Saskatoon Cycles May 2018 newsletter
Saskatoon Cycles News
- NEXT WEEK! Bike to Work Day is this Wednesday, May 16th. One of the best parts about Bike to Work Day is that it attracts riders who choose to bike to work for the very first time, and after the event, many of them continue to bike to work when they realize how easy it is to get around. Saskatoon Cycles is committed to making every Bike to Work Day bigger and better than the one before, and accessible for everyone in our city. Adding to this excitement is the 24 Commuter Stations we have this year. The Commuter Stations are definitely the backbone of Bike to Work Day and brighten what for many is a routine commute, and we are so grateful for their continued support. Visit the Commuter Station map for full details or by following any of our social sites (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter).
- As part of the money received from the City for winter city strategies, we had some artists from SCYAP decorate bikes for a bike art show. Let’s Lead (an experiential education program at Westmount to promote leadership skills) also participated. The bikes were obtained from BCBC. The bikes will be displayed at Drift and Karma Cafe which supported this endeavour. We are hoping that other establishments will contact Saskatoon Cycles if they would also like to participate in this project and have a beautiful bike art piece created specifically for their business space.
- Are you interested in taking a weekend-long course by Can Bike for instructing people to ride a bike safely? There is no planned date or cost at this time. We are just surveying members to see if it would be worthwhile to offer this course in our community. Once certified, cyclists would be hired to work on a part-time basis instructing courses for Saskatoon Cycles. Please respond to info@saskatooncycles.org.
- We have launched a postcard campaign that encourages all citizens to comment on their support for the downtown cycling network. These cards will be delivered to Ward councilors between now and the City Council decision in June (date to be determined). You are welcome to attend. A website activesaskatoon.ca will be live next week to inform the public and gain feedback about this initiative. If you are participating in Bike to Work Day there will be cards available at the FCL/Saskatoon Cycles, The Two Twenty, and the Community Clinic commuter stations. Alternatively, visit the front counter at the Bike Doctor and let your voice be heard.
Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities
- May 15 – Cycling the City: Intro to Cycle Commuting presented by Jeff Lindsay and the Silverspring Community Association at Mother Teresa School Gym. This free event is open to all.
- May 16 – Bike to Work Day. The City of Saskatoon is partnering with Saskatoon Cycles for Bike to Work Day. We need volunteers at 6:30 am to help with setup for the FCL commuter station on 22nd street and 4th ave.
- May 26 – Bike the Moveable Feast in partnership with the Nature City Festival. The theme this year is “We are all linked”. Tickets are $55 and are on sale now. Only 40 tickets will be sold.
- 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.
- Slow Roll season is quickly approaching and we are in search of people willing to lead or to help organize these monthly community rides to different parts of the city with other enthusiastic cyclists. Please contact info@saskatooncycles.org.
- Bike Valet season is quickly approaching. Are you interested in helping out this year? To sign-up as a volunteer or for more information, please contact Felipe, our Bike Valet Coordinator – bikevalet@saskatooncycles.org
Local Cycling News
- #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
- May 28-29 – Canada Bikes conference in Ottawa. The Bike Summit is an opportunity for cycling stakeholders from across Canada to join in a national conversation on the importance of federal support for cycling in Canada, particularly policy support, such as a National Cycling Strategy or components thereof, and dedicated funding for cycling infrastructure. Check out the website for more information or to register.
- Read: Why New Bike Lanes Are Good For Everyone — Yes, Even Drivers
- Read: Biking to Work, Arriving in Style
