What would it take to make Windsor a more cycling-friendly city?

The University of Windsor’s Centre for Cities is partnering with the Share the Road Cycling Coalition to bring two free events exploring that question to Windsor on Tuesday, May 27, as part of the Ontario Bike Summit.

The Ontario Bike Summit is organized annually by the coalition, Ontario’s cycling policy and advocacy organization.

“We are so pleased that Share the Road selected Windsor to host this year’s summit,” said Dr. Anneke Smit, director and associate professor at the Centre for Cities.
“Safe cycling infrastructure is part of building a healthy and safe city for all, as well as helping to make life more affordable for all residents. The Ontario Bike Summit is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together around these shared goals, and we’re proud to be able to support local participation.”

The Bicycle Friendly Communities Workshop is an interactive session that will bring together changemakers, advocates, planners and residents to join summit participants from across Ontario in exploring how to create safer, more inclusive cycling infrastructure. The event will take place Tuesday from 2 to 5 p.m. at Windsor Hall, 167 Ferry St.

The workshop will include:

• an overview of Share the Road’s Bicycle Friendly Communities program;
• a panel discussion, Building an Equitable Cycling City, featuring local leaders sharing insights and lived experiences that are shaping Windsor’s cycling landscape; and
• a role-playing activity to help participants explore the variety of perspectives community members, institutions and the private sector bring to cycling advocacy.

Following the workshop, attendees are invited to the Ontario Bike Summit opening reception, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Art Windsor-Essex, 401 Riverside Dr. W., third floor. Guests will have the chance to connect with community leaders and summit participants while enjoying light refreshments from Mazaar Lebanese Cuisine, a cash bar by Maiden Lane, and live music from the Borderland Ensemble.

“With the support of our partners, we are delighted to offer the Bicycle Friendly Communities program and opening reception as part of the 16th annual Ontario Bike Summit to members of the Windsor-Essex community,” said Eleanor McMahon, founder and board chair of the Share the Road Cycling Coalition. “Cycling advocacy and infrastructure are essential to growing cities like Windsor, and we hope participants are inspired and encouraged to help shape the future of cycling in the city.”

Both events are free for local participants, and advance registration is required. Attendees can register online here.

All participants are also invited to join a group bike ride on Wednesday, May 28, at 4 p.m.

Residents interested in attending the full summit, running May 27 to 29, can do so at a reduced price of $325. Visit ontariobikesummit.ca for more information.