By Cassie Goff   |   [email protected]

Zombies prowled the streets of Cottonwood Heights on a late June evening. A handful of children and adults had “their zombie face on” as they headed down to the Cottonwood Heights City Hall for the Zombie Bike Ride.

In the back parking lot of City Hall, visitor zombies were greeted by zombies from the city and local sponsors. The sponsors had tables set up to market and mingle, food trucks provided sustenance and School of Rock provided entertainment.

At 7 p.m., all the zombies retrieved their bikes and convened at the starting line, anticipating to ride the frequented 5k trail through the city. The route starts at City Hall, snakes through local neighbors up to Racquet Club Drive, and comes back down to City Hall. As the zombies rode through the route, many families observed from their lawns, obviously not worried that a zombie outbreak was occurring among their city streets.

“The event was not a race but a bike-centered ride through Cottonwood Heights that included a bike rodeo, food trucks, a recreational business expo, fun activities and the opportunity to dress up like a zombie and ride your bike,” Community and Economic Development Director Brian Berndt said.

Many cities all over the country host a Zombie Bike Ride. In fact, that’s where the Cottonwood Heights Zombie Bike Ride drew its inspiration. During a work trip, one of the staff members of the community and economic development department became aware of a similar event from another city. He brought the idea back to Cottonwood Heights, thinking it would be a perfect fit since the city has many biking trails.

A variety of people showed up for this event. Some were professional bike riders, some came to dress as zombies and some just came to have a family night out.

In order for this event to occur, many people had to work together to provide different services. Many of the sponsors had their own tents pitched at the starting line, providing information and free treats. The Cottonwood Heights Police Department provided safety along the route and a disclaimer before the bike ride. Many city staff members put in time and effort to make sure the event had everything it needed. Berndt, an artist by heart, created the artwork for the posters and shirts.

The Zombie Bike Ride on June 5 was from 6-8 p.m. It was sponsored by Cottonwood Heights City, Cottonwood Heights Business Association, Curves, Lisa Duffin Photography, Healthy Pets, Revive Sports and Spine, Children’s Academy Preschool, KGA Coatings Premium Finishes, Blue Clover Therapy, Family Health Coach and the City Journals.