GET ROLLING THIS SPRING

Reposted from Articles, Health & Wellness April 13, 2022

GET ROLLING THIS SPRING: Local Biking Groups Offer Support, Community Events And Advocacy

“When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking.”  

~ ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE

With so many well-documented health benefits to bicycling—including mental health—it’s a wonder why we’re not all out there right now pedaling like crazy. Aside from increased cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and flexibility, cycling also leads to improved joint mobility and decreased stress levels. It’s affordable, easy and most of all, fun.

Mississauga boasts many different clubs and organizations that offer different events, including casual weekly rides, competitions and even incredible charity events that give back to the community and those in need. We’ve compiled an overview of some of the resources you can contact when you want to get rolling!

Walk and Roll Peel ~ www.walkandrollpeel.ca

A program by the Region of Peel government, Walk + Roll Peel promotes Peel’s bicycle and pedestrian initiatives and infrastructure as well as the benefits of active transportation. Committed to getting more people walking and cycling—instead of driving—for everyday trips.

Mississauga Bikes ~ www.mississaugabikes.ca

This is your one-stop shop for programming and resources related

to cycling by your local City of Mississauga government. The website provides resources for parents, kids, new riders and schools, the (new) City cycling map, online engagement opportunities via consultations and surveys as well as public events! The most popular events are the Community Rides which are City-led group rides (held virtually during COVID). These rides are the perfect way to explore different parts of your city and meet new people, by bike! Check their website regularly for new resources, consultation and volunteer opportunities and the latest Community Rides!

Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee ~ www.mississauga.ca/council/committees/mississauga-cycling-advisory-committee/

Learn about the state of cycling in Mississauga by tuning in to meetings of the Cycling Advisory Committee, held monthly. General members of the public can join the meeting live by request as well as submit questions in advance by visiting their webpage. This is also where you can view past agendas, minutes and videos as well as the Cycling Master Plan.

Mississauga Cycles ~ www.facebook.com/mississaugacycles

The Mississauga Cycles project, started in 2019, is a joint collaboration

between Peel Multicultural Council and CultureLink, funded by the Region of Peel. Mississauga Cycles builds on the success of other Bike Hubs established by CultureLink in the GTA to connectewcomers with their new community, by bike. Programs include bike mentorship, bike repair clinics, online workshops, public outreach events and civic engagement resources.

Sheridan Bike Hub ~ www.missionzero.sheridancollege.ca

The Sheridan Bike Hub is a go-to spot to support all cycling enthusiasts in the Sheridan community! The program builds on successful cycling initiatives already in place at the college and it aims to increase cycling for transportation among our students, faculty, and staff on both campuses. The Office for Sustainability (OfS) has been in collaboration with The Region of Peel to develop the Sheridan Bike Hub for the Hazel McCallion and Davis campuses since 2018.

Slow Roll groups

There are currently four such groups In Mississauga: the Port Credit Slow Rollers, Streetsville Slow Roll, Cooksville Slow Roll and FrostBike Mississauga. The first three hold rides generally from May-October, bi-weekly, in the neighbourhoods of their namesake, while FrostBike takes place specifically in the colder months, more sporadically, across the city. Find these Slow Roll groups on Facebook, as well as the Streetsville and Frostbike groups on Twitter and Instagram.

Ontario Cycling Association ~ www.ontariocycling.org

The OCA offers various levels of involvement. As a rider, you can stay independent and/or participate in the many regional and weekly events that are hosted throughout the year.

Share the Road Cycling Coalition ~ www.sharetheroad.ca

A provincial cycling advocacy organization dedicated to building a bicycle-friendly Ontario, Share the Road works in partnership with municipal, provincial and federal governments, the business community, road safety organizations and other non-profits to enhance access for bicyclists on roads and trails, improve safety for all bicyclists, and educate citizens on the value and importance of safe bicycling for healthy lifestyles and healthy communities. Share the Road began in memory of OPP Sergeant Greg Stobbart, the husband of founder Eleanor McMahon, who was killed in a cycling tragedy in June 2006.

Velo Canada Bikes ~ www.canadabikes.org

Canada Bikes is a national cycling advocacy organization working to build a bicycle friendly Canada. They are the national voice and organizing body for promoting cycling as a means of everyday transportation and recreation. They have a sizable membership and conduct advocacy with all levels of government as well as hosting annual conferences, policy statements, research publications as well as a number of events. Their newest such event is the Pedal Poll, started in 2021, which collects real-time cycling data across Canada via hundreds of volunteers — the 2022 program is looking for volunteers now!

So, whether you’re looking for life-affirming exercise, joyful recreation or a tool for fast and affordable commuting that provides more health benefits than you imagine, check out these cycling groups and resources! Cycling opens a world of greater social interaction, environmental sustainability and accessibility — it is a wonderful way to connect with your community!