Get ready for a month-long celebration of cycling this June with the return of Bike Month, from June 1 to 30, 2023.
Brantford residents can look forward to a packed schedule of events and activities designed to promote cycling as a fun and healthy way to get around.
In June, cyclists can take part in group rides, learn new skills and techniques, and enjoy the many scenic routes and trails throughout the Brantford area. Community Bike Rides will be taking place from May 29 to June 26. Students are encouraged to take part in Bike to School Week, which kicked off on May 29 and runs until June 1. A Rotary Bike Park Training Day will take place for youth on June 18 (registration is required), and our Bike Month Community Scavenger Hunt makes a return from June 1 to June 30.
Bike Month is also an opportunity for Brantford residents to learn more about the benefits of cycling, including improved health, reduced stress, and improved mental wellbeing. Cycling is an simple and affordable mode of transportation that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
“Bike Month is a fantastic chance for Brantford residents to come together and celebrate the joys of cycling,” said Kathryn Broadbelt, Transportation Planning Project Coordinator. “Not only is cycling a great way to stay active and healthy, but it also helps to reduce traffic congestion and promote sustainable transportation.”
While an updated Active Transportation Master Plan that equally considers all transportation modes is expected this summer, the City is making significant progress on several initiatives designed to improve our neighbourhoods and transportation networks. Riders are encouraged to get out and enjoy the Elgin Street multi-use path that was completed last year. Other bike facility upgrades are currently underway and include the Henry Street bike lane between Stanley Street and Brock Street, and the Oakhill Drive bi-directional bike lane connecting the D’Aubigny Trail. Residents can also look forward to the completion of the Oakhill Trail later this summer.
With an increase in cycling activity this June, please remember that bicycles are quiet vehicles making it very important to warn other cyclists, pedestrians and motorists of your riding intentions. Members of the public are reminded to use their bells, horns, or hand signals to indicate that they are passing, approaching, or are close by. Additional cycling tips are available at brantford.ca/CyclingTips. Riders are also reminded that Brantford Transit is bike friendly and buses are equipped with bike racks to assist with travel. Senior riders can take advantage of free transit throughout June, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. any day of the week.
For more information about Bike Month 2023 and a full schedule of events, visit brantford.ca/BikeMonth.
