June is one of the best months to get outside in Peterborough. Not only is it Bike Month, but it is also Recreation and Parks Month — a perfect combination for anyone looking to spend more time outdoors, connect with their community, and enjoy the many benefits of active living.
GreenUP recently wrapped up the annual Shifting Gears May Challenge, a campaign that has encouraged residents to walk, cycle, take transit, and carpool for more than 20 years. Every spring, participants challenge themselves to leave their car at home more often and discover the social, environmental, and health benefits that come from active and sustainable transportation.
This year, hundreds of residents tracked their trips, attended workshops, won prizes, and developed new habits that got them moving. Though the May Challenge has concluded, June brings even more opportunities to keep the momentum going.
One highlight of the month is the return of the Let’s Bike! events taking place across the region, including stops at the Peterborough YMCA, the Cavan Monaghan Community Centre, Curve Lake First Nation, among others.
These free, family-friendly events offer something for riders of all ages and skill levels.
Participants can practice their bike handling skills on GreenUP’s bike playground, receive a free bike safety check from a qualified mechanic, decorate their bikes, play games, win prizes, and learn valuable cycling safety skills.
What makes these events especially rewarding is seeing young riders gain confidence. Whether mastering a new skill, navigating an obstacle, or simply putting in more pedal strokes, children leave with the self-assurance to tackle biking challenges they never thought possible.
The City of Peterborough is also celebrating Recreation and Parks Month with a variety of free activities, promotions, and programs that encourage residents to explore the city by bike and discover local trails, parks, and destinations. From checking out the new bike pump track to shuffleboard and family swimming, there is something for everyone.
As more people choose to walk, cycle, roll, and spend time outdoors, conversations about transportation safety become increasingly important. Creating a community where people feel comfortable choosing active transportation requires more than enthusiasm — it requires streets and public spaces that are designed with safety in mind.
The City of Peterborough has recently launched work on a comprehensive Transportation Safety Program, a long-term plan that will guide road safety improvements over the next 15 years.
Building on previous initiatives, the study aims to create safer and more comfortable streets for everyone, regardless of how they travel.
The need for this work is clear. According to the city’s website, between 2019 and 2025, Peterborough experienced an average of 150 traffic-related injuries and two fatalities each year, with collisions occurring approximately every six hours.
While many important safety improvements have already been made, the new Transportation Safety Program seeks to take a more coordinated, proactive, and data-driven approach to reducing serious injuries and fatalities.
The study will examine road safety across the city, identify priority areas, recommend improvements, and establish a detailed implementation plan for the years ahead. Equally important, it will rely heavily on input from residents who experience Peterborough’s transportation network every day.
Community members are invited to participate at connectptbo.ca/safemovesptbo, which hosts an online survey and an interactive mapping tool (open until June 21 at 11:59 p.m.).
Residents were also encouraged to attend the drop-in public information centre at Healthy Planet Arena from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday (June 10). Early feedback has already highlighted several locations where residents have concerns, with comments beginning to cluster around specific areas of the city.
Bike Month and Recreation and Parks Month highlight that active transportation is about more than getting from one place to another. It is about creating healthier communities, building connections with neighbours, supporting local destinations, and enjoying the simple pleasure of being outside.
For details on Let’s Bike! events, visit GreenUP’s online events calendar at greenup.on.ca/events/. For a list of events celebrating Recreation and Parks Month, visit the City of Peterborough’s website at www.peterborough.ca/JRPM2026.
