Winnipeg, MB - An increased number of cyclists will be on city streets tomorrow as Winnipeggers participate in Bike to Work Day. An estimated 4000 riders are expected to register for the 6th annual Bike to Work Day event on Friday, June 21.
This event, a partnership between Bike to Work Day and the City of Winnipeg, Bike Winnipeg (formerly Bike to the Future), Climate Change Connection, Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub (The W.R.E.N.C.H.), Green Action Centre, University of Winnipeg Student’s Association Bike Hub and Manitoba Cycling Association as well as an enormous amount of volunteers, will be the largest to date. Bike to Work Day promotes the environmental, health, and economic benefits of cycling by encouraging Winnipeggers to cycle to work or to school.
Since 2008, the City of Winnipeg has invested close to $80 million on Active Transportation infrastructure including projects such as multi-use pathways and bike lanes and by incorporating Active Transportation facilities into road and bridge construction. These projects are helping make Winnipeg streets safer and more cyclist-friendly.
Along their way to work, cyclists can stop at one of 48 'Bike Pit Stops' located across the city for free coffee, snacks and prizes from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. A group ride will begin from the Assiniboine Park footbridge (south side) at 6:45 a.m. and will end at The Forks around 8:15 a.m.
To cap off the day, all registered riders are invited to a barbeque at The Forks, where there will be free veggie burgers by Boon Burger and beverages for the first 500 guests, as well as live music by local artists. The party will also debut Winnipeg's first ever bike powered concert system built for Bike to Work Day by artist and musician Andy Rudolph. The party starts at 3:30 p.m. and a free bike valet service is offered to all cyclists.
A prize draw for a new bike by Natural Cycle and prize packages fit for commuters are just a few of the benefits of registering. This year Assiniboine Credit Union is also donating $0.25 per registered rider to The W.R.E.N.C.H.
The Winnipeg Police Service will be hosting a pit stop for Winnipeg Police Service staff and the public at Graham Avenue and Garry Street. The Winnipeg Police Service encourages cycling to work and would like to emphasize the importance of safely sharing the road, and to remind motorists to be courteous. Cyclists are reminded that they must obey all traffic control devices and if their rear tire has a greater diameter than 410 millimetres, they are not allowed to operate on sidewalks.
There is still time to register either on line or at a pit stop in the morning. For more information please visit www.biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org or call Andraea Sartison, Event Coordinator, at 204-333-2666.