"Just Ride Your Bicycle"

Bike Week is still bustling this week in Portage la Prairie, with many events throughout the city. Bike Week Chair Ian Wassink says last night saw a rec ride take place, which is actually an ongoing event until the end of September.

"It's about an hour to an hour-and-a-half. It's an easy ride, no one's left behind, so you don't have to worry about biking too fast," says Wassink. "We do use the city pathways and the streets, and that's always a fun time. That happens every week as well... Every Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. a recreational ride from Stride Place."

Wassink says on Monday night, there was an art bike tour that was led by local artist Yvette Cuthbert, which saw folks biking to various outdoor art locations. He says the group ended their hour-long ride at the Greasy Chain, which holds their weekly public open shop from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. They did an art activity, spray painting t-shirts using bike parts to make really neat designs. The night included snacks and refreshments, and about $85 in donations were received from patrons to support the Greasy Chain.

Wassink says there's generally more interest in cycling and wanting to live healthy lives.

"It's an easy and fun thing to do," says Wassink. "It doesn't have to cost that much to get a bicycle. It's certainly good for the environment as well. For every bike on the road, is one less trip taken by a car or truck. We're gradually increasing cycling and active transportation infrastructure in the city. There's still a lot more to do. We certainly have a pretty good network so far, but I don't think our work or the city's work is done in that regard."

Wassink notes Bike Week kicks off the summer and the cycling season, which gets people in the mindset of biking around.

"Just ride your bicycle," Wassink says.

For a full list of remaining Bike Week events, check out the Portage Active Transportation Committee Facebook page.