Bike Week Winnipeg to run June 8 to 14
St. Boniface
WINNIPEG
It's time to party — and a collective invitation has been issued to the city's bike community to join in the fun.
Bike Week Winnipeg will host two neighbourhood bike parties in Westwood and St. Vital, on June 6 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. (3550 Portage Ave.), and on June 13 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. (5 Fermor Ave.), respectively, to celebrate cycling as an inclusive activity for everyone. The parties will include bike activities with Green Kids, bike decorating, refreshments, and free bike tune-ups courtesy of Vélo-Cité or The W.R.E.N.C.H.
During Bike Week, which officially runs between June 8 and 14, Winnipeggers are also invited to attend group rides, workshops, and events such as the Bike Week Bash, Bike Winnipeg's Kidical Mass group ride for families, and Bike to Work Day on June 10.
Supplied photo
Participants of a group ride during last year's Bike to Work Day are pictured here. This year's Bike Week Winnipeg will run from June 8 to 14.
'Bike Week is a celebration of bicycles and everyone that uses them,' said Charleswood resident Dave Elmore, who chairs Bike Week's board of directors.
'We like to say it's for everyone, as when we started, Bike Week was more aimed at commuters. Now, it's for anybody and everybody that rides bikes.'
Ultimately, one of Bike Week's universal goals is to encourage people to get on their bicycles rather than take single-occupant vehicle journeys. Elmore — a passionate cyclist himself — said the emergence of e-bikes in recent years has also become part of the conversation.
'In my personal opinion, e-bikes are shrinking the city, and they're giving people the opportunity to ride further in a shorter time,' he said, noting there will be numerous pit stops for riders on Bike to Work Day (presented by CAA Manitoba) to stop and refuel and enjoy snacks and swag.
Elmore said there will be a group ride that day from Assiniboine Park to The Forks, and that people can 'jump on and drop off' at any time between 6 and 9 a.m.
'Bike Week is so important to me in so many ways. It's about encouraging people to get on their bikes and ride,' Elmore said.
'It's important to embrace and utilise our active transportation system, and there's also the environmental aspect.'
Bike Week Winnipeg event producer Andraea Sartison is thrilled this year's event offers so many opportunities for people to get involved.
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The St. Boniface resident said she's encouraged by the volume of local businesses lending their support.
Sartison also said organizers are also welcoming any financial support community members can muster in a crowdfunding model:
'We're asking for a little community support this year. We're accepting any dollar amount, starting at $5.'
'We want to continue to grow, and we need a little love. Winnipeg is a very grassroots city, with a small town vibe in a big city, and people are always happy to contribute.'
Visit bikeweekwinnipeg.com for more information.
Simon FullerCommunity Journalist
Simon Fuller is a reporter/photographer for the Free Press Community Review. Email him at simon.fuller@freepress.mb.ca or call him at 204-697-7111.
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