The Sustainable Orillia Bike Challenge, a two-month community event aimed at encouraging less driving and more cycling will run from May 12 to July 14. The initiative is designed to boost family involvement in cycling, raise awareness of existing cycling infrastructure, and highlight areas for improvement.
2025 marks the third year of the event organized by Sustainable Orillia, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and The Bike Stop of Orillia.
The event was officially launched on Earth Day (April 22).
The Bike Challenge aligns with cycling awareness dates which include:
- Bike to School Week(May 26-30)
- Bike Month(June)
- World Cycling Day(June 3)
Participants can register for The Bike Challenge at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScwfDXZrdSskNAhYApoDhLIdLhZZBtfz7uY4Ppv2tFDcuOdGw/viewform?usp=sharing or they can drop into the Bike Stop of Orillia and register with paper forms available for those without internet access.
To encourage participation, the event will feature both individual and family incentives:
- Family Category Prizes:The top three families as measured by number of days cycled (comprising at least one parent and one child) will win gift certificates to local sponsoring restaurants.
- Random Draw:All participants will be entered into a draw for a chance to win additional prizes.
- Crests for Frequent Riders:Bronze, silver, and gold crests will be awarded based on the number of days cycled:
- Bronze: 10-20 days
- Silver: 21-40 days
- Gold: 41-56 days
A social event and presentation of awards and crests will take place shortly after the conclusion of the Challenge at The Bike Stop of Orillia, the primary event sponsor.
