5/29/2010 8:43:17 PM

May 27, 2010

Community events highlight Bike Month 2010

Bike Month 2010, featuring more than 100 events that promote cycling, will take place in Toronto from May 31 to June 30. From free guided tours by bike, to art shows and film screenings, Bike Month offers a stimulating mix of events.

“Bike Month is a celebration of the culture of cycling in the City of Toronto,” said Mayor David Miller. “As we continue to improve our cycling infrastructure by adding to our bikeway network, I encourage Torontonians to consider biking as a healthy, viable transportation alternative.”

The official launch of Bike Month is highlighted by its marquee event - the Annual Group Commute on Monday, May 31.

Cyclists will converge from various points around the city and meet at Yonge and Bloor streets for a group ride to Nathan Phillips Square. Once there, participants will enjoy music, open air booths, demos and a free pancake breakfast. The event at Nathan Phillips Square will take place from 8 to 9 a.m.

This event, which encourages Torontonians to ride to work, is being held at the same time as other bike-to-work events organized across southern Ontario.

“Riding a bike promotes a healthy lifestyle, and is an important part of Toronto’s overall transportation mix. Encouraging cycling is important, because it not only addresses public health issues, but can also help fight traffic congestion.” said Councillor Adrian Heaps (Ward 35 Scarborough Southwest), Chair of the City’s Cycling Committee.

Other Bike Month events include:

• Bike Tour of Regent Park - Youth tenants of Regent Park who are participants of Charlies’ Freewheels will lead Torontonians on a bicycle tour of Regent Park, sharing the history and stories about their neighborhood on Saturday, June 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. The tour will focus on changes taking place in the neighborhood and how bike culture will fit into these changes.

• Life Cycles Custom/Vintage Bike Photos Show - Local photographers have compiled a collection of photographs featuring custom, rare and vintage bikes that span 100 years. The collection ranges from turn-of-the-century tricycles to World War 2 era carriers to 1980s BMX bikes - and everything in between. The exhibit, which will run from June 7 to 20 at the 52 McCaul Gallery, includes seminars and workshops with experts on bike building and repair.

• The ZM Cycle Criterium at St. Lawrence Market - This exciting high-speed bike race will be held in the St. Lawrence Market area on Sunday, May 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.

More information about these and other Bike Month activities is available at http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/events or you can phone 311.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto's government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents. For information about non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.