The City of Markham’s Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and The Centre for Active Transportation (TCAT) at Clean Air Partnership is making it fun for people to get outside and get active on their bikes this summer while maintaining physical distance through Markham Cycles More. From July 9 until September 30, sign up for cycling challenges issued every two weeks to explore Markham by bike and share photos of your bike at designated photo stops on social media to be entered in a prize draw!
“I am extremely proud of Markham Council and staff for making it a priority to keep our parks and trails open during the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding that it is important for people to spend time outdoors,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Cycling is a great way to keep fit and get some fresh air while allowing for physical distancing and staying safe during this pandemic,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “This exciting photo scavenger hunt celebrates all that our community has to offer and I encourage everyone to get involved.”
The inaugural theme is “Markham’s Major Trails + One.” From July 8 to July 23, visit any of the six major trails found on Markham’s new cycling map:
- the Berczy Park Bridge,
- the Huntington Trail,
- the Lake to Lake Trail in German Mills,
- the Rouge National Urban Park (two locations: Bob Hunter Park and the 19th Ave entrance), and
- the Rouge Valley Trail Park (two locations: the bridge at Milne Dam and any bike repair station along the Rouge Valley trail).
The “+ One” refers to Enterprise Blvd, which is being opened only for cycling, walking and wheeling traffic on Sundays and statutory holidays throughout the summer, as part of Markham’s Get Active Covid-19 response initiatives. Details and maps of exact photo stop locations can be found on www.markhamcycles.ca.
The prizes for the “Markham’s Major Trails + One” theme include a gift card to The Boiler Room.
“People are showing more interest in cycling this summer because there’s less traffic and fewer organized activities,” says Markham Cycles Manager, Yvonne Verlinden. “People are also staying close to home for their summer vacations, so the Markham Cycles More initiative is a perfect way to get on your bike and explore new places in your own city.”
To participate in Markham Cycles More:
- Sign up and set a summer cycling goal at www.markhamcycles.ca.
- Explore Markham by bike in a city-wide photo scavenger hunt. Eight photo stop locations are announced every two weeks. These are spread across Markham and connected to a theme. Participants ride to any of the photo stops, take a photo of their bike at the location and submit it on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) using the hashtag #MarkhamCyclesMore and tagging @MarkhamCycles, or emailing it to markhamcycles@cleanairpartnership.org
- Submit a suggestion for improvements to Markham’s Cycling Network on social media or via e-mail. As the City continues to improve the trails, bike lanes and cycle tracks, City staff are looking for the public’s feedback on where infrastructure is missing and where adjustments and improvements can be made.
Participants can make multiple submissions (one per photo stop location). Each submission counts as one entry into the draw.
All submissions will be entered into a draw to win prizes from local Markham businesses. Draws will take place every two weeks, when a new theme and a new set of photo-stop locations will be announced.