PARK CITY, Utah – During Summer Try Transit week this summer, participants can win prizes for using public transit, carpooling and bike rides, as well as have the opportunity to talk with the mayor and City Council members, get a free breakfast and listen to live music on the bus.
“We are in the middle of one of the most beautiful places on earth and local transport is very sustainable and environmentally friendly,” said Timothy Sanderson, transport director. “A large part of our fleet is electric.”
Sitting in traffic is not what Sanderson wants Park City residents and visitors to remember.
“We really want to be a ‘park once’ community,” he said. “So you park in one place and then walk, bike or take public transportation to different destinations.”
Another alternative to driving is cycling. Thanks to the many bike lanes and paths, it is easy to get around. However, the increasing popularity of e-bikes poses a problem for police, said Lt. Jay Randall.
“Many people are unaware of the laws that have been recently passed and how they impact not only themselves but their children,” he said. “And we as a police department feel it is our duty to be at the forefront of this educational process.”
According to state law, children under eight years of age are not allowed to ride e-bikes on public roads.
Persons aged 14 or younger must ride accompanied by a parent or guardian.
“People who have already bought e-bikes for their kids are a little surprised by these laws and the fact that they even exist,” Lt. Randall said. “We need to expand our efforts much, much further than they currently do.”
Currently, the police do not impose fines for exceeding the 24 km/h speed limit.
“We try to start with education first. Then if we get the regulations in place, we never have to go back to a strict enforcement policy,” Lt. Randall said. “We’re worried about a really serious accident or someone losing their life.”
During Summer Try Transit week, people can participate in “Ride On,” a virtual event that lasts all week. You can log your transit, carpool and bike rides and have a chance to win prizes. Go to www.RideOnParkCity.org to enter.
On Tuesday, Park City Transit will host an afternoon of free yoga, pickleball and giveaways at PC MARC from 2-4 p.m.
On Wednesday, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., the “Talk to the Mayor and City Council About Transit” event will be held at the Fresh Market bus stop. Refreshments and popsicles will be available, as well as music and the opportunity to talk with the Mayor and City Council members.
On Thursday, Park City Transit will have a booth at the Old Town Transit Center offering free snacks, refreshments and giveaways.
The week ends on Friday with “Music on the Bus.” A local musician will play live music on the bus all day.
