Moving Planet-Fairfield

Contact Info

Description

Fairfield is moving. On Saturday, September 24, a community bicycle ride is scheduled as part of an international day of climate action. “Moving Planet” was conceived by 350.org, a global grassroots movement founded by noted author Bill McKibben, as a rallying call for the world to move beyond fossil fuels.

Two community groups, the Fairfield Bike Walk Coalition (FWBC) and the Fairfield Clean Energy Task Force (CETF), have joined forces to organize the local event, which will feature a one-hour bicycle ride.  The approximately 6 mile ride will begin and end at the Farmers Market at Brick Walk, 1189-1215 Post Road in Fairfield starting at 10 a.m.   

The organizations chose the Farmers Market location to raise awareness about the importance of locally grown food, which not only helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also promotes the local economy and healthier, tastier produce.  They also will provide helpful consumer tips on how to reduce one’s carbon footprint, including having a low-cost home energy assessment, signing up for CTCleanEnergyOptions and biking or walking as a local transportation option.

"We are proud to support this rally in an effort to have our communities move beyond fossil fuel methods of transportation, said Andrew Graceffa, chair of FBWC. “We advocate on behalf of concerned residents for the Town of Fairfield to provide a safer and more hospitable environment for bicyclists and pedestrians and this mission fits the Moving Planet rally to a T."

FWBC spearheaded a petition drive asking the town to conduct a bicycle and pedestrian study.  The draft Master Plan, developed by the Greater Bridgeport Regional Council, is expected to be released later this month.  

The local event is one of many planned throughout the state and 158 countries across the planet. Participants are also invited to attend a central state rally on New Haven Green from 4-10 p.m., which features a critical mass bike ride, music, talkback with local and state political leaders and a bike-powered outdoor screening of the movie, Wall-e.   

“ Fairfield ’s residents and others have an opportunity to be a part of a global movement to solve the climate crisis. Our voices need to be heard!” said Larry Kaley, chair of the CETF. The Task Force has been instrumental in supporting the town’s commitment to clean energy, which has earned 15 kilowatts of solar electric systems that have been installed at each of the three middle schools. The town can earn more solar arrays from the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (formerly the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund) when residents and businesses sign up for clean energy or install a clean energy system.

About "CT 350.org"

350 Connecticut is a project to organize a strong, responsive grassroots coalition of citizens, NGO's, faith communities and businesses across the state of Connecticut to envision and build a future beyond fossil fuels.

Read more about "CT 350.org"