Balbi & Company Legal Centre | Family Law
1501 Macleod Trail SE
Calgary AB T2G 2N6
biketoworkdayyyc@gmail.com
(403) 269-7300
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Bike News in Calgary: Group Rides, Bike Events, A Bike Swap, and Great Cycling Clubs!
Winter Bike Day has its Annual Event on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Bike Calgary* hosts the event. It has a fun bingo card challenge that encourages cyclists to visit various businesses and charities in the city and fill up their bingo cards. There are some great prizes to be won.
Critical Mass Meets Monthly: The next ride is on Sunday, January 26th at 6:30 pm. Meet at 1020 2nd Ave NW, next to the containR in Sunnyside. This group ride travels to a set location together; the aim is to experience a group ride on our city streets that is safer and more fun.
Bike and Brew & Two Wheel View Offer Bike Maintenance Classes: Both of these organisations offer classes where you can learn important skills in one evening that will give you more confidence working on your ride! While Two Wheel View* is known for its programs for youth, their one-night maintenance classes are open to everyone.
Albert Bike Swap: Do you need a bike but you are on a tight budget? Or maybe you have one too many in your collection? Support the Alberta Bike Swap! The Calgary edition will be held on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 (pssst…! It’s just five days ahead of Bike to Work Day). Swap your ride and show off your new-to-you wheels to your buddies at Bike to Work Day!
Featured Bike Clubs in Calgary:
There are many ways to meet fellow cyclists through groups, clubs, or informal rides with friends. Calgary boasts an amazing pathway system created by the City and Parks Foundation. If you haven't heard of the Rotary/Mattamy* Greenway, I encourage you to learn more about this fantastic bike path feature that encircles the city and connects many bike paths.
With so many opportunities to join great rides, events, and clubs, we at Bike to Work Day hope you find inspiration to jump on two wheels soon! Let’s get pedalling, Calgary!
*Bike to Work Day has many community cycling connections in Calgary. The groups marked with * are highlighted partners, sponsors, or featured organisations related to our event.
While there are many great reasons to bike to work, this post highlights my top 5. We are looking forward to celebrating our 18th annual Bike to Work Day Calgary. Our wish this year is to see more riders than ever out on the pathways and roads. It all started in 2006, when Lonny Balbi from Balbi and Company Legal Centre hosted the first Bike to Work Day in Calgary. He is passionate about the environment and wanted to share his love of cycling with everyone interested in trying biking to work. This year, we challenge you to encourage a new rider to join us and try out biking.
Recent innovations in e-bikes have opened up biking to people who might not have felt comfortable with their commute because it was a bit too far or they didn’t want to tackle the hills on their route. With biking to work now accessible to more riders, it's a great time to start biking more frequently. A great way to make a positive impact is to plan to bike with a friend who might need a bit of encouragement to get started.
Here are five great reasons to start pedaling:
The extra fresh air and exercise from biking can do a lot to improve your overall health. Findings show that people who started biking to work had more energy, less stress, and were more satisfied with their jobs. Regular exercise can lower your blood pressure, improve your cholesterol, and help control blood sugar.
Saving money is something on many of our wish lists. For example, if I keep my car parked and bike to work instead, I’d save $5,300 per year. You can see how much you would save using a car vs. bike calculator: Car vs. Bike Calculator.
There is far less waiting in traffic when you bike to work. On a bike, you can often circumvent traffic or more easily alter your route to lessen delays.
Biking can help you make new friends. There are many bike clubs and meet-up groups that feature events and opportunities to make connections. Some suggestions for places to connect with the cycling community are Bike Calgary, CORE Society, Meetup Groups, and Facebook Groups. You can also check with your local bike shop to see if they run any group rides.
Biking to work offers a unique connection to your surroundings compared to driving. You are much more inclined to notice details in your environment and to experience it more vividly than when you rush by in a car. One of my favorite commuting memories was when I was biking to work. It was a cool, misty morning when I saw a great blue heron and a swan floating in Prince's Island Lagoon. The moment was picture-perfect, and it's an image I will never forget. I encourage you to set a goal to bike to work if you haven't yet, or to bike more frequently wherever you can.
We would love to see you at our Bike to Work Day event! This year’s event is from 6 am – 9 am on Thursday, May 8th, 2025, at Delta Gardens. I hope you can join us for a free breakfast and your chance to win a new bike. Last year, we gave away seven new bikes that changed the rides of the lucky winners in our cycling community!
Overcoming Bike Commuting Challenges
When you’re not used to the idea of riding to work you can have some concerns. We’ve created guide to help address many common concerns that people face when they are going from being a pleasure cyclist to a commuting cyclist. If you need further assistance or have more points to discuss, please feel free to reach out to us at biketoworkdayyyc@gmail.com. We would love to help you get those wheels rolling to and from work-or anywhere else you’d like to explore!
Bike Maintenance
1. Locate Nearby Bike Shops or Seek Help:
2. Tune-Up at a Good Bike Shop:
3. Ensure Bike Reliability:
Getting in Shape
1. Gradual Fitness Improvement:
2. Test Your Route:
3. Fitness Benefits of Regular Commuting:
Consider Making Your Trip Shorter
1. Combine Modes of Transportation:
2. Utilize C-Train Stations:
3. Carpool with a Co-Worker:
1. Speed and Practice:
2. Short Trips Are Quicker on a Bike:
3. Urban Trips: Beat Car Travel Times:
Parking Predicament
1. Scout for Storage Space:
2. Indoor Bike Security:
3. Advocate for Bike Parking Facilities:
Showering Concerns
1. Ride at a Leisurely Pace:
2. Access Gym Showers or Consider Memberships:
Dressing Dilemma
1. Keep Spare Work Attire at Your Workplace:
2. Space-Saving Rolling Techniques:
Rainy Weather
1. Plan Ahead:
2. Equip Your Bike:
3. Alternatives on Rainy Days:
Safety Measures
1. Adhere to Traffic Rules:
2. Helmet Consistency:
3. Illuminate Your Bike:
4. Choose a Bike Friendly Route:
Running Errands
1. Install a Rack:
2. Use a Sturdy Lock:
3. Allocate Extra Time:
Bike to Work Day is Now Accessible to More People
Inviting friends and coworkers to join Bike to Work Day Calgary is a fantastic idea. Here are the details for the event:
Let's pedal together for a greener future!
Our featured blog article is written by Stephanie Prentice of the Calgary Guardian. Thanks to the Calgary Guardian for the excellent coverage! If you visit their website you will find many interesting articles on topics such as: arts, lifestyle, food & drink, music, travel and city life:
Bike to Work Day (BTWD) is a community-driven initiative in Calgary, uniting individuals with a shared passion for promoting cycling as a practical mode of transportation. The aim is to alleviate inner-city traffic congestion, reduce air pollution, and integrate cycling into a healthy and cost-effective lifestyle. Beyond the benefits of personal health and time savings, BTWD fosters a sense of community. In the face of climate change challenges, biking to work emerges as a simple yet impactful way to cut carbon emissions and contribute to environmental sustainability. We spoke to Lonny Balbi, the founder of this initiative.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences:
Bike to Work Day, established in 2006, is a cycling-themed event that promotes healthy lifestyles, environmental sustainability, and, of course, cycling in Calgary. We partner with The City of Calgary and Parks Foundation Calgary, operating entirely on sponsorships, donations, and volunteer contributions. Our goal is to encourage cycling, and the event serves as a platform for community engagement and a greener world.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Bike to Work Day aims to tackle sedentary lifestyles, reduce environmental impact, and foster a sense of community by promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation.
When did you start/join it?
I founded Bike to Work Day in 2006, driven by a passion for cycling, environmental advocacy, and creating a positive impact in our community.
What made you want to get involved?
As an avid cyclist and a firm believer in environmental sustainability, I saw an opportunity to combine my love for cycling with a meaningful initiative that promotes healthier living and contributes to a greener, more sustainable Calgary.
What was the situation like when you started?
In 2006, the cycling culture in Calgary was evolving, and there was a need for a flagship event to unite cyclists, promote the benefits of biking to work, and create a sense of community around sustainable transportation.
How has it changed since?
Over the years, Bike to Work Day has grown into Calgary’s most recognizable cycling-themed event. While the impact of COVID-19 led to a temporary dip in participation, we are dedicated to rebuilding and expanding, aiming for continued growth and community engagement in the years ahead.
What more needs to be done?
We aim to continue to increase participation, promote cycling awareness, and create more bicycle commuters in Calgary each year. Bike to Work Day is an annual event that aims to inspire lasting changes in commuting habits, fostering a city where cycling is not just an event but a way of life.
How can our readers help?
Readers can support Bike to Work Day by participating in the event, volunteering, spreading awareness, and considering sponsorship opportunities. Every cyclist joining in, and every contribution counts in making our city greener and healthier.
Do you have any events coming up?
Yes, Bike to Work Day 2024 is scheduled for Friday, May 3, from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM. We invite everyone to join us, either as participants or sponsors for a morning of cycling, community building, and fun. We will be giving away great prizes at the event including some new bikes as well as hosting a free breakfast for everyone who joins us.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Facebook | Instagram
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
An awesome local charity that deserves support is Two Wheel View. They work tirelessly to connect youth with the tools they need to reach their potential. The youth can learn to fix bikes, and they can even earn a bike, helmet, lock, and a set of tools. Every year I donate a dollar to Two Wheel View for every participant in our Bike to Work Day event.
Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and instead of sticking to the usual routine of chocolates and flowers, why not enliven the experience with a biking adventure? Whether you're celebrating on the day itself or opting for a weekend getaway when time allows, a cycling outing promises to be a fun and memorable experience. At Bike to Work Day, we're all about promoting active lifestyles and unique ways to celebrate special occasions, and cycling with your significant other fits the bill perfectly.
One fun option is to pedal to your favorite local café and enjoy in a signature hot chocolate together. With YYC Hot Chocolate Fest running until February 29, there's no shortage of cozy spots offering warm, rich delights that are sure to make your Valentine's Day outing extra special.
If you prefer an outdoor date, why not chase the sunset together? Pack a charcuterie-style snack, and some warm drinks and find a spot with a stunning view of the prairie sky as it paints itself in beautiful colours during dusk. The sun will set at 5:50 PM on February 14. For an extra touch of romance, consider heading to a city park where you can use a firepit to create a fire-roasted dinner or some sweet treats. Evening booking slots for firepit use in our city parks are available from 7 PM – 9 PM.
No matter what you decide, we're sending love your way and hoping you'll seize the opportunity to enjoy some happy cycling moments together. Whether it's a leisurely ride to a café or a romantic sunset adventure, Valentine's Day on two wheels is bound to be a memory you'll cherish.