Saskatoon Cycles February 2018 newsletter
Saskatoon Cycles News
- Saskatoon Cycles, Tourism Saskatoon, and On Purpose Leadership made a bid for the 2019 International Winter Cycling Federation conference. While we were not successful in winning the bid, we did make it to the final round. Congratulations to the city of Calgary for taking the top spot. We look forward to supporting this exciting event next year.
- Winteruption brought in a wonderful show last month called “Spin”. Saskatoon Cycles hosted a pre-show reception with dessert and hot drinks by Calories. The event also featured our very first winter bike valet. Thanks to everyone who supported this wonderful show.
Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities
Ice Cycle 2.0: We have received a grant to plan several winter cycling events and we require volunteers to help pull it all off. Please contact ctwatts@sasktel.net if you can give of your time or expertise.
- March 3 – Bike Art show and BBQ at the Riverside Badminton and Tennis Club. Bikes will be displayed that have been decorated by students and by SCYAP artists and students from local schools. Volunteers are needed to help at the event from 5pm-7pm and with some of the details beforehand.
- March 10 – Winter camping event. We will be riding out to South Corman Park community association (15 km) at 3 pm, staying the night either in quinzhees, tents, or the log house. Baby steps to a winter adventure. We are looking for some events for the evening (musicians, storytellers, quinzhee builder’s, driving a support vehicle).
- LiveableYXE is laying the groundwork for next year’s Open Streets event, where streets are temporarily closed to automobile traffic to favour walking, jogging, bicycling, dancing, yoga, or other social activities. Gil Penalosa does a pretty solid job of capturing the spirit: “People traffic replaces car traffic, and the streets become ‘paved parks’ where people of all ages, abilities, and social, economic, or ethnic backgrounds can come out and improve their mental, physical, and emotional health.” If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Brodie.
Local Cycling News
- Thanks to those who submitted applications for our Summer Bike Valet contractor position. Interviews will take place later this month.
- In June, City Council will be presented with a downtown network plan for protected bike lanes. The lanes will adhere to the principles for all ages and abilities (AAA). Connectivity to other routes outside the downtown is ensured. As an advocacy group, we are working diligently behind the scenes to promote the adoption of this plan. The specific streets have not yet been determined. There will be an opportunity to attend a public stakeholders meeting on March 7th at the WDM from 4:30-8:30. Once the recommendations have been made for specific streets it will be very important as an advocacy group that we make our voices heard. We will be producing a petition, postcard campaign and will be using various other media. We will need your help to make this campaign successful. Please offer an hour or two of your time.
- #GetMyBikeBack: Please help the Saskatoon Police Service stop the epidemic of bike theft in this city. Register your bike at saskatoonpolice.ca
- Are there issues on your commute? Please contact the City if you have any concerns about the infrastructure that you find on your route. Feedback and/or words of affirmation can be sent to tom.simpson@saskatoon.ca
- Did you know you can submit a cycling event for the Saskatoon Cycles website calendar?
National/International Cycling News
- Janette Sadik-Khan will be coming to Edmonton on April 14th. The event is sponsored by Paths for People. See facebook for full event details.
- Read: Why New Bike Lanes Are Good For Everyone — Yes, Even Drivers
- Read: Biking to Work, Arriving in Style
