One of the most fun things happening in Bisbee is the Pedal Power Festival in “Old Bisbee’s Biggest Back Yard,” the Jonquil Motel organized by Bisbee Bikeways, which is putting your feet in charge! It all happens on Saturday, March 28th from 10AM to 10PM. Yes, that’s time for families and time for a music festival with all kinds of healthy community activities in-between. At Bisbee’s Pedal Power Fest you’re invited to turn bike riding into electricity that will actually be charging art making, music, and all kinds of treats. Come ride a bike to power the music as you watch! Come meet the founder of Bisbee Bikeways, Meggen Connolley, her volunteer coordinator Molly, and so many in the Bisbee Community who support Bisbee Bikeway’s plans for bike and pedestrian trails connecting all the different parts of Bisbee, Naco, and a partner project with Rails To Trails connecting Douglas Arizona and its Cochise Community Campus to Bisbee. Early summer the long awaited and hard-won path around the Lavender Pit, a dangerous and segregating stretch of highway 80 for both bicyclists and pedestrians, will begin construction. Kids will finally start to be able to safely ride their bikes to school. Come discuss and imagine what this transportation and cultural infrastructure could hold for you, such as mini-parks scattered along the way to rest, to take in your senses, exercise and stretch, and meet with friends. What future art installations, murals, sculpture and landscape design; what interactive features, shaded areas, and star viewing observatories should we dream of? Let’s Pedal-Power it, people! Come see the craft table for kids, and face painting. Come spin your family some pedal-powered smoothies, or make spin art. Come engage the bike activities and help charge the music which will be powered by you, the audience, generating the electricity by riding bikes! Did I tell you about the music? The Humblebees, Melissa Reeves, Andante, The Exbats, Granitza, Locomundi, Juniper Djinn, The Rooks and The Rythm Review, plus ZUMBA WITH VALERIA. AND BIG NEWS, there will be a raffle of children’s bikes, scooters, and skateboards to win!

“Pedal Power Fest is Southern Arizona’s first pedal-powered music festival, activating the Jonquil Motel’s historic outdoor courtyard in Old Bisbee through free live music, art, and bike-powered activities that bring families and visitors together. The festival builds community pride, supports nearby small businesses, and demonstrates how shared outdoor places foster connection, creativity, and joy.”

Another nice metaphor here is that “The Pedal Power Festival powers the 501c3 Bisbee Bikeways’ mission to create safer streets and boost the local economy—drawing visitors, supporting businesses, and building a healthier, more connected region.” If you can, bring your checkbook for this cause.

The Impact of Trails and Bikeways:

Real Estate Values: Homes near trails see 5–15%
higher property values (RTC, 2019).

Economic Development: Trails generate an average
of $1.8 million annually in local spending per mile
(FHWA, 2012).

Carbon Emissions: Every mile walked or biked instead
of driven prevents 1 pound of CO2 emissions (EPA,
2020).

Public Health: Communities with trails see increased
physical activity by up to 48%, lowering risks of heart
disease and obesity (CDC, 2019)

By sponsoring Bisbee Bikeways, “you’ll help engage thousands of residents and visitors in an unforgettable experience that promotes healthy living, clean energy, and community pride.”
Bisbee became a top “Trail Town” by triggering the Sun Corridor Trail from Douglas to Las Vegas, NV.

And the PR just gets more interesting. So though I’m an independent journalist, as a Bisbee artist with more issues in the waistline than headline, I just can’t help but get excited about Bisbee Bikeways.
Their inaugural Pedal Power Festivals “drew hundreds of participants and generated $17,000 in revenue, proving the strong community excitement and growth potential for this one-of-a-kind event.”

Not only will the 2026 Pedal Power Festival will feature Southern Arizona’s first bike-powered concert, with more activities and audiences celebrating Bisbee’s culture for sustainability. But check this out: In 2027, the Pedal Power Festival will expand to a two-day event in Lowell AZ., kicking off with a community bike ride from Old Bisbee to Lowell along our newly constructed shared-use path around the Lavender Pit. In 2028, the Pedal Power Festival will close Old Bisbee’s Main Street for a car-free day, then kick off a two-day pedal-powered music fest with a community ride into Lowell.

Check back here Saturday for Bisbee Bikeways Pedal Power 2026 Schedule of performances:

10:00 a.m. – Welcome Announcement

10:30 a.m. – HumbleBees

A dynamic blend of jazz, blues, and funk featuring both originals and beloved standards. The HumbleBees bring smooth grooves and vibrant energy to kick off the day.

11:35 a.m. – The Rooks

A lively Celtic band bringing traditional Irish and folk-inspired tunes with spirited rhythms and melodies that will get your feet tapping.

12:40 p.m. – Juniper Djinn

Clarinet dreamscapes amongst a sea of melodious waltzes, the billowing sounds of early American jazz, gypsy jazz, and Balkan folk music.

1:35 p.m. – Zumba with Valeria

Join our favorite local Zumba teacher for a high-energy workout while dancing to lively reggaeton beats. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just want to move and have fun, everyone is welcome!

2:20 p.m. – Granitza

A vibrant ensemble performing traditional Bulgarian music filled with rich harmonies, intricate rhythms, and powerful folk melodies.

3:10 p.m. – Rhythm Review

Blues and R&B grooves led by local phenom Timothy Dick. Get ready for soulful vocals, smooth rhythms, and a set that will keep the crowd moving.

4:15 p.m. – LocoMundi

A high-energy world music band blending Latin, Afro-Caribbean, and global rhythms into an infectious dance sound. With vibrant percussion, lively melodies, and multicultural influences, LocoMundi brings a joyful groove that gets everyone moving

5:20 p.m. – Raffle Prizes

Including refurbished kids bikes, scooters, skateboards and brand new adult bikes, stays at unbelievable local airbnbs, and gifts from local businesses.

6:15 p.m. – Melissa Reaves

A Grammy nominated soulful singer-songwriter delivering heartfelt vocals and rich acoustic melodies. Melissa Reaves brings an intimate, powerful performance blending folk, Americana, and roots-inspired sounds

7:35 p.m. – The Ex Bats

A high-energy indie rock band known for catchy hooks, driving rhythms, and electrifying performances. Exbats bring a powerful, dance-worthy sound that will keep the crowd moving into the evening.

8:55 p.m. – Andante

A mesmerizing blend of ambient music and immersive light visuals created by beloved local artists Carolyn Toronto and Frank Tornoe. Settle in for a dreamy, atmospheric experience that transforms the space into a glowing soundscape.

I’m looking forward to collaborating on some spin art. Maybe I should bring something already partly manipulated to spin the paint on? Written on photographs or cliché AI images that I’ve printed out on quality paper, or paper cut from old books or graphs? Maybe I should do spin art on pieces of found plywood with graffiti on them? Maybe I could drip the paint through stencils, filters, or cuts of fence? Working with Kimley-Horn Engineering and Design Consultants, ADOT, The City Of Bisbee, Cochise County, and others, Bisbee Bikeways wants you to help them improve mobility for everyone — including walkers, bikers, skaters, wheelchair users, and children. They want to hear from you, and you can click this link to the interactive map to zoom in on Bisbee, and tell them where you’d like to see safer and more accessible paths — including safer routes to schools. Compare the online map linked here in this paragraph with the one I’ve posted below of existing proposed paths. Your input will leave a large footprint! So take your time and your effort to interact with this portal at app.publiccoordinate.com/#/projects/BisbeeConnections/map, and compare it to the proposed paths: