On Saturday, September 14th, Sustainable Princeton brought the community together for its 5th Annual eCommuter Fest, a free and vibrant celebration of low-carbon and carbon-free commuting options. This year’s event looked a little different from past years, Executive Director Christine Symington shared “Now that the adoption of electric vehicles is well underway, we wanted to celebrate and inspire our community about the benefits of walking, biking, and using public transportation to get around but attendees still had the chance to check out some EV models and learn about EV incentives and how to install a home charger.” With an estimated 250 attendees, the festival was a testament to Princeton’s dedication to eco-friendly practices.
Returning to the Princeton Shopping Center, the festival’s new courtyard location provided a picturesque and accessible setting for the event. This move enhanced walkability and bike-ability and highlighted the benefits of smart growth. Attendees enjoyed the convenience of nearby restaurants and shops and easy access via the Municipality bus and NJ Transit.
E-Bike Ride & Cycle: Pedal Power Takes the Stage
Local bike shops, Princeton E-bikes, and Pedego Princeton returned for their fourth and third years. New to the festival was RoadMaestro, showcasing a mobile bike repair van and contributing a $95 gift card for a free bike tune-up to the raffle. Additionally, the Princeton Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee (PBAC) hosted their second Gear Jam, demonstrating how bike commuters can enhance their bicycles for a safer and more efficient commute.
Tabling Organizations: Engaging with the Community
The event featured a diverse range of tabling organizations, each providing valuable information and resources. Additional tabling organizations included the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), PSE&G, Princeton Municipality’s Master Planning office, Police Safe Neighborhood Bureau, Princeton Environmental Commission, Greater Mercer TMA, Center for Modern Aging Princeton, NJ Bike Walk Coalition, NJ Clean Cities, NJ Clean Energy Program, and Princeton Walk Bike.
Winn and Avalon also tabled at this event along with being event sponsors!
The Future is Electric
Princeton University’s Transportation and Parking Services showcased one of their new fully electric TigerTransit buses, reflecting the university’s commitment to sustainable transportation. The Electric Vehicle (EV) showcase featured two local EV owners who generously shared their experiences and answered questions about the joys of EV ownership. With the vehicles prominently displayed in the center courtyard, participants had the opportunity to learn about the latest in electric transportation and engage in meaningful conversations with the owners.
Entertainment & Fun for All Ages
Entertainment added a festive atmosphere to the day. DJ Corbit provided a lively soundtrack and made announcements throughout the event. A second-hand fashion show on bikes, organized in partnership with Princeton Consignment, highlighted creative and sustainable fashion choices. The Trenton Circus Squad’s performance was a crowd-pleaser, adding a fun, family-friendly element to the festival. Attendees also had the chance to vote for their favorite decorated bike at participating stores.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The success of the eCommuter Fest would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors: EDENS, Winn, Avalon, and McCaffrey’s. Their commitment to sustainable practices and community engagement helped make this year’s event a memorable experience for all.
As we reflect on the successes of the 5th Annual eCommuter Fest, we’re reminded of the importance of coming together to promote and embrace sustainable transportation options. Here’s to continuing the momentum towards a greener, more connected Princeton!
For more information on Sustainable Princeton’s initiatives and upcoming events, visit our Events page and follow us on social media.
Photos by Sean Zujkowski
