Bike light giveaway helps cyclists stay visible

(Peterborough) – Safe cycling in fall will be the focus of two outreach events hosted by B!KE: the Peterborough Community Bike Shop later this month. On Tuesday, Oct 18 and Tuesday, Oct 25, staff and volunteers of the local biking organization will be offering free bicycle lights and tips about how to be more visible on the road while riding.

The “B!KE BRIGHT” events will take place Oct 18 at the Public Library on Aylmer St, and on Oct 25 on the Rotary Trail near the London St. footbridge. Both events will run between 5 and 7 pm.

“Cycling commuters and recreational bike riders can face additional hazards in the fall as daylight hours get shorter,” said Tahirih Rowshan-Lips, B!KE’s community education coordinator. “One of the most important ways to stay safe is to make sure you can be seen by drivers.”

The bike light giveaways are sponsored by the Peterborough Bicycle Advisory Committee as part of the volunteer committee’s education efforts around safe cycling in the city.

Cyclists in Ontario are legally required to have front and rear lights on from a half hour before sunset to a half hour after sunrise. Rowshan-Lips recommends cyclists carry a working set of lights with them at all times, or come get a set at one of the upcoming events. “It’s easy to get caught out on your bike past dark, especially in the fall and winter,” she said. “It’s in every rider’s best interest to have the equipment on hand to stay safe.”

In addition to giving away lights and offering other ideas for staying visible, the B!KE BRIGHT events will offer basic bike maintenance checks, help with route planning and information about cycling programs and resources in the city.

For more information contact:
Tahirih Rowshan-Lips, Community Education Coordinator
B!KE: the Peterborough Community Bike Shop
[email protected]
705-775-7227

Bike light giveaway helps cyclists stay visible

(Peterborough) – Safe cycling in fall will be the focus of two outreach events hosted by B!KE: the Peterborough Community Bike Shop later this month. On Tuesday, Oct 18 and Tuesday, Oct 25, staff and volunteers of the local biking organization will be offering free bicycle lights and tips about how to be more visible on the road while riding.

The “B!KE BRIGHT” events will take place Oct 18 at the Public Library on Aylmer St, and on Oct 25 on the Rotary Trail near the London St. footbridge. Both events will run between 5 and 7 pm.

“Cycling commuters and recreational bike riders can face additional hazards in the fall as daylight hours get shorter,” said Tahirih Rowshan-Lips, B!KE’s community education coordinator. “One of the most important ways to stay safe is to make sure you can be seen by drivers.”

The bike light giveaways are sponsored by the Peterborough Bicycle Advisory Committee as part of the volunteer committee’s education efforts around safe cycling in the city.

Cyclists in Ontario are legally required to have front and rear lights on from a half hour before sunset to a half hour after sunrise. Rowshan-Lips recommends cyclists carry a working set of lights with them at all times, or come get a set at one of the upcoming events. “It’s easy to get caught out on your bike past dark, especially in the fall and winter,” she said. “It’s in every rider’s best interest to have the equipment on hand to stay safe.”

In addition to giving away lights and offering other ideas for staying visible, the B!KE BRIGHT events will offer basic bike maintenance checks, help with route planning and information about cycling programs and resources in the city.

For more information contact:
Tahirih Rowshan-Lips, Community Education Coordinator
B!KE: the Peterborough Community Bike Shop
[email protected]
705-775-7227

Peterborough Pulse, the city’s annual Open Streets event, turns George Street into a car-free corridor that quickly fills with people biking, strolling, dancing, and getting to know one-another.

Open streets offer cyclists a unique opportunity.  They can experience the street, and the neighbourhoods it passes through, in a space designated for them alone. Away from the noise, pollution, and speed of motor vehicles that often dominate the space. Open streets also offer a chance for cyclists to meet, discuss, and play. P-BAC has been an active member of the Organizing Committee since the pilot year in 2015. P-BAC works with community partners to bring bike-related activities and amenities to Pulse. Bike fun has included bike playgrounds, pop-up bike lanes, bike valet parking, cyclist surveys, and more.

Grab your bike and join us on George Street.

Cycling has come a long way in Peterborough and the Peterborough Bicycle Advisory Committee’s (PBAC) Shift into Summer event will highlight successes, show some local film shorts, and celebrate cycling in this region. A few special announcements will be made at the event, which are sure to excite local bike enthusiasts.

Come to:

• Learn about current and upcoming cycling projects
• Hear about the new Shop by Bike program
• Find out the 2018 Shifting Gears winners
• See the results of the 2017 Peterborough Cycling Survey
• Hear about the national Cycle Cross bike race coming here this fall
• See some local film shorts, including one that made it to the Portland Bike Film Festival.

We will also have an announcement about cycling in the downtown and a myriad of door prizes. Everyone interested in cycling is welcome! There is no cost to attend and free valet bike parking will be provided.

Please join the Peterborough Bicycle Advisory Committee in Millennium Park for a fun, off-road demonstration of the 1-metre safe passing distance required for sharing the road with cyclists. Learn how road etiquette and technology help create a safe environment for Ontarians using bicycles and automobiles. Participants receive bicycle and car bumper stickers to help spread the message that Peterborough shares the road!

You can expect to get your hands real dirty in this DIY workshop about winter bike maintenance. We will talk chains, derailleurs, and cleaning galore!

You must bring your winter bike to participate in this workshop. Expect to spend the whole two hours rediscovering your chain, getting the pivots moving on your derailleurs and brakes, and cleaning salt off of everything.

Space is limited. 5 people ideal, 10 people max. Registration required. Please register by emailing [email protected]g