Local

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Cyclists can steer to 'pit stops', free barbecue on Bike to Work Day

By: William Burr

Posted: 06/11/2011 1:00 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies) | Last Modified: 06/14/2011 11:22 AM | Updates

Instead of making you come to it, Bike to Work Day is coming to you this year.

In the past, participants had to meet at one of five points across the city. But on June 24, there will be more than 20 "pit stops" spread out so that people from many neighbourhoods can meet up with other riders and take advantage of the free coffee, snacks, T-shirts and prizes.

This way, cyclists won't have to add on as many needless kilometres to their commute just to feel like they're part of the event. The largest pit stop will be at Bonnycastle Park -- at the corner of Main Street and Assiniboine Avenue.

Increasing the number of meeting points is part of an attempt to get more riders out. For the past three years, the number of participants for the day has held steady at about 2,000. So far this year, organizers say they have about 1,000 bicyclists confirmed.

During and following the afternoon commute on Bike to Work Day, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., there will be a barbecue at The Forks with free hotdogs, veggie dogs or burgers for the first 300 cyclists and a prize draw.

Competing with motorists for road space is still a serious issue for Winnipeg cyclists, said Hal Loewen, a librarian at the University of Manitoba who cycles to work every day. Bike to Work Day can help, he said. "It's a good start."

Drivers have become more aware of cyclists over the past decades, said Curt Hull, a Bike to Work Day organizer who has been an avid cyclist since the 1970s, when he spent five months cycling across Europe.

"More cyclists on the road means that motorists have more of a tendency to accept cyclists on the road," Hull said. "When you're an anomaly, you're seen as a real inconvenience, but there are more and more cyclists so it's just not worth getting upset."

To register for this year's Bike to Work Day, map your route and find a pit stop, visit biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org

william.burr@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 11, 2011 B4

History

Updated on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at 11:22 AM CDT: Corrects location of largest pit stop.

(You must be logged in to post your reaction)

Your reaction?

More Local

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010; View the changes. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.