Riding a bicycle, like walking and taking public transit, is simply another step we can take in order to increase awareness about climate change. From May 26th to June 21st, Bike Month, Toronto's Festival for Cycling Culture, showcases the importance of promoting and encouraging more bicycle commuting. So, pump up those tires and dust off those helmets and pedal through the city streets to your heart's content (and health)!

"You don't have to look like a bike messenger to ride a bike, and most people don't want to ride a bike because of that," said Meaghan Orlinski, member of the Deadly Nightshades bike gang, as she unlocked her 1980s Barney-purple bike on a recent afternoon. "We want to help influence that."

The popularity of Bike Week has turned the one-week celebration into a monthly event as Toronto joins cities such as Vancouver and New York in the celebrations. With close to 150 events across the GTA, running over the course of four weeks, from exquisite tours, movie screenings, art shows, community breakfasts and tune-ups, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

On Monday, join cyclists at the crack of dawn for the City of Toronto's Group Commute through the downtown core. At 8:30, they will converge on Nathan Phillips Square, bright and early, for a complimentary breakfast. Those who are participating will even receive a free organic t-shirt.

On Friday, roads around St. Lawrence Market will be closed for the Criterium Bike Race - the city's first large-scale urban bike race in 17 years. "It's kind of like the human Molson Indy," said Rob White, a Criterium organizer.

Other events I will be looking forward to throughout the month are The Mountain Equipment Co-op Weekend Bike Repair Shop taking place June 1st, where cycling staff will be on hand to assist with minor bicycle repairs and tips. Also, on June 6th, Grassroots is hosting their free Biker's Breakfast with organic fruit and juice, fair trade coffee, and other delicious breakfast snacks.

Photo by williwieberg