week has been moved from its traditional time in April to September 8-14 for better weather and the ability for students to take a more active role in the activities.

Missoula Bike-Pedestrian Program Manager Ben Weiss explained how the weather influenced this decision.

"Bike Walk Bus Week took place in April for 21 years, and it did a lot of good bringing people out of hibernation and thinking about getting back on a bike and riding the bus more," Weiss said. "Weather in April was iffy at best, and one of the biggest goals was to get lots of student participation, both in college and in high school, primary and secondary school. It was so difficult for students to participate because it was right before finals week. We thought by moving it to September, we could capitalize on that good late-summer weather, and we could help students start the school year commuting on bikes."

In addition to several local businesses that will provide discounts and giveaways, there will be historical walking tours, free Mountain Line bus fares, Sunday Street Missoula, walk-to-school events at middle and elementary schools, and demonstrations on how to put bikes on bus racks. Weiss said there will also be a ribbon-cutting event for a new bike den.

"We're doing a ribbon cutting on Monday the 9th at 9 a.m. at the Lewis and Clark transfer center," Weiss said. "There's covered bike parking, a pedestal with tools attached to it so you can do simple maintenance on your bike, along with a vending machine with all kinds of bike parts inside."

More details are available at the Missoula in Motion website.