Bike the Creek 2015 cyclists ushered in perfect June 20th summer solstice in Brampton & Caledon.
400 cyclists attended 2nd annual Bike the Creek event that showcased the Etobicoke Creek Trail, Fletcher’s Creek Trail, our natural valley lands, parks, stormwater ponds, and Brampton’s historically significant sites: Bovaird House and Alderlea House.
“I loved the tour of Bovaird House. I have lived in the area for over 30 years and have never [been] there.”
Historic Bovaird House, 1852
“Great initiative to get people out from routine life and give them an exposure of rich Canadian Heritage”
Historic Alderlea House, 1865-79
Departing from Jim Archdekin Recreation Centre in Brampton, riders chose from a 16 km Nature Ride north into Caledon, a 25 km City Ride south into downtown Brampton, or experienced riders completed the 41 km End-to-End loop.
Bike Brampton worked with a wonderful group of Partners since last September to produce this event: City of Brampton (Recreation, Emergency Response & Heritage), Town of Caledon and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA & Living City Foundation).
“Absolutely loved seeing the beautiful trails and bridges – love meeting some of the organizers!! The people were all fantastic – the lunches were super fantastic – the whole event was so amazing such a worthwhile event – the highlight of the season – thank you to all who participated & most especially the most amazing volunteers and even the wonderful vendors – such a great positive group of people you ever want to meet!!”
Pavillion experts from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, City of Brampton Heritage and Town of Caledon explained the features and stamped passports for a chance to win fabulous prizes.
Emergency Response with their Command Post kept riders safe with staggered starts and CERV volunteers.
The Region of Peel and Walk + Roll Peel was our Title Sponsor, providing the nutritious lunch from Whole Foods Market (who sponsored with a discount and inclusion of snacks).
Walk + Roll Peel provided their signature bicycle for Harinder Malhi, MPP Brampton-Springdale to ride. Bike Brampton’s Peter (with world tour and bike mechanic experience) escorted Ms. Malhi on the Nature Ride.
Harinder Malhi, MPP Brampton-Springdale bringing greetings from the Province of Ontario
Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson and Caledon Councillor Jennifer Innis bringing greetings from the Town of Caledon. They presented this plaque of celebration:
2015 06 20 Mayor Thompson & Council celebrate Bike the Creek
Regional Brampton Councillor Michael Palleschi and Brampton Councillor Doug Whillans bringing greetings on behalf of the City of Brampton and the Region of Peel
Peel Police Deputy Chief Chris McCord, Regional Brampton Councillor Michael Palleschi, Brampton Fire Chief Michael Clark, Brampton Councillor Doug Whillans, Paramedic Divisional Commander Tom Kukolic
Peel Commissioner Dan Labreque & Director Carolyn Clubine
Peel Commissioner Gilbert Sabat
The Cyclepath Brampton sponsored Bike the Creek 2015 passport printing.
OPP Bicycle patrol Sergeant issues a ticket to young rider to “have a fun ride!”
Peel Police MPU Bike Patrol Officers & BikeBrampton Chair David Laing
Master of Ceremonies David Laing gives rider briefing for safety rules
CERV volunteers staggered the cyclist starts to encourage safety
Caledon & TRCA Official Opening of Etobicoke Creek Trailhead
At 11:00 am, Mayor Allan Thompson presided over the ribbon-cutting of the official opening of the new trailhead in Caledon that connects Valleywood across the Etobicoke Creek to Kennedy Road. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) worked feverously to complete the trail and a new bridge in time for this event, in spite of the late spring and wet conditions.
Tina displays official ribbon-cutting shears…
cyclists proceed on new Etobicoke Creek Trail
Mayor Thompson, Tina & TRCA’s Vince stroll along the new trail extension
Bike Brampton Chair David Laing with Caledon Councillor Jennifer Innis
Partner & Sponsor Bike the Creek 2015 Booths
Harinder Malhi, MPP Brampton-Springdale & Steve from Bike Brampton showing Bike Brampton’s MTO Road Safety Challenge quiz that educates cyclists about Bill 31 Keeping Ontario’s Roads Safe Act.
Sponsor WIKE, the Walk & Bike Company brought their amazing trailers and cargo bikes from their factory in Guelph to demonstrate that they are indeed “leading the active transportation revolution”.
To the cyclists delight, Robert from WIKE let families try out their cargo bike, which is designed and manufactured right here in Canada! Robert added:
“Count us in for next year! We will bring along staff for our booth so we can ride the trail ourselves!”
Partner Toronto and Region Conservation Authority staff & volunteers at Conservation for the Living City booth
Councillor Whillans stops by Bike Brampton booth to chat with Polly & Steve
The organizers thank Brampton and Caledon Community Foundation and Community CarShare for their financial support of our event.
Bike the Creek 2015 Riders
fun for the whole family!
cycling 4 recycling…
Brampton Cycling Club members Bike the Creek 2015
Small but EPIC!
Bike the Creek 2015 T-shirts designed by TRCA
St John Ambulance first aid
Brampton Emergency Response & TRCA — Bike the Creek 2015 planning partners
Draw Prize Winners
Prize winner of PanAm tickets compliments of Town of Caledon
Rose Theatre tickets winner
Black Creek Pioneer Village gift bucket winner
City of Brampton gardening basket winner
PanAm swag basket winner
Bike Rodeo for the kids
Brampton Safe City Rodeo for the kids
Brampton’s DJ Eugene
City of Brampton’s Michele & Lindy installing wayfinding signs – how many hours were involved, Michele???
Bike the Creek 2015 advertised at Brampton’s downtown Garden Square
Your organizing team of partners: Michele, Alain, Kathryn, Stav from City of Brampton; Joanna from TRCA; Tina from Town of Caledon; David, Dayle from Bike Brampton. We couldn’t have done it without support from the whole team!
“But most of all … Keep up the fabulous worthwhile community building, physically, emotionally, socially, and environmentally healthy event!!!!”
Bike the Creek 2015 was here…. see you next year!
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