Contact: Peter Krebs, Community Advocacy Manager
The Piedmont Environmental Council
pkrebs@pecva.org 434-977-2033 x7065
Charlottesville, VA. (Feb. 18, 2025) – Area residents, organizations and leaders who want better places to walk, bike and run are coming together at the Fifth Annual Charlottesville/Albemarle Active Mobility Summit Thursday, Mar. 6 (5:30–8 p.m.) and Friday, Mar. 7 (9 a.m.–12 p.m. ) at The Wool Factory. This year’s summit, which is free and open to all, will focus on something big: the Three Notched Trail, an ambitious project to create a safe, accessible pathway for walking and biking from Charlottesville to the Blue Ridge Mountains…and beyond.
The summit will feature two interrelated sessions, and attendees are encouraged to sign up for both. The Thursday evening session will provide background on the Three Notch Trail, why it is important and how the planning process will unfold. Providing an inspirational model of success, Cat Anthony, executive director of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation, will give a keynote presentation about that fabulous trail that connects Richmond to Williamsburg — and how it is transforming communities along the way.
The next morning, attendees will reconvene for more detailed discussion. A panel of leaders from other successful and emerging trail projects across Virginia will share their success stories and lessons learned. That will be followed by break-out groups to dive deep into the issues discussed in both presentations. All throughout attendees will be encouraged to share their own visions.
“People bring their ideas and passions and connect with others who share similar or complementary skills, resources and perspectives. They break down complex problems and do amazing work that might not have seemed possible. I always come away inspired and galvanized. Although Charlottesville and Albemarle have a long way to go before they meet their connectivity goals, it’s also clear that we can accomplish big things when we work together,” says event organizer Peter Krebs of the Piedmont Environmental Council.
Both sessions will include snacks and drinks (cash bar in the evening and complimentary coffee in the morning), plus opportunities for networking and fellowship. The summit is free and appropriate for anyone interested in walking, biking, running or transit; however, registration is required at www.pecva.org/mobilitysummit.
“Some of the best things happening in the community today were actually born at the Active Mobility Summit. So it’s perfect that a project like the Three Notch’d Trail, which could transform the community and require many hands, will have its unofficial launch at this year’s gathering,” Krebs said.
Community members can register for the Active Mobility Summit at: www.pecva.org/mobilitysummit.
The Piedmont Environmental Council convened the Piedmont Mobility Alliance in 2020. The coalition of more than 40 organizations, businesses and agencies shares a vision of a better-connected community for walking, biking and other forms of active transportation in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. The alliance has spawned numerous workgroups that meet regularly to tackle complex problems, while the full alliance gathers bi-monthly to share information, collaborate and act collectively. Its end-of-winter colloquium (the Active Mobility Summit) is their largest. Learn more at www.pecva.org/mobilityalliance.
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The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) works to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Founded in 1972, PEC is a locally based, community-supported 501(c)3 nonprofit and accredited land trust. At the core of PEC’s approach is a focus on educating, engaging and empowering people to effect positive change in their communities.