Brampton – 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
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
“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 of Brampton