A look at equitable transportation and street safety in La Crosse, with multiple events for community engagement Thursday

A trio of events Thursday to focus awareness on equitable transportation and street safety in the city of La Crosse with multiple ways for the community to get involved.

The activities are put on by the 1000 Friends of Wisconsin group and AARP Wisconsin (RSVP here).

The first of the trio is called, “ride with the mayor,” to check out La Crosse bicycle infrastructure.

Mayor Mitch Reynolds will lead a 3-6 mile tour (route), lasting about two hours, with frequent stops at key points to hear from guest speakers on new development and future plans.

The tour begins at 9 a.m. in the city hall parking lot.

There’s no need to register, but guests should bring their bicycle and helmet. For those without bikes, Drift Cycle rentals can be arranged by contacing

The second event focuses on panel discussions and presentations over local projects with opportunities for engagement.

That takes place from 2-4:30 p.m. at the UW-La Crosse Health Sciences Center, room 2030, and includes these speakers:

• Erin Duffer, La Crosse Areae Planning Committee
• Lewis Kuhlman, City of La Crosse Sustainability Planner
• Jennifer Trost, La Crosse City Council
• Tamra Dickinson, La Crosse City Council
• Andrew Ericson, UW-La Crosse Sustainability Coordinator
• Susan Gaeddert, 1000 Friends of Wisconsin
• Darrin Wasniewski, AARP Wisconsin

The last event, from 5-7:30 p.m. is a viewing at the Rivoli Theater of the documentary, “The Street Project,” by award-winning filmmaker Jennifer Boyd. It’s about the global, citizen-led fight to make streets safer.

The film will be followed by an open Q&A with these panelists:

• Liz Fryseth, Community Advocate
• Brittney Hodson, Community Advocate
• James Longhurst, Environmental Historian
• Jeff Nylander, Community Advocate
• Larry Sleznikow, La Crosse City Council