Public Service Announcement

Residents Encouraged To Participate in Bike Week 2014

Monday, June 2, 2014 (Halifax, NS) – Community groups across the Halifax region are rolling out dozens of great events for Bike Week (June 6-15) with a particular focus this year on young cyclists.

Cycling is a healthy, sustainable way of getting around. Bike Week is meant to encourage residents of all ages to get out and explore Halifax, including its more than 130 kilometres of multi-use trails.

There are events happening all over the region, many of which are suitable for new cyclists or those who have not been riding for a while. For those who may be a bit nervous, check out www.facebook.com/notes/halifax-regional-police/hrm-bike-week-think-bicycle-safety/10150191492102903 for safety tips before hitting the road.

This year Bike Week includes five signature events:

• MEC BikeFest, June 8, offering informative clinics, kids’ activities, bicycle demonstrations, a bike swap and much more at Sands at Salter;
• 2nd Annual Southwest Sunday Cycle, June 8, a 15-kilometre scenic tour of the Halifax peninsula starting at Salter Street;
• 2nd Annual Mayor’s Ride presented by Doctors Nova Scotia, June 9, starting at Bicentennial Junior High, 85 Victoria Rd., Dartmouth;
• MEC Bike to School Day, June 11, encouraging principals and teachers to host events that get students interested in cycling;
• SWITCH Open Streets, June 15, helping people re-imagine how we use our streets by closing two kilometres in downtown Dartmouth to vehicles, allowing only people on foot, bicycles, skateboards, etc.

All Bike Week events are organized by local individuals, groups, associations and the Halifax Regional Municipality to encourage cycling. The municipality would like to thank all the Bike Week sponsors, particularly presenting sponsor, CAA Atlantic, and principle sponsors MEC, Crombie, Global, Metro and C100.

Residents are encouraged to share their photos and stories from Bike Week via social media. On Twitter, use the hashtag #hfxbikeweek. Residents can also post on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hrmbikeweek?ref=hl.

For details on all 50 events and more information on Bike Week, please visit www.halifax.ca/bikeweek/.

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Media Contact:

Jennifer Stairs
Halifax Regional Municipality
Public Affairs
902-476-5975
stewarj@halifax.ca