The biggest fundraisers for a volunteer group which advocates for safe, accessible cycling has had to be put on hold because of the pandemic.
Co-chair of Saskatoon Cycles, Erin Edwards, says they would normally host Bike Valets at the big events. Their vision is to see cycling become more of an option for people wanting to get around. That includes promoting cycling and advocating for the infrastructure with City Council.

She believes more people are taking up the activity for fun and as a mode of transportation and even more so in the pandemic. Edwards says the group provided input about preferred cycling routes for the Saskatoon’s Active Transportation Plan. The non-profit continues its advocacy for more bike lanes and bikeways.

Right now, there is only one bikeway and it’s in the Blairmore neighbourhood. She describes bikeways as a road that is shared by bicycles and vehicles, but bicycles take priority.

Edwards suggests the city is perfect for cycling because it’s mostly flat and it’s small enough that it doesn’t take long to get places. She doesn’t believe cold weather is an excuse for not getting on your bike, and says compared to cities like Toronto and Vancouver in the winter, Saskatoon’s streets are graded or are hard packed with snow, where the warmer cities have to deal with wet slush which sprays everywhere.

This is Bike Week in Saskatoon presented by the City and Saskatoon Cycles.