June is Bike Month!

June is Bike Month, a community-wide and global celebration of cycling. Whether you ride for transportation, recreation, fitness, or fun, Bike Month is a great reminder of the many benefits of getting around on two wheels.

Cycling is an activity that can be enjoyed at almost any age. It helps build physical fitness, supports mental well-being, reduces traffic congestion, and offers an environmentally friendly way to travel. In Lethbridge, we are fortunate to have a growing network of cycling routes, trails, organizations, and educational resources that make it easier than ever to get involved.

Celebrate World Bicycle Day

Bike Month begins with World Bicycle Day on June 3, a United Nations-recognized day that celebrates the bicycle as a simple, affordable, reliable, and sustainable mode of transportation. It's the perfect opportunity to dust off your bike, take a ride around your neighbourhood, or explore a new trail.

Start with Safety

Before heading out, take a few minutes to make sure both you and your bike are ready to ride.

If you have young cyclists in your family, be sure their helmet fits properly. A good helmet fit can make a significant difference in preventing injury. Child Safety Link's "2V1 Rule" is a simple guide that helps ensure helmets are worn correctly.

Families looking for additional safety resources can explore the Lethbridge Sport Council's "Stay Safe on Two Wheels" Did You Know article. Young riders may also enjoy the SportFest Bike Safety Colouring Book, which combines fun activities with important cycling safety messages.

If you missed the bike rodeo at SportFest this spring, don't worry. Active for Life offers a helpful guide on how to organize your own bike rodeo at home, school, or in your community. Bike rodeos are a great way for children to practice riding skills, learn road safety, and build confidence.

Discover Local Cycling Organizations

Lethbridge is home to a variety of cycling organizations that welcome riders of all ages and abilities. Whether you're interested in road cycling, mountain biking, BMX, recreational rides, or competitive racing, there are opportunities to get involved.

The Lethbridge Sport Council's Sport Directory includes local cycling clubs and organizations that can help you connect with the cycling community.

The Lethbridge Trail Alliance is another valuable resource, supporting and maintaining many of the trails enjoyed by cyclists throughout the region. Their work helps ensure safe and enjoyable riding experiences while promoting responsible trail use.

Looking for upcoming cycling events? Headwinds Cycling Club maintains a calendar featuring rides, events, and opportunities to get involved throughout the season.

Explore Local Cycling Infrastructure

The City of Lethbridge provides a wide range of cycling resources to help residents ride safely and confidently.

Resources available through the City's cycling webpage include:

• Cycling Handbook
• Bike Index bicycle registry
• BikeMaps.org cycling safety reporting
• Information about cycling in the river valley
• Trail safety and courtesy guidelines
• Stolen bike reporting resources
• Bicycle detection at traffic signals
• Bicycle bylaws
• City cycling routes and maps

The site also highlights popular places to ride, including the 7 Avenue South Bike Boulevard, the Mountain Bike Park, BMX and skate parks, and the Nature Reserve Bike-through Path.

If you're new to bike lanes or would like a refresher, the City has also produced a helpful bike lane safety video that explains how cyclists and motorists can safely share the road.

Try Something New

Bike Month is also a great opportunity to explore different types of cycling. Keep an eye on local events, including:

• Pride Ride on June 10th from 6-7 pm
• Recumbent Round Up on June 14 hosted by BikeLane, where participants can learn more about this unique style of bicycle and experience it firsthand.
• Thursday nights at Lethbridge BMX is Strider Night! No pedals? No problem, strider races at intermission (7:30ish)

Ascent Cycle is also a big supporter of the local cycling community, notably Grom Army, a program that guides young riders through the fundamentals of bike care, technique and safety.

Every Ride Counts

You don't need to be a serious cyclist to participate in Bike Month. Every ride counts. Whether it's a trip to work, a family ride around the neighbourhood, an evening cruise through the coulees, or a weekend adventure on local trails, cycling is an accessible way to stay active and enjoy our community.

This June, challenge yourself to ride a little more often, explore a new route, or introduce someone new to cycling. You may discover a new favourite way to move.