Tour de Carassauga kicks off annual community bike rides across Mississauga

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Published May 25, 2022 at 12:12 pm

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Cyclists will be out in large numbers this weekend in Mississauga as the Tour de Carassauga takes to the streets on Saturday (May 28).

Staged during Mississauga’s popular Carassauga Festival of Cultures, the 37th edition of which takes place this Friday through Sunday, the Tour de Carassauga marks the first of the City of Mississauga’s Community Rides to take place throughout the spring and summer and into October.

Four rides will start on Saturday at Iceland Arena, departing at 1 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. The 24.5-kilometre route will take riders to Carassauga pavilions at the Canadian Coptic Centre, the Portuguese Cultural Centre and Paramount Fine Foods Centre.

Each stop will have a bike valet where Carassauga volunteers will watch your bike while you enjoy the festival. Participants will have 20 minutes to explore before the ride moves on to the next location.

Registration for this Saturday’s rides is still open.

The Community Rides are free of charge and held every other weekend throughout the spring, summer and fall. City officials say residents can join in-person guided bike rides or enjoy the routes solo at a time of their choosing using wayfinding pavement markings and online maps.

“The Community Rides program is an opportunity for residents, families and those new to cycling to enjoy outdoor exercise, get more comfortable riding their bike, meet others in the community and explore the cycling infrastructure that’s available in their neighbourhood and across the city,” City officials said in a news release announcing the annual program.

The rides take place across Mississauga on a variety of cycling infrastructure, including on-road bike lanes, shared pathways and multi-use trails, the City says.

Registration is required for the in-person guided rides, which take place on Saturdays. Residents can register for the rides during the week leading up to the rides.

Those interested in participating in the group-style rides must be at the starting location for the start time. City staff and volunteers will be onsite at the starting location to help guide participants and answer questions.

People of all ages and cycling abilities are welcome to join the rides.

For the safety of all road and trail users, cyclists are reminded to follow the rules of the road, be courteous to other trail users and obey all shared trail etiquette.

Helmets must be worn by cyclists under the age of 18, but everyone is encouraged to wear one.

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