Get Ready to Roll into Fall – It’s Bike Month!

September is Bike Month! If you haven’t done so already, now is a great time to bust out your bike, give it a tune up and get peddling.

Whether you’re new to biking or you’re an advanced cyclist who knows Mississauga’s cycling network like the back of your hand, biking is an activity that can be enjoyed by those of all skill levels.

Not sure how to celebrate Bike Month? Check out our list of cycling activities.

Learn something new with a safe cycling webinar
Join hundreds of other bike-loving residents across the GTHA by checking out a free, safe cycling webinar presented by Peel Region. Register for the webinar that interests you most, or check out them all!

All webinars take place from noon to 1 p.m., following the schedule below. Visit bikemonth.ca/mississauga for more information and to register.

• Family Biking – September 12
  Learn tips and tricks for teaching kids how to bike as well as biking while pregnant and with babies and toddlers.
• Safe Cycling 101 – September 16
  Safe Cycling for School-Aged Children – September 19
  Bike with confidence. Learn about the rules, responsibilities, etiquette and more.  A version of this workshop is also available for school-aged children.
• Road Rules – September 26
  This interactive, quiz-style workshop will cover a range of topics, including laws and fines that apply to cyclists and drivers, how to navigate shared space with other roads users and common misconceptions about road rules.
• Biking in All Weather Conditions – September 30
  This interactive, quiz-style workshop will cover a range of topics, including laws and fines that apply to cyclists and drivers, how to navigate shared space with other roads users and common misconceptions about road rules.

Give your bike a check-up
Just like us, your bike might not be in tip-top shape if you haven’t been out for a ride in a while. Before you head out, give your bike a safety check – especially if you and your bike are a little rusty. Do the ABCD Quick Check to make sure your bike is safe to ride.

Brush up on your trail etiquette
Biking is a great activity that allows you to get outdoor exercise while practising physical distancing. Due to the pandemic, more cyclists and pedestrians have been hitting Mississauga’s trails and shared pathways, creating an increase in congestion. To ensure everyone is able to safely enjoy their trail time, be courteous and follow trail etiquette – it involves more than just ringing your bell! Brush up on your trail etiquette before you head out.

Bike to work or to school
Swap out four wheels for two wheels, and gas-fuelled for pedal-powered by choosing your bike instead of your car the next time you travel to work or to school. Not only does it get you active, it also helps reduce traffic congestion, especially around school zones, and is something easy you can do to reduce your carbon footprint.

Explore somewhere new
Whether you’re looking for a quieter forested trail away from the bustle of the city, or a route that takes you through downtown or by the lake, there’s so much to see and explore in Mississauga – especially by bike. Use the Mississauga cycling map to plan your route, or check out one of these hidden gems.

If you live in Wards 4, 7 or 9, take advantage of the temporary active transportation lanes that continue to be available for local use and are part of the City’s Active Transportation COVID-19 Recovery Framework. Whether you’re hopping on your bike to get some exercise, making a local trip in your neighbourhood, or running errands, these lanes make physical distancing safer and easier for cyclists and pedestrians. Go online to see where the temporary active transportation lanes are located in your ward.

To learn more about the City’s vision for cycling in Mississauga, check out the 2018 Cycling Master Plan.

Tags

• Cycling