A local Member of Parliament has invited bicycling enthusiasts to recognize the international partnership promoting active transportation.
A public ride is set for Friday evening to celebrate the first anniversary of the partnership between the Trans Canada Trail, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan, for an international bike trail.
Windsor West MP Brian Masse announced the public ride during a media event Tuesday at Malden Park. Masse said it took a lot of lobbying to make sure that the under-construction Gordie Howe International Bridge, which falls in his riding, was included in the Trans Canada Trail.
"This is exciting because if you remember, the Trans Canada Trail started because we were left out," said Masse. "But now, not only are we included, we are also a featured part of it with the Great Lakes system, and it's part of the work that we're doing with Ojibway Shores, and the national urban park, and the environment here."
Once the bridge opens to traffic in the autumn of 2024, Masse also pointed out the best part of using active transportation to cross the border.
"They've guaranteed that the new cycling and pedestrian crossing will be free to the public on the 'Gordie'," said Masse. "So that will be one of those things that will be moving forward, and I've confirmed that several times, is that the connection will be at no charge."
Friday's bike ride, called Travel the Trail, begins at 6 p.m. at the Malden Park Visitor Centre. The public event will cap a day that will include private stakeholder meetings.
Also at Tuesday's press event, Kinetic Konnection founder Rob Pula announced the Ride to Survive-The David Scott Hunter Memorial Ride, which will take place Saturday at Wolfhead Distillery in Amherstburg. Windsor Ward 9 Councillor Kieran McKenzie also reminded the public about Open Streets Windsor, set for Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.