Part of the reason for Bicycle Month is to encourage the municipality of Mississippi Mills to make our community bicycle-friendly. This is not an original idea. Cities and towns all around the world are developing strategies to promote cycling as a form of  recreation and as a preferred form of transportation. Cycling is good for health, the environment and the economy.

With that in mind, two public presentations about the benefits of cycling will be offered in the month of June. With the help of the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, we have prepared a fascinating and compelling presentation that shows how a community that is safe for cyclists is a healthier community overall.

On Monday, June 1 at 7 pm Bicycle Month speaks to the Town Council of Mississippi Mills at the municipal office on Old Perth Road.

The same presentation will be made to the Lanark County Council on Wednesday, June 3 at 5 pm.

How do you make a community more bike-able? With things such as bike racks and bike lanes, which announce: “Cyclists are welcome here.” Share the road signs remind drivers to keep their eyes open for bicycle riders and to keep at least a meter away when passing a cyclist.