EVENT WILL RAISE FUNDS FOR BIKES AND CYCLING INSTRUCTION FOR KIDS AS A RESULT OF PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN SHARE THE ROAD CYCLING COALITION AND BGC HAMILTON-HALTON
Sept. 19, 2022 — Press release from Share the Road Cycling Coalition
The Share the Road Cycling Coalition, Ontario’s cycling policy and advocacy organization will host the annual Greg’s Cycle for Kids event on Sunday, October 2 at Country Heritage Park in Milton. Participants will have the choice of three routes — 50 km, 100 km, and 160 km, showcasing the beauty of the Niagara Escarpment, Halton Hills and Hamilton.
Share the Road is hosting this fundraising event, now in its 16th year, in memory of OPP Sergeant Greg Stobbart, who was killed in Milton by a careless driver while on a training ride on his bike in 2006. The Coalition was founded in Greg’s memory and has held a memorial Ride every year to support their work: creating bicycle-friendly communities in partnership with governments and key stakeholders, passing road safety legislation, and working to make Ontario’s roads safer and more accessible for cyclists.
In 2020, Share the Road announced a partnership with BGC Hamilton-Halton (formerly Boys & Girls Clubs), whereby proceeds from the event go towards purchasing bikes, helmets and providing cycling skills training for kids in priority neighborhoods. The OPP and New Hope Community Bikes are providing the Ride-Smart bicycle training sessions on-site at Greg’s Cycle for Kids this year, as well as at the BGC Hamilton-Halton Club alongside partners from local law enforcement.
“We are so delighted that the third annual Greg’s Cycle for Kids is going ahead as an in-person experience. This event is about supporting and encouraging kids to cycle, which has life-long benefits for them. Like all of Share the Road’s work, this Ride is about strengthening partnerships and celebrating the people and organizations that encourage cycling, support community, and share the joy of cycling with young people,” said Eleanor McMahon, Founder and Board Member, Share the Road Cycling Coalition. Ms. McMahon is Sgt. Stobbart’s widow.
“The work of the various partners who support Greg’s Cycle for Kids — the CAA, the OPP, Canadian Tire JumpStart Charities and BGC — is focused on the shared priorities of cycling education, road safety and in creating healthy, safe and active communities,” McMahon noted.
“For so many of us, riding a bike and owning a bike were rites of passage. Sadly, with so many priorities demanding attention, and with the cost of living having escalated for parents and families, the dream of owning and riding a bike is simply out of reach to many kids,” said Duane Dahl, Executive Director of BGC Hamilton-Halton.
“The proceeds from last years’ event are already making a difference in the lives of twenty kids and their families, who have received bikes, helmets, bike locks — and cycling skills education. This is an investment in the health, well-being — and independence — of these kids, their families and our community. We are grateful to the Share the Road Cycling Coalition, to their partners — and to the participants. We know these bikes will change the lives of these children, and that is both inspiring and gratifying,” added Dahl.
For more information about the event, go to www.gregscycleforkids.com.
