Markham Cycling Day the Wheel Deal

Markham is often seen as a car-loving commuter town. But the City of Markham wants you to know that our streets are made for more than car wheels. The annual Markham Cycling Day event brought people to Markham Centre recently to prove that cycling is not only fun and healthy exercise but also a great way to make friends and see the city in a whole different way.

Sponsored by York Region and Station Ski & Ride, the event boasted a party-like atmosphere offering kids’ races, obstacle courses and organised group rides for distances from 15km to 60km for both experienced and recreational riders.

The Station Ski & Ride-organized kids races for young cyclists from ages 3-10 proved a hit, as did the free safety checks and quick repairs provided to get everyone going on rides that took them through not only sleepy Sunday morning streets but also Markham’s extensive bike trails and parkland. Riders were emphatically reminded that the rides were not a race and all riders were required to remain between ride guides who led each group, re-enforcing the fun-minded aspect of the day.

The annual event has proven to be a popular one with hundreds of people taking part in the tour groups on what was a cool but mostly sunny morning and serving as an unofficial kick-off to the cycling season.