A local neighbourhood association organized a kids bicycle parade this past weekend to celebrate Canada Day. We all met beforehand to decorate the kids bikes with maple leaves and Canadian flags. Everyone wound their way slowly through the neighbourhood dinging their bells and shouting ‘Happy Canada Day!’ to everyone they saw. The weather was fantastic and was made even more enjoyable with the ice freezies served afterward.
Eden looked great on her decorated bike!
The parade was actually the culmination of a few events organized by the neighbourhood to encourage local children to get on their bikes. Back in May there was a bicycle drive and exchange, where kids could bring their old bikes and exchange them for ones that fit better. Kids without a bike at all could come and get a bike for free! Helmets and bells were given out to those who needed them, and safety lessons were conducted to demonstrate what kids should do when approaching and crossing intersections on their bikes.
It was great to see so many kids encouraged to ride, and we are sure this will have a positive effect on the neighborhood.
Lots of kids got hooked up with bikes at the bicycle exchange.
A volunteer from a local bike shop fixes up donated bikes for the exchange.
Enjoying the great weather on Canada Day in Hamilton.
I lpve this idea. When the weather here in Phoenix cools off, we hope to do a few days like this at the local schools to get those kids riding at least to and from school and to see a bicycle as viable transportation and and not just a toy.