Banff, AB – June is Bike Month in Banff, as well as in the rest of Canada, and to celebrate, the Town of Banff is holding a variety of events and activities focused on getting around Banff by bike.
The initiative is one of several aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the summer by encouraging residents and visitors to get around Banff by active modes of transportation.
The month kicks off with the nation-wide commuter challenge, May 31 to June 6. Banff businesses and residents can register their participation at commuterchallenge.ca and then log their green commute. Banff already has a high percentage of active commuters; 60% of respondents to the 2014 census question said they walk or bike to work in the summer.
Other Bike Month activities include free repair and maintenance clinics, free group rides and a free scavenger hunt, each with giveaways or refreshments. Shred Sisters, BikePirate, Backtrax, Soul Ski and Bike, Progressive Wellness Centre, Eddie Burger Bar, Dancing Sasquatch, Hoodoo Lounge and Aurora Nightclub have donated prizes.
For Legacy Trail commuters, a group commute is organized for Thursday, June 4. Gather at the Legacy Trail trailhead across from the Alberta Visitor Information Centre at 2801 Bow Valley Trail in Canmore by 7 a.m. Eastbound riders gather at Rocky Mountain Resort on Banff Avenue. The send-off includes refreshments and giveaways, hosted by the Towns of Canmore and Banff.
On Tuesday, June 9, stop by Central Park on your way to work with your cruiser bike for giveaways and refreshments. Or join Shred Sisters for a ladies mountain bike ride on June 10 and June 24. Children can get in on the action with Bike to School Day, June 16. And everyone in the family can go on a scavenger hunt by bicycle in the June 30 wrap up event.
For times, dates and details on all events and activities, visit banff.ca/bikemonth. Some activities are weather dependent and some have limited space, so book your spot early at bikemonth@banff.ca.