Wheel & Ride Safety Festival Happening This Weekend in the River District

The Owen Sound River District, Kiwanis Club of Owen Sound, Optimist Club of Sydenham & District, Owen Sound & District Junior Optimists, Scenic Cycle, and Owen Sound Police Services are proud to present the Wheel & Ride Safety Festival and Bike Program on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Honoured with the 2024 Festivals and Events Ontario Innovation Award and the 2025 OBIAA Special Events Award of Excellence, this event offers a full day of free, family-friendly activities focused on bike safety and fun.

Learn about road safety, attend a helmet-fitting clinic, participate in an obstacle course, and receive spring tune-ups. Kids can also meet local safety heroes, explore emergency vehicles, and enjoy a charity BBQ.

The Wheel & Ride Bike Program begins bike distribution at 10 a.m. for those with community chits, and at 11 a.m. for the general public. Quantities and sizes are limited. Community chits were distributed to local support groups in an effort to distribute the bicycle inventory evenly. 

All non-motorized transportation is welcome to participate.

8th Street East from 2nd Avenue East to 3rd Avenue East will be closed to vehicular traffic starting at 8 a.m. Motorists should consider alternate routes. The road will reopen at approximately 3 p.m. Businesses will remain accessible to pedestrians during regular business hours. 

Don’t miss this celebration of community, safety, and active living in the River District!

For more information, please contact Viveca Gravel, River District Coordinator at 519-376-4440 ext. 1209 or email vgravel@owensound.ca.   

Quick Facts:

• The Wheel & Ride event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Follow the event on Facebook HERE to get regular updates
• The 2025 Wheel & Ride Safety Festival is scheduled for May 3, 2025
• The Wheel & Ride group has distributed over 100 bikes to date

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