The City of Brampton invites you to
explore the many trails and active transportation networks this June during
Bike Month.
Cycling allows you to
reduce your carbon footprint, significantly lowers travel costs, improves
mental health, and incorporates light exercise into your daily routine. Through the implementation of its Active
Transportation Master Plan, the City of Brampton continues to develop a network
of active transportation options for residents to meet their travel needs.
Bike to Work Day - June 1
Bike Month begins with Bike to Work Day on June 1. Residents are invited
to the kickoff event at Garden Square. There
will be learning opportunities about cycling and free breakfast provided by
McDonald’s.
Attendees will be able
to learn about bike repair from Different Spokes, meet members of the Brampton
Cycling Club to learn about local cycle touring, see how to place a bike on a
bus with Brampton Transit and test out an electric scooter from participating
vendors of our shared E-scooter program.
For more information on
Bike to Work Day click
here.
Community Bike Rides - June 6, 11, 20, 25
Community
rides are a series of free casual cycling tours held in Brampton through the
summer months. Led by citizen volunteer members of the Active Transportation
Advisory Committee, these group rides provide opportunities for residents and
visitors to explore Brampton on their bicycles and meet other cyclists.
During
Bike Month, Community Bike Rides take place on June 6, 11, 20, 25.
To
register visit www.brampton.ca/communityrides.
Bike
the Creek - June 10
Bike the Creek aims to raise awareness about the benefits of
cycling and the importance of active transportation in building a healthy and
sustainable community.
Established
in 2014, Bike the Creek is planned with partners Bike Brampton, Toronto
and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), City of Brampton, City of
Mississauga, and the Town of Caledon. The event attracts more than 1,000
cycling enthusiasts of all ages and engages more than 50 volunteers from the
community.
Bike the Creek takes place
on June 10. For more information and to register click here.
The
Active Transportation Master Plan
The
Active Transportation Master Plan includes the implementation strategy for
building a connected cycling and pedestrian network across the city and
connecting neighbouring municipalities to enable safer, more convenient travel
by non-motorized modes, and to encourage cycling as a viable means of transportation
for both recreational and utilitarian purposes for the general public.
Cycling Tips
1. Ensure
your bike is in working order. Have it tuned up by a
professional or learn how to do it yourself at Different Spokes – Brampton’s
Bike Hub. Sign up to become a member (for free!) and book your appointment.
2. Be
sure to have a good u-lock, a bell, front and rear lights and a well-fitting
helmet. If possible, utilize panniers (bike bags) and
fenders to protect yourself from puddle splashes!
3. Learn
the Rules of the Road. Understand what types of
cycling infrastructure Brampton has here and review Peel's Cyclist Handbooks to
understand how to bike safely within the city.
4. Plan
out your route. Brampton has a variety of trails,
neighbourhood paths and shortcuts for quicker and more comfortable trips than
your typical driving route. Check out the Brampton Cycling Map and Google
Street View to plan your ride. Explore the use of transit. For longer trips you
can combine cycling and transit. Brampton Transit, YRT, MiWay and GO Transit
all allow bikes on their buses and trains. Also see if leaving your bike at a
bus terminal or at bike racks along a bus route works for you. Check out how to
load a bike on a bus here.
5. Dress
for the weather. Check the forecast before biking, that
way there will be no surprises. You can bike in gym clothes and change at work
or opt for your regular work attire and cycle a bit slower. Bring extra clothes
and toiletries to your workplace just in case. On colder days, dress in layers.
Practice. Instead of aiming to bike to work every day, start biking to work
once a week to get accustomed to the change in schedule.
Quotes
“Cycling is something we all benefit from in
different ways. As a viable transportation option and an activity that helps
keep us fit and reduce our dependency on cars, it’s important that we create
Active Transportation Networks that encourage cycling and a greener, healthier
future. I look forward to seeing everyone during Bike Month and throughout the
next few months.”
-
Patrick Brown,
Mayor, City of Brampton
-30-
As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, Brampton
is home to nearly 700,000 people and 75,000 businesses. People are at the
heart of everything we do. We are energized by our diverse communities, we
attract investment, and we are embarking on a journey to lead technological and
environmental innovation. We partner for progress to build a healthy city that is
safe, sustainable, and successful. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Learn more at www.brampton.ca
