Well Winter has reminded us that it is still VERY much here and with the mercury dropping, the seasonal chill is paired this week with the Annual Winter Cycling Congress (Feb 11 +12). The event has gone eGlobal this year, so YOU TOO can virtually attend from anywhere in the world (thanks Covid?)! See more details below.
Accompanying the Winter Cycling Congress, this Friday, 12th Feb is also International Winter Bike to Work Day, WinterBikeALoopZa edition. This year’s theme matches Bike Calgary’s spirit of encouraging a #frostbike where ever and however long you may be inclined or curious in going for a roll (tips for Winter Riding here). Maybe this Friday you will be riding your bike for work, school, errands, groceries, to escape/or with your family or roommate(s), or even to grab a hot chocolate from one of this year’s YYC Hot Chocolate Fest local café participants (in support of Meals On Wheels) …..so much going on you might even feel warm!
The Winter Cycling Congress is a joint effort of the Winter Cycling Federation (WCF) and Klinkhamer Group | conferences & events. The Winter Cycling Federation was founded in 2013 and held its first international congress the same year in Oulu, Finland. After this first gathering, it became clear that WCF had identified an overwhelming need for more knowledge about winter cycling. It was decided that an annual congress concentrated on relevant issues was required. Calgary hosted the 2019 Winter Cycling Congress, and wouldn’t you know it, we had similar frigid temperatures then to what we have now. A *cold* if not thematic welcome to our international and national delegates.
The Winter Cycling Federation’s vision is “winter cycling for everyone” – a world where cycling year-round is understood as normal and practical, where cycling is a viable transportation option for people of all ages and abilities. WCF’s mission is to create opportunities for inspiration, research and collaboration that help cities and countries around the world learn what it takes to develop, implement and maintain bicycle-focused transportation systems year-round.
“The Winter Cycling Federation is honoured to organize its first e-Global Winter Cycling Congress on 11 + 12 February 2021. The congress will take place online and will be a one of a kind experience. The congress will highlight four Winter Cycling themes:
- Changing Gears – politics, advocacy and municipal policy, gender, race, climate and social justice
- Keeping the Wheels Turning – urban planning and design, equipment, how-to’s, maintenance and operation
- Pedalling for the Future – social, financial, physical and mental health, psychology, community building business, marketing or communications
- For the Love of Winter – Art – No two snowflakes are alike, and this is a conference unlike any other. Winter is magic. Share your gift. Tell a story.
The main congress theme, Viva La Bike Boom!, brings attention to the recent global boom in bicycle sales and reflects the variety of topics in the congress programme.” Attend here: https://wintercycling.org/congress2021