To help encourage healthy living and environmental friendliness, the City of Winnipeg officially announced “Bike to Work Day” earlier today at The Forks. On Friday, June 19, Winnipeggers are urged to ride their bicycles to work instead of taking their normal mode of transportation
“Winnipeggers want safe and direct transportation alternatives, and we have shown our commitment and leadership to expanding our active transportation network,” said Councillor Russ Wyatt. “This initiative is an opportunity to educate and promote cycling in our city and I encourage all members of City Council, the Public Service, and our citizens to join in on June 19 as we get active and bike to work.”
You can visit www.biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org to register and learn more about the event and active transportation in Winnipeg.
This year, for “Bike Oasis” locations will be available throughout the city where cyclists can gather to start or end their commute to work (6:30 a.m. until 9 a.m.).
- Natural Cycle Oasis at Polo Park (on Portage Avenue)
- Free Press Oasis at Northgate Shopping Centre (on McPhillips)
- Manitoba Public Insurance Oasis at Kildonan Crossing (in front of Moxies at Narin and Lagimodiere)
- Alter Ego Sports Oasis at Smart Park (off Chancellor Drive) at the University of Manitoba (in front of Edna Fedya Restaurant)
“Catch the Wave” (escorted group rides) will be leaving from all four Oasis locations to downtown and the pancake breakfast at 7:15 a.m. (gathering at 7 a.m.). These rides will be along routes of the Active Transportation network that are highlighted in the 2009 Winnipeg Cycling map. People can “Catch the Wave” from the Oases, from anywhere along the routes, or just go directly to the Manitoba Lotteries Pancake Breakfast at The Forks.
The first 300 people to register on the website will receive a Bike to Work Day t-shirt, and Manitoba Lotteries will be providing a pancake breakfast to the first 300 cyclists to reach the Forks the morning of the event.
Oh, and safety first — wear a helmet!
— With files from a news release
