Bike to School Week 2019

Hey kids and parents, registration is now open for Bike to School Week 2019. Encourage your school to sign up. Every year more schools in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon participate in Bike to School week than anywhere else in Ontario. Last year, different schools hosted bike rodeos, bike swaps, decorate your bike days, bike assemblies, group rides and many more activities. Check out some of last year’s Twitter posts.


Riding a bike is fun, healthy and helps save the environment. The Region of Peel is encouraging Peel schools to sign up early. Schools registering before April 29th will receive a free promotional package with bike bells, bike locks, bike lights, bracelets, pins, stickers and a helmet. Almost 100 schools have already signed up so don’t miss out on this great opportunity. Register today!

Bike to School Week 2018

Peel Bike to School Week 2018 best yet with 165 schools!

BikeBrampton visited four schools in Brampton, bringing a cycling message of safety and healthy activity. Students were reminded to check over their shoulders before changing lanes and turning, practicing safe REAR VIEW CYCLING.

BikeBrampton was awarded a grant by Ontario Ministry of Transportation‘s Road Safety Challenge to produce and display a Rear View Cycling poster.

Walk+Roll Peel Active Transportation team did a great job of encouraging participation with prizes and bike racks for the schools.

Massey Street Public School kicked off Bike to School Week 2018 early in May by asking BikeBrampton to donate bikes for their Bike Swap. Our EcoAction Brampton Bike Hub has a lending library, with bikes stored at Region of Peel.

Peter Bolton from Mobile Pro Bicycle Service, and a BikeBrampton member, donated his time to repair the 42 bikes that were distributed to children at the Bike Swap.

Massey Street Public School held a “Spring into Health” event at the same time as the Bike Swap.

Parents as well as the kids gathered at our display to learn bike safety messages and to find out about Bike Month events.

St. Leonard Elementary School welcomed BikeBrampton to Bike to School Week 2018 with an assembly in their auditorium. We towed all the display equipment in a trailer behind the bike!

Helmet fitting and safety check at St Leonard Elementary School

Great Lakes Public School had bike safety stations. Each classroom of children rotated through the stations over several hours.

Senior students taught safety tips to junior ones at Great Lakes PS.

The kids were fascinated by our rear view mirrors and wanted to know how they worked.

Great Lakes PS children answer our bike safety questions.

“A rear view mirror lets you see what is approaching from behind and makes it easier to check traffic before passing.”

– Cycling Skills: Ontario’s Guide to Safe Cycling, April 2018

Our Lady of Providence Elementary School invited BikeBrampton to conduct a bike safety assembly for their 650 students to finish off a great Bike to School Week 2018!

Safe Cycling for Kids Free Clinic

Safe Cycling for Kids Free Clinic

A free bike rodeo, organized by a local community member, is being offered Sun August 27th. It’s a great opportunity for kids to polish their schools and get ready to bike to school this year!

Please share with any kids/parents you think might be interested. Registration, more details at: http://cyclingclinic.northwestlexusevents.ca/

Safe Cycling For Kids 

The start of a new school year brings increased traffic and we want to make sure everyone arrives safely. In this complimentary clinic we’ll be teaching kids who are already comfortable on their bikes the fundamentals of safe riding.

The program will include the following:

·         The correct way to wear a helmet

·         The ABCs of quick bike safety check

·         Being aware, being alert, being predictable and being seen

·         The rules of the road (hand signals, shoulder checks, stop signs etc.)

·         Bike handling skills through a safe and fun obstacle course

Powered by Northwest Lexus and Full Throttle Cycling Club. Register by August 24th. Limited spots available!

·         AGES: 7-12

·         DATE: Sunday August 27, 2017

·         TIME: 10am – 1pm

·         LOCATION: Northwest Lexus, 2280 Queen Street East, Brampton

For more information and to register, please visit http://cyclingclinic.northwestlexusevents.ca/

Do the Bright Thing

Do the Bright Thing!

For a cyclist, staying safe means reducing the chance of collisions. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable. Even relatively minor altercations with larger heavier vehicles can result in serious injury or death. Yet, statistically, a person is no more likely to be hurt or killed on a bicycle as long as that person engages in safe cycling behaviour. That means taking precautions that will help avoid collisions.

One way to avoid collisions is to ensure that other road users can see you and are aware of your presence on the road. Imagine the chaos if cars travelled after dark with no lights. Yet, despite it being the law in Ontario, Brampton cyclists are often out after dark wearing dark clothing with no bike lights!

So BikeBrampton decided to use the grant they received through this year’s MTO Road Safety Challenge to shine a light on cyclists’ visibility. The campaign called “Do the Bright Thing” involved the design and display of a large flag, along with educational aids designed to help Brampton cyclists be seen, be heard and be predictable.

The campaign kicked off  in April with a Bike Donation Drop Off Tune Up event at Massey Street Public School, where local families donated bikes for a swap two weeks later.

Rain and cold did not dampen the kids’ spirits at the Baskets and Bunnies event at Chinguacousy Park, when dozens stopped by for safety advice after visiting the MOO Barn.

We had good discussions with parents and students during Clark Boulevard Public School’s Family Fitness night. 

The next day we participated in a National Youth Week event at Louise Arbour Secondary School where we helped students understand the importance of physical activity for mental health maintenance, particularly safe cycling for transportation!

After that it was off to support PEYA’s Amazing Green Race where the BikeBrampton display and race station was located at University of Toronto’s Mississauga campus. More than three dozen students took our Road Safety Challenge Intersection Quiz.

Next we delivered a Bike Repair workshop at Louise Arbour Secondary School followed by Bike to School Week events at St. Leonard’s Elementary School, Conestoga Public School and Great Lakes Public School.

The children at Great Lakes Public School delighted in demonstrations of lights to “be seen” and bells to “be heard”.

Then it was on to Bike to Work Day where many riders dropped by Garden Square in Brampton’s downtown for free coffee and breakfast. We were pleased to display our “Do the Bright Thing” flag to Brampton Mayor Linda Jeffrey and Peel Regional Police Chief Jennifer Evans.

Bramalea Cyclefest was a hit this year with more than 200 participants riding the Chinguacousy Trail followed by lunch. We stopped off during our ride at Manitou Park Bike Parade, to see another of our BikeBrampton’s booth and join the smaller children for their parade.

CeleBrampton BikeFest was another recurring event where dozens of visitors dropped by the BikeBrampton display to learn how to “Do the bright thing”. We asked children what each of our 3 points meant to them. Be seen — Be heard — Be predictable! Their responses were thoughtful and correct! One child said being predictable meant using hand signals and not weaving in and out between parked cars.

Bike the Creek 2017 was the biggest Bike the Creek event ever with more than 630 participants traveling along 5 cycling routes throughout Brampton and parts of Caledon. We were honoured to have Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry Kathryn McGarry cycle and speak at our event. Here she is pointing to our “Do the Bright Thing” flag, that welcomed people to our event.

The campaign moved on to McMurchy Bike Festival where local residents had bikes repaired, participated in the bike rodeo and took our Road Safety Challenge to “Do the Bright Thing”.

BikeBrampton wrapped up the campaign, for this year at least, at the Mount Pleasant Farmer’s market where we successfully vied for attention competing with high winds, thunderstorms and spun candy!

All in all this year’s campaign was well received with many favourable comments and folks who committed to “Do the Bright Thing” while riding their bikes this summer.

​This School Bus Lets Kids Bike to Class | Bicycling

As if cyclists needed another reason to be envious of France, the land famous for le Tour recently debuted a pedal-powered transportation system for children. Since the beginning of the year, about 30 students at Anatole France, a public elementary school in the town of Louviers, have been taking the S’Cool Bus—essentially a large tandem bike with electric assist—under the supervision of a “bus” driver.

Source: This School Bus Lets Kids Bike to Class | Bicycling

Baskets and Bunnies Bike Booth

Baskets and Bunnies Bike Booth.

How is that for alliteration for BikeBrampton’s display at Chinguacousy Park?

The cold and rain on Easter Weekend could not deter enthusiasm for our bike safety display on Apr 15th.

City of Brampton Recreation invited BikeBrampton to encourage safe cycling to the kids there for an Easter egg hunt and face-painting. The Easter bunny was there too!

As the weather warmed up, the adult cyclists stopped by on their cycle through Chinguacousy Park.

Here was the real bunny in the Mini Moo Barn. Yes, we were invited to pet him and he was so soft…

Thanks City of Brampton for these great community events! The children had a wonderful time.

Massey Bike Drop Repairs

Bike donations doubled this year at Massey Bike Drop Repairs!

Massey Street Public School families rallied to Massey Bike Drop Repairs night April 13th. BikeBrampton volunteers made minor repairs for Massey School Bike Swap Apr 25th.

Massey has a goal to provide free bikes to as many kids as possible. Bikes are saved from backyards, garages and landfill.

Proud kids outgrew their bikes and hope to trade in for a larger size when they return on Apr 25th 6-8pm. Bike Swap 2017 Flyer

This boy learned to ride on bike he received at Massey Bike Swap last year! He wanted a photo to keep memories of an important ‘first’ in his life.

Mobile Pro Bicycle Repairs technician Peter Bolton volunteered with fellow BikeBrampton members. They are making minor repairs on donated bikes for Massey Bike Swap. Peter’s moto is “On yer bike… working to get more people on bikes more often”. Peter will come to local residents! If you need a bike repair, you can contact him at 416-419-1420 or cpoole4503@rogers.com

BikeBrampton Chair David Laing inflates tires of donated bike.

Massey parents getting tickets for donated bikes from chief organizer, Ranger Lorie. They can choose a replacement at the Massey Bike Swap. Of course, BikeBrampton members encourage them to register for Bike the Creek, June 24th!

Repaired bikes are ‘test-driven’ to ensure reasonable working condition…

David wheels the ‘princess’ bike to temporary storage…

Thanks to administrators at Massey Street Public School and Ranger Lorie for all the efforts to ensure kids can get bikes and be able to bike to school! BikeBrampton is so pleased to be able to support this cause. Of course, Massey St PS is registered for Peel Bike to School Week!

Massey School Bike Swap Apr 25th

Come on out for Massey’s Spring into Health Open House on Apr 25th for Massey School Bike Swap. BikeBrampton will be showing Peel School Safety Videos. An outdoor classroom will be held in Massey Park, behind the school. Toronto and Region Conservation will be on hand to discuss their stewardship programs at Heart Lake. Brampton Libraries and Peel Walk + Roll will have booths.

Brampton Cycling Courses 2017

Become a confident cyclist with Brampton Cycling Courses.

City of Brampton Recreation will be offering a series of cycling courses starting in May, for as low as $2! Courses ranging from kids of 6 years to adult, and from one session to summer camp experiences. Prepare for a safe and fun cycling season and Bike to School Week 2017 with these budget-friendly courses.

Register at econnect.brampton.ca by entering the bar code below!

Bike Basics:

Get ready for fun on your bike by joining this interactive workshop. Participants will learn about proper bike fit, safety equipment, street signs, signaling, stopping and how to ride. Whether you’re just learning to ride a bike or want to sharpen your skills, Bike Basics will get you riding with more confidence. At the end of the program there will be a family-friendly bike ride.

Required Equipment: Bicycle in good working order with a bell, CSA-approved bike helmet, comfortable clothing including running shoes.

Age: 6 to 10 Years Class Length: 2 Hours

 

Location Dates Day Time No. of sessions Cost Code
Chinguacousy Park May 6 Sat 9:30 am 1 $2 832393
Jim Archdekin Recreation Centre May 13 Sat 1:30 pm 1 $2 832394
Gore Meadows Community Centre May 27 Sat 1:30 pm 1 $2 832396

 

Age: 10 to 13 Years Class Length: 2 Hours

 

Location Dates Day Time No. of sessions Cost Code
Chinguacousy Park May 6 Sat 1:30 pm 1 $2 832397
Jim Archdekin Recreation Centre May 13 Sat 9:30 am 1 $2 832398
Gore Meadows Community Centre May 25 Thu 6:00 pm 1 $2 832400

Adult Bicycling:

In this 3 session program, bike riders will learn signaling, shoulder checks, straight line riding, braking, stopping, turning and weaving. By the end of this program riders will be confident cycling on Brampton’s roads. All instructors are CAN-BIKE certified.

Prerequisite: Participants must be able to ride a bike.

Required Equipment: Bicycle in good working order with a bell, CSA-approved bike helmet, comfortable clothing including running shoes.

Age: 18+   Class Length: 1 Hour
No. of Sessions: 3   Cost: $20.70
     
Location Day Dates Time Code
South Fletcher’s Sportsplex Thu May 4 – 18 6:30 pm 832490

Enter course code to register online

Summer Camps

Camp: Bike Adventure

Novice bike riders are encouraged to come out and explore the City of Brampton on their bicycle through our beautiful trails and pathways! Youth will have the opportunity to learn bicycle mechanics, bicycle safety, riding dynamics and proper bicycle etiquette on and off road.

Required equipment: Bike in good working order with a working bell, CSA-certified bike helmet.

Age: 10 to 13 Years Session Length: 7 Hours
Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Cost: $150.15

 

Location Dates Code
Century Gardens Recreation Centre July 3 – 7 823304
Century Gardens Recreation Centre July 10 – 14 823305
Chinguacousy Park Community Centre July 17 – 21 825134
Century Gardens Recreation Centre July 24 – 28 823306
Century Gardens Recreation Centre Aug 8 – 11* 823308
Chinguacousy Park Community Centre Aug 14 – 18 825135
Century Gardens Recreation Centre Aug 21 – 25 823311

* Camps are cancelled on August 7, 2017 due to the Civic Holiday. Price of $120.12 will reflect a shortened camp week.

Enter course code to register online

Camp: BMX

Participants will learn how to use a variety of park features while working on improving on-bike balance and confidence.

Required equipment: BMX bike, knee pads, elbow pads and CSA-certified BMX helmet.

Age: 6 to 13 Years Session Length: 7 Hours
Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Cost: $124.05

 

Location Dates Code
Chinguacousy Park Community Centre July 3 – 7 825094
Gore Meadows Recreation Centre July 10 – 14 816347
Chinguacousy Park Community Centre July 17 – 21 825095
Chinguacousy Park Community Centre July 31 – Aug 4 825096
Gore Meadows Recreation Centre July 31 – Aug 4 816348
Chinguacousy Park Community Centre Aug 14 – 18 825097
Gore Meadows Recreation Centre Aug 21 – 25 817718
Chinguacousy Park Community Centre Aug 28 – Sept 1 825098

Enter course code to register online

Camp: Triathlon

This camp will introduce young athletes to the challenge of triathlons in a safe and fun environment. Campers will train to improve their swimming, biking, and running. They will also learn effective transitions, bike maintenance, and nutrition habits. On the last day, campers will compete in a mini-triathlon to challenge themselves and show off their hard work.

Prerequisites: Splash 3 swimming ability or higher.

Required equipment: Bike in good working order with a working bell, CSA-certified bike helmet, comfortable clothing, including running shoes and bathing/swimming attire.

Age: 8 to 15 Years Session Length: 7 Hours
Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Cost: $150.15

 

Location Dates Code
Professor’s Lake Recreation Centre July 10 – 14 824625
Professor’s Lake Recreation Centre July 31 – Aug 4 824709

Enter course code to register online

Massey School Bike Swap

Massey Street Public School holding Community Bike Swap.

Bike Drop Donation Thurs Apr 13th 5-6pm. Bike Swap Tues Apr 25th 6-8pm

Donate your reasonably working condition used bike now, until Apr 13th. Massey will register your name and give you access to First Group for a free replacement bike. Volunteers will make minor tune-ups on the 13th.

Recycle your bike for a free replacement!

Bike Swap 2017 Flyer

If you don’t have a bike to donate, you have access to the Second Group choice for remaining bikes.

Massey has a goal to provide free bikes to as many as possible! Save bikes from backyards, garages and landfill! Recycle, Reduce, Reuse…. and Share!

Questions? contact Ms. Twinney or Mrs. Kelly at the school: 905-791-9392

Organized in conjunction with Massey’s Spring into Health Open House on April 25th:

  • BikeBrampton will be showing the Peel School Safety Committee Videos
  • Outdoor Classroom at Massey Park
  • Peel Walk + Roll
  • Toronto and Region Conservation stewardship programs at Heart Lake
  • Brampton Libraries

Bike to School Week – Bike Month

It’s time to register for Bike to School Week 2017!

Bike to School Week (B2SW) 2017 is a celebration of cycling and active transportation from May 29 to June 2, 2017. Schools in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon participated last year through bike rodeos, school assemblies, group rides, and more!

 

Check Out What Schools Tweeted
 

Education staff: Register at biketoschoolweek.ca by Friday April 28th to ensure that your school receives all the free promotional items!

Parents: Encourage your schools to register — send them this message!

In 2015, 148 schools across the GTHA, including 25 in Peel, registered to participate in the first B2SW ever.  In 2016, that number more than doubled to 309 schools registered in the GTHA and 52 schools in Peel!

 

Steps to Success

  1. Visit biketoschoolweek.ca to register your school by FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2016. Although Bike to School Week is May 29 to June 2, schools can celebrate Bike to School Week 2016 anytime in May and June.
  2. Visit the “Bike to School Week: Getting Started” webpage and connect with your Public Health Nurse (SchoolHealth101@peelregion.ca)to help you plan what Bike to School Week will look like at your school.
  3. Receive your promotional items
  4. Celebrate! Be sure to tag #biketoschool in your tweets!
  5. Fill out the School Reporting Survey by June 12th (you will receive it after you register).  It’s the only way we know how you did and provides the data we need to continue the campaign next year!  The survey is approved by the Peel District School Board and Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board Research Committees
  6. Receive a Bike to School Week 2017 Participation plaque to display at your school!

Get Started -- Register