Bike Week: Winnipeggers encouraged to ride bicycles as gas prices rise

With gas prices continuing to soar in Winnipeg, more commuters are using two wheels – instead of four – to efficiently get around the city during Bike Week.

Bike Week Winnipeg first started in 2007. Now, the yearly event – a weeklong celebration of bikes and cyclists – has grown significantly.

Winnipeggers are urged to take their bikes to work, run errands, and simply for exercise. Bike Week ends Sunday.

“If we could just get some of those people to move on from the recreational aspect of riding a bike, and actually using their bike to get errands or every opportunity they get,” said Dave Elmore, the chair of Bike Week Winnipeg.

“We just want to connect all those people that ride bikes and try to bring a change in the culture of riding bikes in our city.”

What a great Bike to Work Day. Clear skies, warm temps (after we got through the group ride) and so many bikes out enjoying the return of this fun event. pic.twitter.com/6F9FDdMbKs

— Dave Elmore (@daveelmore12) June 6, 2022

Young cyclist Damon Wedin, who was named “Kid of Bike Week,” hopes he can encourage other kids to start making biking a part of their daily routine.

“I do suggest you come and bike, just for your exercise, mental health, instead of staying home and watching TV,” said Wedin.

“Parents should encourage it a lot more.”

Dean Sampson of Sampson’s Sporting Life says it’s been extremely difficult getting bikes in due to supply chain issues. He says the demand for bikes is through the roof, and he only expects it to grow.

“Bikes that should’ve been in two months ago, some of them are now arriving in July all the way through October. Time delays are still an issue,” said Sampson.

Sampson says if a new bike is what you’re after, don’t delay. Some customers who put deposits down last year still haven’t received their bikes, and people are already starting to put money down for winter bikes to avoid that exact situation. As a business owner, Sampson says he’s frustrated.

“The delays have been pushed out where originally, the bike manufacturers figured the bikes would be in June and July, but now they are being pushed to August, September, so it’s difficult,” he said.

Gasoline prices continue to trend upwards, hitting record highs across much of Canada. Winnipeg saw gas prices over $2 for the first time ever Monday.

Its Bike to Work Day tomorrow, but that is just one of the events during Bike Week. Bike Week is not only about those that ride to work, it's about everyone that rides a bike. Regardless of what, when, where or why you ride, we hope you will find something that you can enjoy. pic.twitter.com/5q3ACLzs7F

— Bike Week WPG (@BikeweekWPG) June 5, 2022

Elmore says from an environmental and transportation standpoint, people must begin to start biking more.

“Having an alternative form of transportation and making that alternative form, not only comfortable, but also accessible to everyone, is going to help us get through the climate crisis and all of those other things that are causing problems for us,” said Elmore.