Bike to Work Week

June 16th to June 22nd is Bike to Work Week and we encourage all Bramptonians to get involved! This week, snap a pic of yourself biking to work and use the hashtag #BramptonBikeMonth to spread the word!

Brampton is partnering with Businesses! We want businesses to participate in Brampton’s Bike to Work Week and to help, we will be providing swag packs for those who register. Interested parties can register at cycling@brampton.ca

Tips for Commuters:

Ensure your bike is in working order. The best bike to commute with is the one you already have. Have your bike tuned up by a professional or learn how to do it yourself at Different Spokes – Brampton’s Bike Hub. Sign up to become a member (for free!) and book your appointment. A good u-lock, a bell, front and rear lights and a well-fitting helmet can help you feel more secure. For extra comfort, use pannier bags to hold your belongings and fenders to protect yourself from puddle splashes.

Learn the Rules of the Road! Understand what types of cycling infrastructure Brampton has here and review Peel's Cyclist Handbooks to understand how to bike safely within the city.

Plan out your route. Brampton has a variety of trails and shortcuts that can make your bike commute faster. Use the Brampton Cycling Map and Google Street View to plan your ride. Test out your route on a weekend to adjust accordingly.

Explore the use of transit. If your destination is far away, consider using transit! Brampton Transit, YRT, MiWay and GO Transit all allow bikes on their buses and trains. If need be, you can leave your bike at a bus terminal or at bike racks. Check out how to load a bike on a bus here. Please take note of Metrolinx’s Bicycle Policies here.

Dress for the weather. Check the forecast before going out. You can bike in workout clothes and change at work or opt for regular clothes and cycle a bit slower. Bring and store extra clothes and toiletries to the office just in case.

Practice! Rather than going all-in, bike to work once a week and get accustomed to the change in schedule. To build your skills, you can sign up for Different Spokes’ mentorship program and learn from veteran cyclists or attend the City’s community bike rides. If all goes well, sign up for Brampton’s signature cycling event – Bike the Creek.

If you want more tips on cycling to work, here are a few in-depth resources and videos to get you started.

How to Organize a Bike to Work Day:

Biking to work is a great way to incorporate light exercise into your routine, while improving your mental health, reducing your carbon footprint and increasing your focus throughout the day. Having a bike to work campaign is simple:

Schedule a date and create advertisements. Posters or emails can be shared around your workplace to increase interest.
Set aside time for learning bike commuting basics. A simple meeting can make staff aware of the safe routes to work and safe ways to bike.
Create a cycling culture at work. This could involve a cycling club on Strava that rides during lunch breaks, or a bike pool program that connects staff with similar routes.
Incentivize cycling at work. This could a be a rewards system for staff that cycle, new bike storage options and changing facilities or a fleet of rental bikes for staff.
Organize swag and a light breakfast for participants. Handouts aren’t necessary, but they are a fun incentive to increase turnout!