Go Gallatin, a program at the Western Transportation Institute at MSU, the City of Bozeman and the Downtown Bozeman Partnership are collaborating to host the second annual “12 Days of Bikemas” event in downtown Bozeman from Dec. 13 through Dec. 24. This challenge promotes active transportation throughout the community and encourages people to visit Bozeman’s downtown during the holiday season. This season, organizers have extended the challenge to include walking and wheeling active transportation modes, in part due to heavy snowfall and cold temperatures the area is experiencing. All are encouraged to join the challenge.
“We truly welcome everyone to participate in this event, whether you’re walking or wheeling to downtown,” Candace Mastel, Transportation Demand Management Coordinator at the City of Bozeman, stated. “However, please be safe as you participate and know that conditions may vary. Drivers should be aware too that downtown is an active part of town and you should always be on the lookout for people on foot, bicycle or another transportation device.”
Anyone who uses active modes to get downtown can log their trips on gogallatin.org and be eligible to win a daily prize for each day they use that active mode. Event organizers will draw a winner from each day’s entrants to win one of the many prizes. Winners will be announced on social media and can pick up their prizes before Christmas Day.
A number of downtown businesses have donated prizes to the event. Sponsors this year include Bangtail Bikes, Café M, Cello, Downtown Bozeman Partnership, Ekam Yoga, Ghost Town Coffee, GVLT, MacKenzie River Pizza, Owenhouse Cycling, Revolvr, Sanderson Stewart, Suelto, The LARK, Treeline, Vino Per Tutti, and Wild Joes.
“We launched this effort with the goals of promoting active transportation, encouraging folks to visit downtown, and partnering with local businesses that also promote and support active and sustainable forms of transportation,” Matt Madsen, Go Gallatin Program Manager, explained. “We hope everyone has a chance to participate this holiday season.”
“Participating in 12 Days of Bikemas is a fun way to enjoy your holiday shopping and dining in Downtown
Bozeman,” says Ellie Staley, Executive Director of the Downtown Bozeman Partnership. “The Downtown
Partnership is always excited to partner with Go Gallatin to support alternative and sustainable transportation to
get downtown and enjoy the heart of our community and our amazing small businesses during the holidays”
Those seeking more information can visit gogallatin.org or contact Candace Mastel at 406-582-2978.