Ride a Bike Day in Oakville kicks off Bike Month

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Published May 30, 2022 at 11:59 am

Bike Month will kick off in Oakville and throughout the GTHA with Ride A Bike Day on May 30. TOWN OF OAKVILLE PHOTO

Summer has arrived and what better way to take in some of that sunny and hot weather than a bike ride on Oakville’s 260 kiolmetres of bike lanes and cycling paths.

Bike Month kicked off Monday (May 30) with Ride a Bike Day and provides people in Oakville and throughout the GTHA an opportunity to try riding a bike for the first time, learn new skills, or simply enjoy connecting with nature through cycling.

Hopping on a bike to go to school, work or anywhere else is not only fun, but it helps reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.

“Building a bicycle-friendly community is one more way we’re making a more livable Oakville,” said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton. “Along with secure bicycle parking facilities, tune-up stations, and bike-to-bus programs, Oakville currently has over 260 kilometres of on-road bike lanes and off-road cycling paths.

“I encourage everyone to get out and discover Oakville’s silver award designated bicycle friendly community during Bike Month.”

There are plenty of fun events and activities planned for the month, including:

Bike to School Week

After a pause due to COVID-19 restrictions, Bike to School Week returns from May 30 to June 3.

Students in Oakville and throughout the province bike to school to get in their daily physical activity and build health habits. It’s also a proven way to improve their school performance and mental health.

Educators can register their classroom/school to participate at bikemonth.ca. After registering, they’ll receive a package of resources to help plan and deliver school-friendly bike activities.

Bike Month events

Bike Month features dozens of community run events. Check out the BikeMonth.ca events calendar for bike repair workshops, safe cycling webinars, group rides and more.

Bike Month kilometre counter

Ride around the world together in 2022 — twice! The Bike Month kilometre counter launched in 2021 and riders logged over 40,000 km and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 13,000 kg.

Starting May 30, 2022 riders can set their personal goal and help reach our goal of 80,000 km worth of greenhouse gas emissions avoided over the course of the month.

This year, participants residing in Toronto, Oakville, Peel Region, and York Region will be eligible to win prizes (to be announced soon).

Bike Month across the GTHA and Guelph is coordinated by Cycle Toronto and supported by The Town of Oakville, The City of Toronto, York Region, The Region of Peel, The City of Mississauga, The City of Brampton, The City of Hamilton, The City of Burlington, The City of Guelph, The Town of Caledon, The Town of Halton Hills, The Town of Milton, The Town of Ajax, and The City of Oshawa.

“Bike Month is the perfect time to renew your love of riding a bike,” said Keagan Gartz, Executive Director, Cycle Toronto. “Cycling is a convenient, healthy and fun way to get around, especially during the pandemic.

“Whether you’re headed into work, school, the grocery store, seeing friends, or getting some fresh air and exercise, using pedal power can help your mental and physical health while staying physically distant on your way to your destination.”

For details on Oakville’s cycling facilities, visit cycle, walk Oakville.

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