Windsor-Essex cycling buffs will bring back a global tradition on Friday.
The City's bicycling committee is teaming up with Bike Windsor-Essex to present Bike to Work Day, encouraging residents to not only take advantage of the warmer weather but also save money as gas prices remain high.
The event is also designed to ask residents for feedback on what they would like to see in Windsor as far as cycling is concerned, according to Ward 9 Councillor Kieran McKenzie.
"Our committee’s mandate is to enhance the safety and viability of cycling in our community," said McKenzie, the chair of the bicycling committee. "For Bike to Work Day, we are asking the community to tell us directly what they believe it will take to get more people to integrate cycling into their daily routines."
Bike to Work Day begins outside the Bike Windsor-Essex headquarters on Monmouth Street in Olde Walkerville. Riders are encouraged to participate in a ride to the Ambassador Bridge, then to Jackson Park. Riders can leave the route at any time to proceed to work or school.
From 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., City of Windsor staff will be at the picnic pavilion at the southwest end of the park to gather information from people on how Windsor could become more bike-friendly. Light refreshments and beverages will be available.
"Supporting commuter and everyday cycling in Windsor should be a priority," said Bike Windsor-Essex Executive Director Lori Newton. "Many more residents would choose riding their bike over taking their car for short trips if we had a connected network of safe cycling infrastructure."
Information shared by those participating in Bike to Work Day will be passed along to the cycling committee, then Windsor City Council, for review and potential implementation at a future meeting.