International Winter Bike (to Work) Day is back, and has a whole new look and feel for 2023! Because bikes aren’t just for work, Bike Calgary is holding our event on Saturday, February 11th in conjunction with the global Ride Together Day. Instead of our traditional breakfast, we are encouraging all Calgarians to get out and bike to multiple locations. Our partners from previous events are still involved, but in most cases, you will be going to visit them, with goodies along the way and lots of prizes up for grabs.
How it Works: "Hot Spots" and Prizes
There are seven Hot Spots around the city. You are encouraged to visit one or more of these locations – we have a few suggested route maps below. Each Hot Spot has small prizes to hand out through the day, as well as a “passport” that will be stamped at each location you visit. Hand in your passport at your last stop, no matter how many you’ve visited. For every stamp you have, you will get one entry into a draw for our bigger prizes! These include great accessories like bike tools, sunglasses, and shell jackets. Don’t miss out! Draw winners will be contacted in the days following the event.
Hot Spots List and the Frosty Fondo
Hot Spots and their opening hours for the day are:
- BikeBike in Inglewood: 11 am – 6 pm
- Two Wheel View: 11 am – 4 pm
- Bike and Brew: 10 am – 5 pm
- Central Library (Bike Calgary, Youth en Route, and Alberta Bike Swap): 9 am – 3 pm
- Ridley’s Cycle in Kensington: 10 am – 5 pm
- Ridley’s Cycle in Westhills: 10 am – 5 pm
- Bike Root at the University of Calgary: 10 am – 2 pm
All seven are marked on our “Frosty Fondo” map for those who want to see which ones are closest to them (or try getting them all!). C-Train stations are noted for multi-modal trips.
Suggested Rides for a Family-Friendly Day
We don’t expect folks to visit every Hot Spot, but want to encourage friends and families to ride together. Here are a couple suggested self-paced routes that highlight many of our official Hot Spots and other destinations that make for great city bike rides. Where possible, routes use separated cycling infrastructure or calm residential roads. These are just suggestions–feel free to ride where, when, and how long it makes the most sense for you, and always be cautious when approaching intersections or sharing the road.
The Inner City Scramble
Do a shorter ride on the east (blue route) or west (purple route) of downtown and the surrounding areas, or combine the two and hit five different hot spots!
East route begins from Flyover Park and is about 7 km. West route begins at Central Library and is about 6 km.
NW Calgary – Brentwood to Bike Root
Begin at the Brentwood LRT station, wind through parks and quiet roads to the Nose Hill Library, then cross Crowchild Trail to Varsity and University District before visiting Bike Root, a community-focused bike shop at the University of Calgary (and one of our Hot Spots!).
Partner Event - Bowness Bike Amble
Calling all “Bownesians!” A community member, Rob Crooks, is doing a guided bike tour of the area. The Bowness Bike Amble will depart from Seasons Restaurant in Bowness Park at 10 am on Saturday, February 11.
Here is a preview of the route.
Chinook Blast - Fat Biking with The Cycling Co.
Another great event on Saturday, February 11 – as part of the Chinook Blast Festival, The Cycling Co., Bow Cycle, and Shaganappi Nordic Operations are hosting an introductory Fat Biking Workshop at Shaganappi Point Golf Course. All you need is the right clothing, helmet, and attitude!
Rides Across Calgary
Wherever you are, we’d love to see you get out and bike on Saturday! If you tag @bikecalgary on any social media platform, or email us a picture of your ride at winterbikeday.yyc@gmail.com, you will be entered into our prize draw. (Those who visit one or more Hot Spots get a bonus draw entry for sending us a photo.)
Check out the Calgary Pathways and Bikeways Map to find bike-friendly routes near you. The online map also includes information on snow clearing.
Leave a comment below with your best route suggestions! Thanks to 2wheeler for getting us started.
Thanks to our Partners and Sponsors!
Bow River by the Bird sancturary. It’s seen a lot of bike traffic this winter with the addition of the wastewater path. Ride to Gelnmore then cross the river over to the other side. Go and visit the new pathway in Dover and come back across the lovely 17 Ave bus bridge with a bike lane!
The folks at Shaganappi Nordic, The Cycling Co., and Bow Cycles are teaming up and hosting a fat bike event as part of the Chinook Blast festival on Saturday Feb11 from 11-2 at Shaganappi Point Golf Course
What time do the events start?
Here are the open hours for the Hot Spots, starting from the earliest opening…ride at your convenience!
-Central Library: 9 am – 3 pm
-Bike Root at U of C: 10 am – 2 pm
-Bike and Brew: 10 am – 5 pm
-Ridley’s Kensington and Westhills: 10 am – 5 pm
-Two Wheel View: 11 am – 4 pm
-BikeBike in Inglewood: 11 am – 6 pm
See you Saturday!
Fat bike events at Shaganappi Golf Course run from 11-2!
What time do the hot spots open?
Hey, I’m a Bike Calgary volunteer. Thanks for reaching out. Here are the open hours for the Hot Spots, starting from the earliest opening:
-Central Library: 9 am – 3 pm
-Bike Root at U of C: 10 am – 2 pm
-Bike and Brew: 10 am – 5 pm
-Ridley’s Kensington and Westhills: 10 am – 5 pm
-Two Wheel View: 11 am – 4 pm
-BikeBike in Inglewood: 11 am – 6 pm
See you Saturday!
Is there a time that the seven Hot Spots are going to be setup/open? I’m particularly wondering for the Central Library one!
Hey, I’m a Bike Calgary volunteer. Thanks for reaching out. Here are the open hours for the Hot Spots, starting from the earliest opening:
-Central Library: 9 am – 3 pm
-Bike Root at U of C: 10 am – 2 pm
-Bike and Brew: 10 am – 5 pm
-Ridley’s Kensington and Westhills: 10 am – 5 pm
-Two Wheel View: 11 am – 4 pm
-BikeBike in Inglewood: 11 am – 6 pm
See you Saturday!
[…] You can read more about the event format and destinations on our original event post. […]
[…] Winter Bike to Work Day will be on Friday, February 9th. If it’s anything like last year’s International Winter Bike Day, you can expect to see plenty of local business involvement and plenty of suggested biking routes […]