NEWS RELEASE
SUSTAINABLE ORILLIA
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Sustainable Orillia’s 2024 Bike Challenge is coming soon! Following on the successful launch of our bike challenge last year, Sustainable Orillia is once again working with the Simcoe-Muskoka Health Unit and local bike shops to present an expanded bike challenge from May 11th to June 8th this spring.
This year’s event —"Sustainable Spokes; Healthy Folks” — will be launched at an April 26 at 7 p.m. kick-off event at the Orillia Recreation Centre, 255 West St. S. Attendees of this event will receive instructions, rules of the contest, bicycle trail maps, and safety tips — and refreshments will be served! Those who register for the challenge will be eligible to receive prizes based on how well they do in each of the categories which this year includes a new category (“14 and under”).
Sustainable Orillia’s David VanAlstyne notes, “Active transportation like cycling is also aligned with Orillia’s community climate action plan — Orillia’s Climate Future. In addition to promoting better health and reduced carbon emissions, there are also significant economic benefits in ‘getting off gas’.”
The Sustainable Orillia 2024 Bike Challenge is open to cyclists from across Orillia and Simcoe County and will celebrate “Bike to Work day” in Canada (May 17) and the “Bike to School Week in Ontario” (May 27to May 31).
There is no cost to attend the event or to participate in the challenge. Those interested can register online.
The challenge for this year will take place over a four-week period from May 11 until end-of-day, June 8. It’s not a race. It’s a personal challenge for participants to cycle instead of driving or being driven to your destination. As with last year, participants can use the STRAVA app to record their kilometres and number of trips. Non-STRAVA users will be required to keep a record of their distances and trips on provided forms.
Sustainable Orillia is putting out one additional challenge to our community! To collectively achieve a total distance cycled by all participants to stretch right across Canada – a distance of 7,560 km. The results will be announced on June 9th.
As Charlotte Knegt (RN) from the Health Unit says, “Life can be hectic, making exercise a challenge. Many in our area aren't active enough. Cycling to school or work is a great way to stay fit daily! But remember, cycling has its risks. Wear your gear and follow safety tips!”
Additional details for the challenge can be found on the Sustainable Orillia website.
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