Did you know that if you live within 10 kilometres of your workplace, biking can be just as fast as driving your vehicle, or even faster depending on construction and traffic?
With the added benefits of getting exercise, enjoying nature and not polluting the air, biking to work is a fun and healthy transportation option.
Bike to Work Day 2019 takes place Monday, May 27 from 7:30 to 9 a.m., starting at Newmarket Riverwalk Commons, 200 Doug Duncan Dr.
The 13th annual event, sponsored by Spoke O’Motion, is presented by Smart Commute Central York in partnership with the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce, York Region and the Town of Newmarket.
“Biking to work is an excellent way to incorporate exercise into your day and Bike to Work Day is the perfect time to get started,” said Jennifer Brien, event organizer. “Although our event is only one day, every day can be Bike to Work Day and it is really about getting our community to lead a more active and healthier lifestyle while reducing traffic congestion.”
Bike to Work Day is a Greater Toronto and Hamilton area event that kicks off Bike Month throughout June.
Newmarket’s Bike to Work Day began in 2007 at the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce, moving to its current location at Riverwalk Commons in 2012.
“Whether you are an experienced cyclist or new to cycling, we want to encourage people to get out of their cars and try biking to work,” Brien said.
The Newmarket event has grown to about 250 cyclists, tripling in size since its inception. Last year, 13 per cent of participants biked to work for the first time, proving that the message is getting out to the community, Brien said.
Bike to Work Day 2019 also features:
- Free Pickle Barrel breakfast
- Free artisan roasted coffee by My Indie Coffee Roasters
- Free Bike to Work Day t-shirts provided by Spoke O’Motion to the first 200 participants
- Learn how to put your bike on the YRT/VIVA bus bike rack
- Test and e-bike
- Visit exhibits and have a chance to win over $1,000 in prizes, including a $250 Bike Sports gift card.
Not feasible to make the trek to work from Riverwalk Commons?
“Consider holding your own Bike to Work Day at your office. It can be as easy as greeting employees who cycle to work with coffee and muffins,” said Brien.
Grab your helmet and bike to work on May 27. For trip planning tools that show you all your route options, go to explore.smartcommute.ca
For more information, call 905-898-5900 or email [email protected]
