NEWS RELEASE
SUSTAINABLE ORILLIA
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Sustainable Orillia Director Dave VanAlstyne welcomed 30 participants to the Orillia Recreation Centre on Friday evening for the launch of “Sustainable Spokes – Healthy Folks,” the annual bike challenge organized by Sustainable Orillia.
Participants in the challenge will log their trips by bicycle between May 11 and June 8. Organizers emphasize that this is not a race but a personal challenge for participants to do their best to ride instead of driving or being driven in a car to work or school.
Total kilometres and number of trips will be counted, leading to prizes for winning individuals and teams of three. In this challenge, every trip counts – even trips to the grocery store, going for a pleasure ride around town or on trails. The goal is to log at least 7,560 kms – the distance across Canada – over the course of the challenge. Prizes will be awarded to those with the biggest totals.
Charlotte Knegt of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, was on hand for a presentation on the health and social benefits of cycling. (There are at least 11!) She noted that cycling is an increasing trend.
“More people are choosing active transportation more frequently – bikes are especially great for short trips," said Knegt.
Municipal councillors from Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Severn and Ramara were on hand to contribute to the event launch. Orillia Councillor Jay Fallis spoke of the progress the city is making with dedicated bike lanes, while noting that there is still much more to be done.
Fallis rode his own bike to the launch, and said he was “looking forward to logging more kilometres over the next few weeks.”
Oro-Medonte Councillor John Bard spoke of the many cycling trails in his township and throughout Simcoe County. He spoke of the bike challenge as a “brilliant initiative” and hoped that it would encourage people to enjoy the outdoors and promote good health, while saving money.
Severn Township cyclist Matt Thomson noted that cycling is a great way for people to get out and explore their own neighbourhoods, and beyond. Matt rides his bike daily, year-round.
Says Coun. Fallis, “Let the Bike Challenge begin!”
Anyone interested in participating in the 2024 Bike Challenge can find details at the Sustainable Orillia website.
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