Local Twitter.

Friend of the newsletter (and 570 News host) Mike Farwell wrote a column titled "Cyclists also have to obey the rules of the road" last week and, well, there was some spirited debate on local Twitter. TL;DR - Mr. Farwell argues that even with better cycling infrastructure, cyclists still need to obey the rules of the road.

There were a number of responses, but cycling advocate (and TriTAG exec) Mike Boos's great response thread is one of the best. It breaks down how infrastructure impacts behaviour - for cyclists, drivers and pedestrians.

There's a lot of good things happening when it comes to transit. In Kitchener, the city has grants towards traffic calming and the placemaking plan for Queen Street are just a few.

How can get involved? There's the Tri-Cities Transport Action Group (TriTAG) for starters. You can even petition your local council to make improvements - like this one organized by Steve Haase - making Benton Street safer for pedestrians.

What to do.

Art Battle is coming to Abe Erb Kitchener (151 Charles St. W., Kitchener) this Wednesday, Aug. 30. Starting at 7 pm, Art Battle is three, 20-minute rounds of all-star painters and silent auctions. $2 from each ticket and each pint go towards supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters KW.

Waterloo Public Library had me at "Harry Potter-themed band". Come celebrate your inner witch this Wednesday, Aug. 30 at WPL with Harry Potter-themed band, The Lovegoods. There will also be Potter trivia, prizes, snacks, and so much more. 6 pm to 8pm at the Main Branch at 35 Albert Street.

Are you an aspiring actor or just looking for something to challenge yourself with this fall? The Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre (KWLT) is holding open auditions for their production of "Once Upon a Mattress". Auditions are this week: August 28, 29, 30, 7 PM - 10 PM at KWLT (9 Princess St. E., Waterloo)

Have you checked out the Watchtower Pub yet? Grab your lightsabers and head over for their Star Wars trivia night, this Thursday, Aug. 31 starting at 7 pm. Call ahead to reserve a table for your team of 4-6 Jedi. Jedi is singular and plural.

Head west this Saturday, Sept. 2 for the first-ever StratBeer Fest in beautiful Stratford, Ontario. 23 breweries and food trucks in Stratford's new Market Square from 2 pm to 8 pm.

Do an Axe of Kindness this Labour Day and help Axe the Stigma against Mental Health! STRIDES is holding their annual event this year at BATL Kitchener (69 Agnes St, Kitchener). Proceeds from the event will go towards supporting programs at The Coping Centre and Luthwerwood. #AxeTheStigma

The crew from Club Abstract are doing a hostile takeover of Starlight Social Club this Sunday, Sept. 3 starting at 10 pm. See all your favourite bartenders, staff and DJ Side Show.

The team at Meal In A Jar is moving to a new, larger location in Waterloo this week to support their growing business. If you haven't had a chance to try yet, check them out. You can order online and have delivered anywhere in Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge and Toronto. They also have designated pick-up hubs at various Little Short Stop locations.

LiveLocalKW is a grassroots initiative which challenges participants to eat, play and buy from local businesses for one week. LiveLocal runs from September 17-23, 2017.

To sign up to see the offers and deals from participating businesses, visit livelocalkw.com.

Geek Week is an opportunity to come together at every level to showcase our culture of collaboration and innovation: grassroots, academic and institutional. Geek Week aims to raise the profile of Waterloo Region as a premier destination for visitors. Geek Week runs September 15-22, 2017.

Where to be for...

...Music.

Stony Lonesome
Sat., Sep. 2 | 7 pm.
Descendants Beer and Beverage Co.

...Food trucks.

Erb StrEAT Food Trucks
Wed., Aug. 30 | 4:30 pm - 8 pm.
Parkminster United Church

...Movie.

Harry Potter and the Philospher's Stone
Thurs, Aug 31 | Sundown
Movies in the Park (Waterloo)