Mayor’s Bike Ride promotes active transportation

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On a sunny Thursday evening, more than 75 enthusiastic cyclists joined Mayor Scott Aitchison at River Mill Park for the Mayor’s Bike Ride. The August 20 event was intended to promote cycling as a fun activity, to help create a culture of acceptability for cycling, and to increase awareness for both drivers and cyclists.

Before the ride, Town of Huntsville sustainability coordinator, Rebecca Francis, announced that all Town fleet vehicles now have a sticker – ‘WATCH FOR BIKES’ – on the driver’s side mirror to remind drivers to use caution around cyclists. Mayor Aitchison, in his address to the crowd, said that it’s important for people to get out on their bikes and that the more we do, the more likely it is that infrastructure will be built to support cycling.

Participants in the ride completed one of two routes: a 12 km ride led by The Sport Lab or a 2 km family/kids ride led by OPP bike patrol officers and accompanied by Mayor Scott Aitchison. Mayor Aitchison dressed in casual business attire to promote the idea of cycling to work. Each cyclist received a Mayor’s Bike Ride water bottle for participating.

The event was championed by The Sport Lab and supported by Algonquin Outfitters, who provided Mayor Aitchison with a bike for the evening. Vendors from Totem Juice Company, The Farmer’s Daughter and Souls Sistas Cafe were on hand to showcase healthy food options.

The Town hopes to make this an annual event.