Falls getting ready for cycling season

Participants in an event this weekend in Niagara Falls to promote safe cycling will have the opportunity to win one of four new bicycles.

The city is hosting a free Everything Bikes event at the MacBain Community Centre Saturday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Certified CAN-BIKE instructors will offer safe cycling tips and helmet fitting.

Inception Cyclery will provide complimentary bicycle checks and basic repairs.

The municipality will distribute limited quantities of youth bicycle helmets, bells and pumps to Niagara Falls residents aged two to 14.

Youths will also be able to pick up bicycle reflector stickers.

Giveaways will be available on a firstcome, first-served basis and proof of residency for each youth is required.

Jeff Guarasci, the city’s community development co-ordinator, said this is the first year for the Everything Bikes event.

“We hope to make it annual if there’s ever funding that comes around for the second year,” he said.

Guarasci said this year’s event is made possible by an Ontario Safe Cycling grant.

He said Niagara Falls was eligible to apply for the grant because it was one of many Ontario municipalities that received funding through a larger Ontario Cycling Infrastructure grant.

“I think it’s a great event,” said Guarasci. “It’s getting ready for the bike season as the warmer weather starts to kick in. We’re trying to hit the youth to teach them starting from the grassroots level on the importance of bike safety. You can never overstate the importance of bike safety, especially with our youth, so we’re starting with at least the equipment.”