June is Bike Month!
Join us at one of our cycling events!

Workshops are free, ($) indicates a cost for food or refreshments. All
activities will go unless it is thundering or raining really hard. Helmets
required for all rides. Waivers must be signed for all rides.

Moderate Group Ride – Sat June 1, 10 am
Meet at the Haliburton town docks
Get to know a local 30 – 50k road route with local cyclists. Suitable for intermediate cyclists. A road bike or hybrid is preferable. Distance and route will be based on group.
Pre-registration not required.

Gaia Cycle – Sunday June 2, 2 pm
Meet at the Stanhope Airport
The Gaia Cycle is an easy 10 km loop on low traffic roads, with a couple of moderate hills. There is an option to go out and back for a shorter ride, for novice or nervous cyclists. We will be received by Carol and Paul Kilby, owners of the Gaia Farmhouse B&B, for a walk through the cosmic labyrinth and other delights on their lakeside property. Bring a bathing suit if it's a warm day. This is an excellent Family Ride!
Pre-registration recommended but not required. Call Pamela 705-457-4767

Discover Mountain Biking at Sir Sam’s
Sunday June 2 or June 23, 1 – 3 pm
Thinking about trying mountain biking? Here’s the perfect opportunity! Sir Sam’s has a great network of trails for novice to advanced riders. Bike rental, lift and trail pass for $25 (regular $49.95) Riders must call in advance to book bike rental. Or bring your own bike and ride for $10.
For more information call 705-754-2298

Introduction to Cycling - Tuesday, June 4, 7 – 8:30 pm
Fleming College Room 8
No bike required! This is an info session for people thinking about getting into cycling. Purpose is to provide basic info on getting started, different types of bikes, bike fit.
Call the Health Unit to register 705-457-1391

Discover Glebe Park Mountain Biking – Wednesdays, 6 pm
Meet at the Trail kiosk beside the Fleming College parking lot
Join the members of the Haliburton Highlands Mountain Bike Club for guided rides of trails in Glebe Park.
Pre-registration not required.

Minden Guided Ride – Thursday, June 6, 6:30 pm
Meet in the Minden Community Centre parking lot
This ride will be about an hour long and will explore a local Minden bike route at a moderate pace. Suitable for beginning and intermediate cyclists. Rain date: Thur June 20
Pre-registration not required.

Greasy Spin – Sunday, June 9
Meet at Haliburton Arena parking lot, 9 am (long), 10 am (short)
Start the cycling season with a guided bike ride followed by breakfast at the Kosy Korner. There will be two route options. A 30k loop is suitable for intermediate cyclists (~2 hrs) and a 10k loop is suitable for beginner – intermediate cyclists (~1 hr). The routes will be on main and secondary county roads at a moderate pace. Finish off with breakfast at the Kosy Korner ($6 – $7).
Call the Health Unit to register 705-457-1391

O-Cup Mountain Bike Race – Sunday Jun 9
Sir Sam’s Ski and Bike
Come out to Sir Sam’s and watch mountain bikers from across Ontario race on trails at Sir Sam’s. Or sign up and race yourself! For more information visit www.superflyracing.com

Get Back on Your Bike for Women – Tuesday June 11, 6:30 – 8:30
Meet at the Haliburton Town Docks
This workshop is for women who are just getting started or back into cycling. We will review basics such as: bike and helmet fit, basic bike care, bike safety and equipment, and how to use your gears effectively. We’ll practice in the parking lot and then go for a short gentle ride.
Call Pamela for more information and to register 705-457-4767

Get Back on Your Bike (general) – Thursday June 13, 6:30 – 8:30
Meet at Haliburton town docks
This is an opportunity to review the basics so that you can get started riding your bike. We will review basics such as: bike and helmet fit, basic bike care, bike safety and equipment, and how to use your gears effectively. We’ll practice off-road and then go for a short ride. All levels welcome.
Call the Health Unit to register 705-457-1391

Pedal Your Arts: Rolling Hills of Harburn - Saturday, June 15
This tour for the experienced cyclist will visit studios along scenic and hilly Harburn Road. With 2 experienced, local guides, this fully supported 56km tour will take you on a breathtaking (literally!) adventure. Stopping to visit local art studios to talk to the artist or watch demonstrations. Lunch will be provided by an outstanding local chef. Cost $99 per person plus HST.
Contact Yours Outdoors at 705-754-3436 or info@yoursoutdoors.ca or visit the website at: http://www.yoursoutdoors.ca/packageinfo.php?id=5

Ladies Day Mountain Bike Clinic – Saturday, June 15th, 10am – 4pm
Sir Sam’s
Novice & Intermediate Classes
Cross Country Riding & Skill Development
Lunch provided followed by afternoon ride leading up to a soak at Sir Sam's Water Spa.
www.sirsamsinn.com
Register Early to reserve your place.
Call 705-754-2298 or email dave@sirsams.com
Bike Rentals are available.

Bike Rodeos for Kids –
Haliburton: Sat June 8, 9 – 12, J.D. Hodgson
Minden: Sat June 22, 9 – 12, Archie Stouffer
Elementary age students are invited to come and learn bike handling and safety skills in a fun setting, led by Paul Potter from the OPP.

Father’s Day Family Ride – Sunday June 16, 10am
Meet at the Stanhope Community Centre
This family friendly ride will go along North Shore Road. Bring a picnic lunch for after the ride!
Pre-registration not required.

For more information, call the Health Unit 457-1391
Or visit www.cyclehaliburton.ca

If you cycle and/or drive in the Haliburton Highlands, please tell us what you think about our Share the Road campaign. This online survey will only take a few minutes to do. http://fluidsurveys.com/s/sharetheroad2012/
Thanks!

The Ontario Chief Coroner's Office just released their report on cycling deaths in Ontario. There are a number of good recommendations related to policy, legislation and infrastructure. The full report can be downloaded at http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/DeathInvestigations/office_coroner/PublicationsandReports/CyclingDeathReview/DI_Cycling_Deatth_Review.html

June is Bike Month in the Haliburton Highlands and we are partnering with Algonquin Outfitters, Sir Sam's and Haliburton Indoor Cycling to offer some great ways to get to know other cyclists and cycling opportunities. Click here for full details...starting with the June 1 Spin Dig!

Workshops are free, ($) indicates a cost for food or refreshments. All activities will go unless it is thundering or raining really hard. Helmets required for all rides. Waivers must be signed for all rides.

“Spin-Dig” - Friday, June 1, 6 – 9 pm
Algonquin Outfitters, Haliburton
Kick off the cycling season with some fun and festivities at Algonquin Outfitter Boatwerks on Highland St in Haliburton. Check out some great clothing and gear to get you ready for the season, watch some cycling videos, meet other cyclists and enjoy complimentary refreshments.

Women’s Intro to Road Riding
Tuesday June 5, June 12, 7 pm
Meet York St parking lot behind library, Haliburton
This friendly group ride is a great way to get familiar with a local cycling route and build your confidence riding on roads. Cyclists of any experience are welcome. Road safety basics will be reviewed, followed by a moderately paced ride of about 30 km. No rider left behind!

Greasy Spin – Sunday, June 17
Meet at Haliburton Arena parking lot, 9 am (long), 10 am (short)
Register with the Health Unit, 457-1391
Start the cycling season with a guided bike ride followed by breakfast at the Kosy Korner. There will be two route options, longer (~2 hrs) and shorter (~1 hr). The routes will be on main and secondary county roads at a moderate pace. Cost for breakfast is about $6 – $7.

Basic Bike Maintenance – Thursday June 14, 6:30 – 9 pm
Location: Fleming College – Room 12, Haliburton
Call AO Boatwerks to register 705-457-3737 (max. 10)
Join Corey from AO and learn the basics of getting your bike ready to ride, including things like cleaning, lubing, fixing a flat tire, bike fit and making brake and derailleur adjustments. Please pre-register.

Discover Mountain Biking at Sir Sam’s
Sunday June 10 or June 24, 1 – 3:30
To register email dave@sirsams.com or call 705-754-2298
Thinking about trying mountain biking? Here’s the perfect opportunity! Sir Sam’s has a great network of trails for novice to advanced riders. This introductory session includes some basic riding skills, gear shifting & braking skill development as well as a guided ride. Bring your own mountain bike in good condition, or bike rentals are available. Cost: $25 with rental, $10 without. Pre-registration required.

Shifting Gears Cycling Festival
Sat. June 23, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Head Lake Park, Haliburton,
Cyclists and friends are invited to our seventh annual cycling festival. Join one of our guided group rides, and finish in Head Lake Park to listen to some great live music from Jazz Kitchen, and enjoy a great lunch catered by Rhubarb chef Chris Carl ($). Algonquin Outfitters will be on hand with test bikes to try, and will be offering free bike maintenance checks.

There’s a guided ride for everyone, so come and discover local cycling routes and meet other cyclists. Meet at the Head Lake Park parking lot, where all rides will start and finish. Helmets required by all riders; waivers must be signed.

9 am – 70 - 75 k ride, about 3 hours (harder pace)
10 am – 30 - 35 k ride, about 2 hours (moderate pace)
11 am – 10 k ride, about 45 min (easy pace)
11 am – family ride on Rail Trail, 30 – 45 minutes (easy pace)

For more information, call the Health Unit 457-1391

Lots of great cycling events coming up in the Haliburton Highlands. Here's one from Yours Outdoors.

Pedal Your Arts: Rolling Hills of Harburn

June 30, 2012

8:30 am - 4:30 pm

This tour for the experienced cyclist will visit art studios along scenic and hilly Harburn Road. With 2 experienced, local guides, this fully supported 65km. tour will take you on a breathtaking (literally!) adventure along delightful back roads through “jaw dropping” scenery. We’ll stop regularly to visit local art studios to talk to the artist or watch demonstrations. Original works of art will be on display for show and sale. We’ll also take some time to explore natural and cultural features along the way. Lunch will be provided by an outstanding local chef. To book please contact Yours Outdoors at 705-754-3436 or at info@yoursoutdoors.ca . For more information visit - http://www.yoursoutdoors.ca/packageinfo.php?id=5

Cycling in Ajax!

Check out this video of Ajax Major Steve Parish talking about the benefits of cycling in his community. Looks like a great place to ride! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWXvHRPN3G0&feature=youtu.be

Weekend Cycling Events!

1. Friday, June 24, AO Boatwerks is hosting a wine and cheese for cyclists from 6 - 9 pm. The Bike specialists are heading down from Hunstville with a bunch of women's specific gear and test bikes etc... There will be some great deals on clothing and gear. All are welcome.

2. Friday, June 24, you can stop by the Heritage House Cafe, where Corey from Boatwerks will be doing free bike checks and minor tune ups from 12 - 4. Get your bike checked out and have a coffee while you wait!

3. Saturday, June 25 - Join a group ride in the morning, and then stay for the Cycling Festival at 11:30, where there will be great music by Jazz Kitchen and lunch available from Chris Carl. All rides leave from Head Lake Park parking lot as follows:

9 am – 70 – 90 k ride, about 3 hours (harder pace) 10 am – 30 - 35 k ride, about 2 hours (moderate pace) 11 am – 10 k ride, about 45 min (easy pace) 11 am – family ride on Rail Trail, 30 – 45 minutes (easy pace)

Helmets required by all riders; waivers must be signed.

Anyone who comes to the Cycling Festival and rides will get an AO discount card, good for a discount on cycling accessories and clothing.

June Cycling Events!

June is Bike Month in Haliburton County Join us at one of our cycling events! Presented by the Haliburton Highlands Cycling Coalition Workshops are free, ($) indicates a cost for food or refreshments. All activities will go unless it is thundering or raining really hard. Helmets required for all rides. Waivers must be signed for all rides.

Fourth Annual Commuter Challenge and Bike to School Week, Sun. June 5 – Sat June 11
Walk and Roll! Bike or walk part or all the way to work, school or other destinations. Whether you are an employee, student, family or senior, you are welcome to participate by tracking your active travel. Sign up at www.commuterchallenge.ca
Contact Sue at the Health Unit 457-1391 for more information.

Greasy Spin – Sunday, June 19 Meet at Haliburton Arena parking lot, 9 am (long), 10 am (short)
Register with the Health Unit, 457-1391
Start the cycling season with a guided bike ride followed by breakfast at the Haliburton Legion. There will be two route options, longer (~2 hrs) and shorter (~1 hr). The routes will be on main and secondary county roads. Cost for breakfast is $6.

“Spin-Dig” - Monday June 20, 7:00pm Café 212 Upstairs
Kick off the cycling season with some fun, film and festivities at Café 212 ($). Bring your cycling and soon-to-be-cycling family and friends for a great social evening that includes door prizes, and a variety of cycling “shorts” (films, that is!).

Basic Bike Maintenance – Tuesday, June 21, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Location: AO Boatwerks, Haliburton
Register with AO, 457-3737 (max. 10)
Join Corey from AO and learn the basics of getting your bike ready to ride, including things like fixing a flat tire, brake and derailleur adjustments. Bring your bike to work on.

Sir Sam’s Toonie Ride– Wed. June 22, 7 pm ($) To register email dave@sirsams.com or call 754-2298
Youth and adults are invited to come and explore the trails at Sir Sam's. This guided ride will go up the hill and then through 5 km of trails. Meet at Sir Sam's. Youth will require a parent’s signature on their waiver. Cost: toonie per rider.

Get Back on Your Bike – Thursday, June 23, 7 – 8:30 pm
Head Lake Park, Haliburton
Register with the Health Unit 457-1391
This workshop is for you if you know how to ride a bike, but haven’t been on one for a few or several years, or are just getting back into cycling. You will review the basics to get you going (e.g. how to use your gears, how to safely ride on the road, helmet and bicycle fitting), and will do a short ride around town, including a stop for ice cream!

Shifting Gears Cycling Festival – Sat. June 25, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Head Lake Park, Haliburton
Cyclists and friends are invited to our sixth annual cycling festival. Listen to some great live music, enjoy a great lunch catered by Rhubarb chef Chris Carl ($) and watch a great BMX/trials riding demo. Bring your bike down for a free bike maintenance check.

We are offering guided rides in the morning, finishing in Head Lake Park in time for the festival. All rides start and finish in Head Lake Park parking lot. Helmets required by all riders; waivers must be signed.

9 am – 70 – 90 k ride, about 3 hours (harder pace)
10 am – 30 - 35 k ride, about 2 hours (moderate pace)
11 am – 10 k ride, about 45 min (easy pace)
11 am – family ride on Rail Trail, 30 – 45 minutes (easy pace)
For more information, call the Health Unit 457-1391.

Come to a FREE Community Forum!

Are you interested in finding out more about how to create cycling-friendly communities? And how cycling is a key part of creating healthy, active communities? Come to a free community forum on Thursday, September 23, where international renowned speaker Gil Penalosa will talk about the role of walking and cycling in promoting health and quality of life in communities.

The forum takes place at the Minden Community Centre from 7 - 9 pm. Also, Gil will be meeting people at 6:15 pm at the Minden town docks to do a walk of the Riverwalk Trail, so join in for that too!

Full details can be found at this link http://www.haliburtoncooperative.on.ca/CIA/whats-new, or call Kate at 489-2110
For more information about Gil Penalosa, go to http://www.8-80cities.org/Meet_Our_Team.html

Highland Wheeler spotted by Local Kids!

The Highland Wheeler was spotted by local kids who were on their way to school! They believe...but to their parents? Tune in to installment #7 in the search for this mysterious rolling object! www.youtube.com/user/highlandwheeler

Highland Wheeler at the Museum!

The Haliburton Highlands Museum has a display dedicated to the Highland Wheeler! Find out more about the artifacts and evidence!!
http://www.youtube.com/user/highlandwheeler

In Search of the Highland Wheeler

Did you know that Haliburton County has a phantom cyclist? Perhaps you have seen it! Find out more...is it fact or fantasy? Truth or fiction? Join local documentarian Jack Brezina as he searches the Highlands for the truth about the Highland Wheeler, and find out more about why the Haliburton Highlands are a great place to cycle!

http://www.youtube.com/user/highlandwheeler

The next installment of Jack's quest will be posted on July 9. Return to the Highland Wheeler channel throughout July to get updates on his progress!

Haliburton County wins national award!

We are pleased to announce that the County of Haliburton was a recipient of a Sustainable Communities award from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in the transportation category, for the Share the Road project they undertook last year. Partners in this project included the Health Unit, Cycling Coalition, Communities in Action Committee, OPP, U-Links and all four municipalities.

This is great recognition for Haliburton County, and acknowledges innovative efforts to apply concepts like transportation demand management, commuter challenge and share the road messaging in a rural environment.

Check this link for local coverage. http://mindentimes.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2604809
A full report on the project can be found on the U-Links website. http://www.haliburtoncooperative.on.ca/cgi-bin/db_search.cgi

Reminder! Spin Dig, June 1

Hope you can join us to kick off June as Bike Month, at the second annual cycling Spin Dig at the Dominion Hotel, Minden 5 pm. We'll be showing some cycling "shorts" films, have a few draw prizes and enjoying the fine company of cyclists and soon-to-be cyclists. Enjoy the Dominion's great wing night too!

June is Bike Month! Check out all the great activities!

Workshops are free, ($) indicates a cost for food or refreshments. All activities will go unless it is thundering or raining really hard. Helmets required for all rides. Waivers must be signed for all rides.

Second Annual “Spin-Dig” - Tues. June 1, 6 – 8 pm ($) Dominion Hotel, Minden Kick off the cycling season with some fun, film and festivities. Bring your cycling and soon-to-be-cycling family and friends for a great social evening that includes door prizes, loonie/toonie auction, Dominion Wing Night and a variety of cycling “shorts” (films, that is!).

Intro to Mountain Biking – Sat. June 5, 10 am – 12:30 pm Meet at JDHodgson School Register with the Health Unit. 457-1391 Learn the basics of handling your mountain bike on trails. Practice will be followed by a trail ride. This workshop is open to all ages.

Greasy Spin – Sun. June 6 ($) Meet at Haliburton Caboose, 9 am (long), 10 am (short) Register with the Health Unit, 457-1391 Start the cycling season with a guided bike ride followed by optional breakfast at the Kosy Korner. There will be two route options, longer (~2 hrs) and shorter (~1 hr). The routes will be on main and secondary county roads. Breakfast from the Kosy menu.

Guided Mountain Bike Ride – Wed. June 9, 6:45 – 9 pm approx. Meet at Haliburton Town Docks No registration required For teens and adults. Come for an off-road guided mountain bike ride. This ride will be a couple of hours in length and will be geared for experienced riders. It will include road riding to a destination and then an off road experience. Expect to get muddy and wet.

Basic Bike Maintenance – Wed. June 9, 6:30 – 8:30 pm Fleming College Rm 10 Register with the Health Unit 457-1391 (max. 8) Learn the basics for keeping your bike ready to ride. You may bring your bike to practice on. Topics include: fixing a flat tire, simple brake and gear adjustments, safety checks, chain cleaning and lubrication, proper fit, essential tools to have on your rides. Please note that the purpose of this workshop is to provide basic information, not to tune every bicycle.

Minden Family Cycling Adventure – Sat. June 12, 10 am – 12 ($) Meet at the Minden Hills Cultural Centre, 176 Bobcaygeon Rd. Register with the RD Lawrence Centre, 286-2298 Cycle into history in Minden starting with a tour of the new exhibits at R.D. Lawrence Place. This family friendly ride will take you into the heart of Minden's storied past with an optional stop for ice cream. Admission is $5 a family, $2 adult, children 12 and under free.

Cycle to Bonnieview – Sun. June 13, 10 am ($) Meet at the Haliburton town docks Register with the Health Unit 457-1391 Come out for a leisurely 10k ride, suitable for families. Enjoy the beautiful lakeside view. Light refreshments/continental-type breakfast will be available for $6 per person.

Basic Bike Maintenance – Wed. June 16, 6:30 – 8:30 pm SG Nesbitt Arena, Room #1, Minden Register with the Health Unit 457-1391 (max. 12) Bring your bike and learn the basics of getting it ready to ride, including fixing a flat tire, brake and derailleur adjustments. Hosted by Muskoka Bicycle Pro Shop.

Learn to Geocache – Wed. June 16, 7 – 8:30 pm Meet in Head Lake Park, Haliburton, by the fountain, Register with the Health Unit, 457-1391 Geocaching is a great way for people of all ages to get out and explore by foot and by bike! Learn the basics, including how to find caches online, use a GPS, and go seeking caches. Bring a GPS if you have one; some will be available to borrow. (max. 10 families)

Father’s Day Bike Ride in Algonquin Highlands, Sun. June 20, 10am Meet at Stanhope Community Centre No registration required. Celebrate Father’s Day with a family-friendly ride. Families will have the choice of shorter and longer routes. The routes are flat and there isn’t a lot of traffic. Bring a picnic lunch and/or snacks to have at the playground/ shelter area at the community centre.

Sir Sam’s Toonie Ride– Wed. June 23, 7 pm ($) To register email dave@sirsams.com or call 754-2298 Youth and adults are invited to come and ride at Sir Sam's ski hill. This guided ride will go up the hill and then through 5 km of trails. Meet at Sir Sam's. Youth will require a parent’s signature on their waiver. Cost: toonie per rider.

Cycling Night in Haliburton! Thur. June 24, 5 pm ($) Meet at Haliburton Caboose No registration required Everyone is invited to go on a short ride from Haliburton, and then gather at McKeck’s where it is Cyclist Night! There will be a “Cyclists Special” or you can order from the menu. You can also just go for the ride, or just come to McKeck’s. Anyone in cycling gear is eligible for door prizes! A couple of route options will be available.

Bike the Line – A Geocaching Cycle Adventure! No registration required Get out anytime after June 2 and cycle to find geocaches on and near the IB&O Rail Trail. Collect the messages from each one, and get a prize at the end! Full instructions and cache coordinates can be picked up at the Health Unit, at Agnew’s General Store in Wilberforce, or on the Cycling Coalition website. GPS units are also available to rent at Agnew’s. Call 448-2211.

Shifting Gears Cycling Festival – Sat. June 26, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm Head Lake Park, Haliburton, Join us for our fifth annual cycling festival. Participate in the Record Breaking Ride! Fun activities for the whole family including bike decorating, challenge courses, contests, vendors, information booths and much more! Back this year: the Celebrity Tricycle Challenge – come and cheer on or challenge local celebrities to see who will reign supreme! Kid’s music show by Rick Johnson! Listen to some great music by Jazz Kitchen and enjoy a great lunch catered by Rhubarb chef Chris Carl.

Gear Swap at the Cycling Festival, 10:30 – 1 pm Do you have cycling related gear or extra bikes you would like to sell? Bring all cycling related items to the Festival where there will be an area set up to sell your goods! Items should be priced and ready to go. It will be your responsibility for selling items and removing them at the end of the day. Please no used helmets.

The Well-Balanced Ride – Sun. June 27, 9 am ($) Meet in IGA parking lot, Minden Register with the Health Unit, 457-1391 Join us for a moderate intensity ride followed by a great breakfast in Minden. The ride heads up out of Minden and then levels off so you can enjoy the view of the rock and wetland surrounds. It ends with a fast descent into Minden. Reward yourself with a buffet breakfast at the Dominion Hotel and catch your breath to chat with your fellow riders. Estimated ride time: 1-2 hours.

Pedal Your Arts - Gears for Guilford – Sunday June 27, 9:00am – 4:45pm West Guilford Community Center Register with Yours Outdoors 705-754-3436 www.yoursoutdoors.ca Yours Outdoors is a local company that offers a variety of experiential tour packages. Gears for Guilford is a 35 km guided and fully supported artist’s studio tour by bicycle that begins and ends in West Guilford, a pleasant little community a few kilometers to the north of the Village of Haliburton. We’ll stop regularly to visit local art studios to talk to the artist or watch demonstrations. We’ll also take some time to explore natural and cultural features along the way. A tasty lunch is provided. The registration fee is $95.00 per person.

Spokes & Species Rail Trail Presentation, Wed. June 30, 7 – 9 pm ($) Haliburton Museum; more info call 457-4767 A showcase of the best Ontario rail trails for bicycling and nature viewing. Discover the sights and sounds along historic rail lines converted to paths for people and critters to enjoy. Review maps and brochures. Coffee and nibbles provided. Admission by donation. Presented by Friends of the Rail Trail and guests.

Commuter Challenge, May 30 – June 5 Bike or walk to work, school or other places and be eligible for prizes! Sign up as an individual, workplace, or family. Contact Sue at the Health Unit 457-1391 for more information.

Cycling Coalition nominated as Enviro Hero!

The Cycling Coalition was recently notified of our nomination for a 2010 Enviro Hero award in the category of health! The Enviro Hero awards are presented by the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust. Winners will be announced at the Land Trust's annual gala on May 28. It's an honour to be nominated, and we'll keep our fingers crossed!

Green Paper on Bicycling in Ontario

The Ontario Share the Road Coalition has just released a Green Paper on Bicycling in Ontario, entitled "When Ontario Bikes, Ontario Benefits". You can see the paper at www.sharetheroad.ca. There are some great recommendations about what the province needs to do to make Ontario a more bike-friendly place. It's great to know that there is advocacy happening for cycling on a provincial level.

The second Ontario Bike Summit will be held in Burlington, September 20-21.

Cycling Updates

The second Minden 150 Bike Tour is scheduled for Saturday, August 14, 2010, hosted by the Township of Minden Hills. This year there will be online registration, and once again various tour options from the challenging 150 km, to a family friendly distance (to be determined).

In other local cycling news, Sue Shikaze and Kate Hall presented at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Sustainable Communities conference in Ottawa on February 12. They highlighted cycling and active transportation initiatives and successes, which include things like the Cycling Master Plan, paving of road shoulders and the Share the Road campaign. Last year's extensive Share the Road project has been attracting lots of attention throughout the province. Sue will be speaking with some people in Wasaga Beach who are interested in doing something similar, and has also been asked to speak about the project in the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Haliburton County is "on the map" for cycling!