Winnipeg, MB - Mayor Sam Katz welcomes cyclists and professionals from snowy cities around the world who have gathered in Winnipeg for the second annual International Winter Cycling Congress. Mayor Katz will bring greetings from the City of Winnipeg at tomorrow morning’s opening session, scheduled for 9:00 a.m.
The conference brings together winter cycling experts, advocates and enthusiasts - all with a common goal of sharing their skills and knowledge to create and maintain bike-friendly communities throughout the year. Close to 200 attendees and over 60 speakers and panelists are expected to participate in the three-day event.
“The City of Winnipeg is honoured to be the host city for this year’s Winter Cycling Congress,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “This is a wonderful opportunity for Winnipeg to showcase some of our unique winter attractions, including the longest naturally frozen skating trail in the world, and to gain some valuable insight into how we can, as a city, improve our active transportation infrastructure to serve our city’s cyclists year-round.”
In addition to conference activities, which include lectures and strategic planning sessions, delegates and the public are welcome to part in a range of social and recreational activities that promote winter cycling for all ages and abilities.
“Winter cycling can and will be for everyone if we design and maintain our Active Transportation network to accommodate riders year-round,” said Anders Swanson, Congress Director. “Winter in Winnipeg is something that is just too beautiful to miss.”
Mayor Katz contributed $9,000 from his Civic Initiatives fund to the conference, while Deputy Mayor Justin Swandel contributed an additional $1,000.
This is the second year for the congress, which began in Oulu, Finland in 2013. For more information on the 2014 International Winter Cycling Congress, please visit http://wintercyclingcongresswinnipeg.org/