Every year, more people in the Charlotte region discover something that many planners, environmental advocates, and everyday riders already know: getting around without a car feels good. It builds community, boosts personal well-being, and improves air quality and lowers impact on roadways. 

Here are a few organizations across the region that have been working to make active transit more accessible to all. 

Why These Efforts Matter 

Together, these three efforts create a strong foundation for mobility change. Biketoberfest makes biking approachable, Lime’s Week Without Driving promotion lowers the barrier to trying micromobility, and BikeWalk NC’s Summit strengthens the policy and professional work needed to support safer streets. 

In a region shaped by car dependence and growing environmental concerns, these initiatives matter. Even small shifts from car trips to biking, scooting, or walking can spark meaningful change. Active transportation not only cuts pollution, it helps build walkable, connected, people-first communities across North Carolina. 

Biketoberfest 

Every October, Sustain Charlotte holds a massive scavenger hunt called Biketoberfest. This hunt brings participants on bike or foot around the many greenways, small businesses, and neighborhoods that make active transportation fun.  

The event is perfect for beginners and families, thanks to short route options, a relaxed pace, and a welcoming atmosphere. It also doubles as a fundraiser that supports Sustain Charlotte’s broader advocacy for safer streets, greenways, and connected neighborhoods. 

Whether you are new to biking or a seasoned rider, Biketoberfest offers a chance to rediscover the city through a bike/ped lens. 

Centralina Regional Council participated in this event with our CONNECT Centralina table encouraging Biketoberfest attendees to keep the momentum going by showing how alternative transportation can be part of everyday life. CONNECT Centralina is our region’s TDM program that bridges planning with public action, educates and engages the community on transportation choices, fosters partnerships, and builds momentum for regional transportation goals that benefit individuals, employers, local governments, and the broader community. 

Lime Micromobility 

Lime is an electric bike and scooter company that provides affordable, flexible transportation options for short-distance trips, helping fill critical mobility gaps within communities. By offering shared scooters and e-bikes, Lime supports everyday travel needs such as running errands, navigating campuses, and connecting to transit through first- and last-mile solutions. 

During Week Without Driving, a national challenge encouraging people to go without driving for a week, Lime offered 50% off all scooter and e-bike rides. Promotion’s like these makes it even easier for people who are new to active transit to try it for themselves. 

Equity-focused initiatives like Lime Access, which provides income-based discounts, further strengthen the impact of these efforts by expanding access to affordable transportation for underserved populations. 

Together, these strategies demonstrate how pricing incentives, community partnerships, and equitable program design can encourage lasting behavior change and support more inclusive, multimodal transportation systems. 

BikeWalk NC’s Annual Transportation Summit 

Held in different cities each year, the BikeWalk NC Summit brings together planners, engineers, advocates, public health professionals, students, and other interested parties to learn about the safety, health, equity, and community design when it comes to active transportation. 

Unlike traditional conferences, this summit centers the lived experience of people walking, rolling, and biking on North Carolina’s streets. Sessions explore everything from designing safer intersections to understanding mobility justice and improving micromobility access. 

For anyone passionate about building healthier communities, especially young professionals, local leaders, and grassroots advocates, the Summit is a chance to take home practical tools and fresh inspiration. 

Comprehensive Climate Action Plan 

Centralina Regional Council is leading the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program in our region and has developed our first climate action plan to advance regional priorities to improve regional resilience, air quality, public health, and quality of life. The Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP)identifies priority measures and actions on how those in the region can help cut emissions while improving community outcomes. 

Active transportation is one of the key focuses of the CCAP as it strongly aligns with two of its seven Priority Measures, recognizing its role in reducing vehicle emissions, improving air quality, and expanding equitable, affordable mobility options across the region. Through this project, Centralina is working with local governments and partners to align climate goals with investments in safer, more connected active transit infrastructure. 

Get Rolling! 

Whether you attend Biketoberfest, try out a Lime e-bike, or learn from statewide leaders at the BikeWalk Summit, now is the perfect time to explore mobility beyond the car. 

Empowering people to bike, scoot and move at their own pace makes way for our communities to become safer, healthier, and more vibrant one trip at a time.