About Bike to Work Day – Friday, June 24, 2011

Winnipeg, MB. - Committed to improving active transportation and promoting cycling in our city of opportunity, the city of Winnipeg joined partners from Bike to the Future, Climate Change Connection, Manitoba Cycling Association, Resource Conservation Manitoba, and Winnipeg Trails Association to announce the 4th annual “Bike to Work Day” to be held on Friday, June 24th.

“Bike to Work Day” is an active and energetic opportunity to highlight the environmental, health, and economic benefits of cycling by encouraging Winnipeggers to cycle to work or to school. This year the event also aims to celebrate the city’s $21 million advances in bike-friendly infrastructure, by inviting people to meet in the morning along popular new commuter routes called “Bike Pit Stops” on their way to work.

Last year, Bike to Work Day saw nearly 2000 registered cyclists take to the streets on event day. This year, by pairing with existing cycling shops like Natural Cycle and the Wrench, and community organizations such as the Park Theatre, 17 Wing and the Osborne car co-op, cycling numbers are expected to rise.

Winnipeggers are encouraged to visit www.biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org to register (starting May 27th) and learn more about the event and active transportation in Winnipeg.

In past years cyclists were asked to meet in the morning at five “Oases” in high vehicle traffic areas for event visibility. This year, Bike to Work Day has been reconfigured to cater to the rider and to feature new commuter paths. Now, nearly twenty “Bike Pit Stops” locations in the city will welcome cyclists at the start of their commute to work (6:30 until 9 am). Coffee from Tim Hortons and snacks courtesy of Stella’s Café & Bakery will be available to the first 30 people at each “Pit Stop” and prizes and Bike to Work Day t-shirts will be available on a first come first serve basis at all locations. The largest pit stop, co-hosted by Manitoba Lotteries and City TV, will be at the Bonnycastle Park on Assiniboine Avenue. with a live broadcast of Breakfast Television.

In addition, the former Manitoba Lotteries pancake breakfast has been replaced by the Manitoba Lotteries BBQ, which will run from 4-7 pm at the Forks offering free hot dogs, veggie dogs or burgers for the first 300 cyclists. Local brewery Half Pints bosts a “pedal pusher ale” for the event to be enjoyed along with live music. A prize draw, which includes the chance for registrants to win a new bike, a complete bike makeover care of Natural Cycle or new active living gear and cycling swag, will also run in the evening.

Media inquiries may be directed to the City of Winnipeg Media Inquiry Line at (204) 986-6000

Event Details for Media:
or via email at MediaInquiry@winnipeg.ca.
Celebrate Bike to Work Day Winnipeg Friday June 24th 2011