This month the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area celebrate Bike Month! 

Bike Month began as Bike to Work Day way back in 1989! It has since has grown to a month-long event that brings commuters, families, and businesses together to promote riding your bike for recreation, transportation, and for its health and environmental benefits.

Each region has its own event calendar filled with great activities, tours, workshops, and more! Be sure to check out a Bike Month Commuter Station (held weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5:30 – 7:30pm), for local event calendars, free tote bags, cycling maps, and other giveaways.
 

Here is a just a taste of the great bike related events in Toronto this month:
 

Heart & Stroke Ride for Heart on June 4th starting at 6am (8:30am cut off). Join 15,000 cyclists raising money and awareness for Heart and Stroke research. The Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway will be closed to vehicles so cyclists can cruise traffic-free!

Yonge Loves Bikes – Annual Ride on Saturday June 10th at 10:15am. This family-friendly event takes cyclists down Yonge street with a police escort. Starting at Midtown, the ride concludes with a picnic at the waterfront.

Cabbagetown Bike Tune Up on Sunday June 11th from 12 to 2pm. Completely free, this event is perfect for those cyclists in need of a tune-up. Cycle Solutions on Parliament, will provide bike tune-ups, while El Charro offers food and refreshments. There will also be children's activities, music, and crafts.
 

Has it been awhile since you've used your bicycle? Check out these great benefits:
 

  • Increase your physical activity in a fun and relaxing way.
  • Lower blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, and even lose weight and tone muscle.
  • Improve your sleep.
  • Improve your mental health and mood.
  • Save money on gas.
  • Save you from those dreaded traffic jams!
  • Reduce your carbon footprint.
     

Remember to practice safe cycling whether you're in a residential or urban area. 
 

  • Always wear a helmet.
  • Know and use your hand signals.
  • Use bike lanes wherever possible.
  • Know that you have to obey the same traffic laws that cars on the road do.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and other cars or people on the road.
     

Bike Month is a great opportunity to try cycling; cycle to work, to appointments, or to run errands. With the many benefits, you'll find cycling not only enjoyable but practical too!