FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 19, 2017 CYCLISTS IN GEORGETOWN JOIN ONTARIO 150 CELEBRATE BY BIKE WITH “BIKE IT TO THE MARKET EVENT” Bike It to The Market in Georgetown one of 15 events along Ontario’s iconic cycling routes for Ontario 150 celebration Georgetown– In one of fifteen community cycling events throughout Ontario, cyclists of all ages participated in the sixth annual Bike It to The Market event. For the first time, an Open Streets element was added to the event, with the closure of Main Street from Maple Avenue to the Georgetown Farmers Market as part of the Town’s Active Easy Strategy, a two-year plan to increase the physical activity levels of people who live, work and play in Halton Hills. Participants cycled to the Georgetown Farmers Market and were treated to a free pancake breakfast hosted by the Georgetown Rotary Club. Free bike valet service was offered so riders could enjoy shopping at the Market and taking part in Open Streets activities, supporting the local economy. The event is organized by the Halton Hills Bicycle Friendly Community Committee, this year in coordination with the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation, Ontario By Bike, and Share the Road Cycling Coalition, as part of the Ontario 150 Celebration. Ontario 150 Celebrate by Bike showcases Ontario’s iconic cycling routes – the Waterfront Trail and the Greenbelt Route. Along with hosting 15 events across Ontario this summer, the partnership will create best-of itineraries, like the Leather Town Spin in Halton Region on the Greenbelt Route, ensure a permanent legacy for cycling as part of Ontario 150, embedding Ontario’s passion for cycling in the Ontario 150 celebrations and for the future. “Bike It to The Market celebrates cycling and local food in one great event, encouraging residents to take advantage of all that Ontario’s Greenbelt has to offer from active recreation to fresh, local food,” said Burkhard Mausberg, CEO of the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation. "Georgetown is a proud bike-friendly community, and I am thrilled that so many individual cyclists and families joined us at this year’s Bike It to the Market event. Cycling is an integral part of the community fabric here in Georgetown and across Halton Hills, and I am pleased our

commitment to cycling is being recognized and celebrated as part of Ontario 150," said Jane Fogal, Regional Councillor and Chair of the Halton Hills Bicycle Friendly Community Committee. “Ontario’s 150th anniversary is an opportunity for people to experience the incredible resources of our province and create long-term legacies,” said Eleanor McMahon, Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Ontario 150 Celebrate by Bike will enable people to connect with their communities by bike, discover new trails and routes and will help promote cycling as a wonderful part of everyday living.” Ontario 150 Celebrate By Bike is possible thanks to 20 years of development of legacy cycling products in Ontario, and recognizes the cultural significance of cycling in Ontario. The project is supported by the Government of Ontario. - 30 About Ontario 150 Celebrate By Bike Ontario 150 Celebrate By Bike is connecting fifteen communities across Ontario through cycling. Events in Bike Friendly Communities and Ontario By Bike ride destinations take advantage of the iconic Greenbelt Route and Waterfront Trail to strengthen communities and create cycling itineraries as a permanent legacy of Ontario 150. This initiative is a collaborative partnership between the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation, Ontario By Bike, and Share the Road Cycling Coalition, building on two decades of investment in cycling infrastructure in Ontario. Contact: Erica Woods Communications Manager Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation 416-960-0001 ext 306 [email protected]