On a perfect June 7th, we celebrated the 11th anniversary of Bike the Creek with 2,200 cyclists registered for our five routes from 6km to 68km. Biking for all: building connections through cycling, the theme of our Peel-wide signature cycling event attracted people from all over southern Ontario.
Partners: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, City of Brampton, Town of Caledon, City of Mississauga and BikeBrampton collaborated to provide a free fun family event. So many moving parts amongst our planning team, our volunteers, supporting staff, sponsors, politicians and the wonderful folks who came out to enjoy the day.
Highlights from this year
The event team started planning in November 2024 — all the details that go into a successful event, from routes, descriptions, signs, invitations, safety plan, construction considerations, lunch, registrations, promotion, volunteer recruitment… and so much more!
Our sponsors and exhibitors set up early, before longer rides started checking in at 6:30am.
Platinum Level Sponsor, Subaru of Brampton set up their tent and positioned their car, be-decked with Bike the Creek decals on front, back and sides! We welcomed Asa and thanked him for joining our exciting event.
The Biking Lawyer Dave Shellnutt, displayed as a Silver Level Sponsor. He has been a wonderful supporter, delivering informative seminars, providing crash wallet cards, advocating towards systemic changes that make our communities inclusive, safe and vibrant.
We thank Caledon Hills Cycling, a Silver Level Sponsor. Understandably, their busy-season requires all hands on deck at their store/repair shop in Inglewood, Caledon.
Thanks to all our Sponsors for Bike the Creek 2025! Sponsoring us with in-kind donations were Pedalheads, Bolts Plus Bolton, Foodland Caledon East, Downey’s Farm and Butter and Cup.
Riders checked in with the TRCA registration team, getting colour coded handlebar tags, and Ride with GPS app cues for their preferred route.
Mayor Patrick Brown welcomed the riders to Bike the Creek, bringing greetings from the City of Brampton. He stressed how Bike the Creek is a community ride that celebrates active transportation, healthy living and sustainability.
Hundreds of riders gathered to head off on the trails and roads of Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Before each group departed, Emcee David Laing delivered the Rider Safety Briefing specific to that group for conditions that day.
Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism Graham McGregor brought greetings from the province, before he headed off on his Bike the Creek Dignitary ride.
Riders let off in groups of 10, in staggered starts.
Dignitary Ride #1: Steve (co-chair of Brampton Active Advisory Committee), Minister Graham McGregor, Regional Councillor & TRCA board of director member Rowena Santos, Dayle (BikeBrampton), TRCA staff, and OPP Cycling Team member Peggy stopped at Toronto and Regional Conservation Authority pavilion at Parr Lake North.
The Franceschini bridge is an important active transportation network crossing over Hwy #410.
Dignitary Ride #2 headed north. Regional Councillor Mario Russo, Caledon Volunteer rider leader Wayne, TRCA CEO John MacKenzie, and OPP Cycling Team member Peggy, were assisted by Steve (co-chair ATAC), and Dayle (ATAC & BikeBrampton).
The Dignitary Ride stopped at Caledon Southfields Pavilion, where Caledon Regional Councillor Christina Early and Councillor Dave Sheen welcomed the group and hundreds of riders.
It looked like a very long line up for lunch. But the line moved efficiently. Several riders reported they waited a maximum of 15 minutes for their turn for the BBQ lunch.
Marty, owner of BBQ Gourmet, once again wowed us with fast delicious quality lunch for meat and veggie lovers! Thanks Peel Region for sponsoring our lunch.
Bike the Creek Exhibitors
Sierra Club Peel volunteers staffed the Peel Waste Pavilion, helping / teaching participants how to sort, compost, and recycle their waste. Bike the Creek has been a zero-waste event since its inception in 2014!
Brampton Environmental Alliance invited visitors to take the One Planet Living Challenge, by selecting a pledge item from the 10 categories.
Plant-Based Treaty, invited riders to select vegetarian options for their protein, and select active transportation for reducing carbon emissions.
BikeBrampton / Different Spokes were hopping with hundreds of bikes parked securely in the bike valet, and wrenches working on minor repairs.
Town of Caledon welcomes visitors to their wonderful trails. Councillor Mario Russo, volunteer Sabrina, staff Jessica & Aly, OPP Cycling Team member Peggy and volunteer Wayne.
City of Brampton was represented by several departments with important messages for riders.
Parks Maintenance & Forestry sent a Brampton Orangeville Rail Trail team, who are working in the background on an environmental assessment, archeological assessment and trail design. Brampton Grow Green Environmental planning team invited visitors to share their voice and fill out a community survey. All riders passed Loafer’s Lake, site of the beautiful restoration project, funded by Province of Ontario and project managed by TRCA. Brampton Stormwater Asset Management displayed their plan to reduce stormwater drainage, reduce retrofit costs and predict future costs. Brampton Community Safety & Well-being office displayed their vision to empower and connect Brampton residents, where everyone feels safe, has a sense of belonging, and has their needs met. This program includes Nurturing Neighbourhoods, and Litter Reduction Initiatives.
William Osler Health System brought their booth to educate riders about diabetes and the role that sugar and activity plays. Peel Crime Stoppers promoted their valuable message: “See Something. Hear Something. Say Something.”
We were pleased to welcome Minister Ruby Sahota and MP Sonia Sidhu. They are both regular and great supporters of Bike the Creek with their message of active healthy living.
Councillor Santos welcomed the Mississauga team – Sheridan Bike Hub, Peel Multicultural Council’s Mississauga Cycles.
Prize Draw Winners
Grand Prize winner Christian, won a free week of half-day camp, valued at $410, from Pedalheads.
Your Bike the Creek planning team thanks all the wonderful participants, sponsors, exhibitors, staff and volunteers that make this event so successful! (Photo bombed by the Brampton Bee)
See you next year!
You must be logged in to post a comment.