The Cool the Panhandle Funky Bike Fest will be held from 1 to 5 p.m., March 28, this year in Pensacola’s historic Belmont Devilliers neighborhood. Bicyclists will gather at Devilliers Square, at Belmont and Devilliers streets, to show off their bicycles to the community and a panel of judges that will select the best and funkiest bikes in town.

The Funky Bike contest categories include best antique bicycle, most decorative, best children’s bike and best in show. There will be live music, educational information and presentations about safe bicycling, bicycle commuting and creating a more bike-friendly city.

Organizer Christian Wagley states, “This year, we’re also holding a session to educate people about how to outfit their bicycle into a truly functional one for commuting, so that they can ride to work or to the store and leave the car behind. This is a growing trend all across the country and here in Northwest Florida, too.

I’ve been getting around mostly by bicycle for nearly 20 years, and I’m never going back. The world is such a richer place from a bicycle! I can smell the flowers in bloom, tell which way the wind is blowing and what weather is coming, and easily stop for conversations with neighbors and others I meet along the way. I get great exercise along the way while leaving my car behind. I love it!”

The event is hosted by 350 Pensacola, which working to empower individuals to take responsibility and to pursue solutions to global warming through local and global action. The local group works with global 350.org along the Gulf Coast to bring people together in a united, concerted and long-term effort to make 350 ppm of CO² in the atmosphere, the safe upper limit, a reality.

350 Pensacola partners with Sustainable Gulf Coast to offer discussion courses and other activities to encourage people to examine their personal values and habits and develop strategies for acting on their commitment to a healthy Earth and sustainable future.

 

Admission is free. For more information, call 850-687-9968 or visit Facebook.com/350pensacola and 350.org.