(Photo: contributed)
Light Cycle, a community cycling event, is returning for its second year on the South Shore.
The event started last year in Bridgewater with 40 people attending, from toddlers to seniors and everyone in between. Attendees lit up their bikes with bike lights, and holiday-themed twinkle lights powered by battery packs.
Light Cycle takes place in the evening and is inspired by similar events that are hosted in cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Halifax. Part of the purpose is to raise awareness about being visible while cycling at night. The other part is to have fun and build a sense of community.
(Photo: contributed)
Meghan Doucette, co-organizer, used to run an event like Light Cycle when she worked at the Halifax Cycling Coalition. The yearly I Light HFX event in Halifax often sees 100+ attendees coming together for a group ride and after party.
“When I moved to Martin’s River, I wanted to start Light Cycle to help foster the cycling community on the South Shore,” says Doucette.
“Another big motivator for me is showing that it’s possible for people of all ages and people with disabilities to get around our smaller towns by bike.”
This year, Light Cycle is moving to Mahone Bay. Riders are coming together on Saturday, December 9 at the parking lot by the public washroom on Hwy 3 before rolling out for a short ride around Mahone Bay.
Attendees will meet at 5:30pm and the ride will roll out at 6pm. There will be an after party at Saltbox Brewing and prizes donated by local bike shops Sweet Ride Cycling, the Lunenburg Bike Shop, and Scotia Cycle.
Light Cycle adds a bit of brightness to the long, dark days of December in a fun, vibrant community setting. It’s a great way to promote that you can stay active throughout the fall and winter.
Meghan Doucette is a cycling leader and community builder living on the South Shore. Follow her blog meginthewild.com for cycling tips and routes.
Emily Sollows is a writer and communications professional living on the South Shore. To get in touch, email emsollows@gmail.com.
