Wednesday 17 July 2013

Together We Travel Ride for Angels



On May 13th, 2012, over 500 people gathered with their bicycles near Hawkesville, Ontario to ride in memory of Barrie Conrod.  Barrie was killed on May 6th after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bike.  For those that attended, the large gathering was a powerful event and it showed the strength of the cycling community and the importance of remembering those killed or hurt while cycling.

Barrie’s widow Heather Caron says, “May 6, 2012 my husband Barrie Conrod was killed by an inattentive driver.  It was a clear day, we could see for miles.  There was no justifiable reason for the crash.  We did everything right that day.  The accident was horrific, catastrophic and it has changed my life forever.  Together We Travel Ride for Angels will serve as a reminder to motorists and cyclists to respect each other and remember those who have been affected.  I hope we can continue to remember and honour until the time comes that we don’t need to promote safety on the roads.  Safety for all.”

Please support Together We Travel Ride for Angels in its inaugural year, as we build on the momentum of Barrie’s ride and pedal to reinforce the need for all road users to share the road – motorists and cyclists alike. Funds raised will help cover the substantial cost of Ontario Cycling Association (OCA) insurance for the event.  Any funds raised in excess of 2013 costs will remain on deposit in a designated bank account to seed the 2014 ride.

Together We Travel Ride for Angels will include all cyclists in a family-friendly, police-supported ride through Uptown Waterloo.  The ride is open to everyone with a bike and a helmet, and there is no cost to participate.  We ask that all participants wear a white t-shirt.  Red armbands will be offered to all who have been affected by a motorist-cyclist accident.

Event details:Saturday, July 20
CIGI parking lot, Caroline and Erb Street in Uptown Waterloo
4:30 registration; 5:30 ride
Short police-escorted loop using Erb Street, Weber Street, Bridgeport Road, and King Street
Conclusion in Waterloo Town Square

Please donate, join us on July 20, share the details with your networks, and most important - be safe always.



Tuesday 9 July 2013

Bike2Work 4 Life!

I had such an amazing time participating in the #BikeKitchener Bike2Work challenge this year that I plan to continue this way of life into the future. I can easily see the ability to bike to work influencing major life decisions like whether I choose one job over another, or where I decide to live. I feel heathier and more connected to my community and these are values that are now core to who I am. I've always felt this way but the Bike2Work challenge really helped pull those out and make them realized!

If there's one takeaway I'd share with the general public out there it's this: get on a bike a ride. Don't make a plan. Just ride down a road, then another, and another...you'll discover an amazing world out there.

And watch for the potholes!
- Ty

If you’re reading this blog, you could win a free bike by completing the
BikeKitchener cycling survey. Fill it out online at
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/bikekitchener2013. #BikeKitchener