Cyclists gear up for Share the Road ride

Olympian Devon Kershaw will miss this year's Share the Road ride for the first time since its inception in Sudbury, but he is still sending the message to drivers and cyclists alike to “Share the Road.”

Kershaw's busy schedule will prevent him from attending this year's bicycle and road safety awareness event; however, plans are to forge ahead, said the Share the Road Cycling Coalition.

The annual ride happens Aug. 8. Bicyclists will participate in a ride to raise awareness of bicycle safety, the benefits of bicycling in terms of healthy lifestyles and the importance of sharing the road.

The 15-kilometre ride will begin at 6:15 p.m., rain or shine at Science North, 100 Ramsey Lake Rd.

The ride is a partnership between the Share the Road Cycling Coalition, a provincial cycling advocacy and policy organization and Rainbow ROUTES Association, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to sustainable mobility in Greater Sudbury.

The Sudbury ride is one of many held across the province to showcase the growing numbers of cyclists in Ontario – and showcase its benefits in terms of improved community cohesion and livability, improved health outcomes, and economic development through tourism.

For more information on the ride go to www.sharetheroad.ca/share-the-road-with-an-olympian-p151458.

The Share the Road Cycling Coalition is a provincial cycling advocacy and policy organization created to unite cycling organizations from across Ontario, work with and on behalf of municipalities to enhance their ability to make their communities more bicycle-friendly and advocate for an enhanced provincial role. Core to the organization’s mission and mandate are safety, education and awareness campaigns.

Since its inception, the Coalition has focused on outreach work across Ontario and has built partnerships with active transportation stakeholders notably: cycling advocates, local cycling clubs, municipal advisory groups, municipal and provincial leaders and officials, law enforcement, planners, public health professionals, and funders.