NICOLE BARRINGTON
Sports Writer

On the afternoon of Jan. 30, nearly 200 cyclists took to the streets of downtown Saskatoon, despite the bone-chilling minus-30 weather.

The second annual Ice Cycle started outside the Farmer’s Market, making a loop downtown through blocked off parts of Spadina, 22nd Street and 3rd Avenue. Colourful, feathered volunteers lead the charge through the desolate, freezing streets. There were all sorts of bikes — mountain, racing, single gear and home projects chimed down the streets — some of them with wagons bearing children. Although attendance was slightly less than expected, Sean Shaw, the event’s coordinator and president of Saskatoon Cycles, was pleased.

“Regardless of the number, the turn-out is awesome.”

Saskatoon Cycles, the “city’s only cycling advocacy group,” and We Are Many were the main sponsors of the event.

Apart from the bike ride, there was a winter cycling workshop and wonderful live music from Sarah Burton afterwards at Cava Cafe. Burton is a representative for WAM, a group that originated in Saskatoon that promotes environmental responsibility. Environmental sustainability resonated at the event, and made for a great time for all who were in attendance. Among these were Mayor Don Atchison and Rob Norris, with Atchison giving a speech at the beginning of the race.

For Shaw, this is exactly what the event needs: a political presence. “The point of the event is to advocate for infrastructure,” said Shaw.

“We just want respect from motorists,” said Shaw regarding the possibility of bike lanes. Saskatoon currently does have bike lanes, but most are just downtown and in congested areas.

Shaw is hoping to have a festival to celebrate cycling this summer, to appeal to people of all ages. The event will include a “safety seminar” to encourage biking as a sport as well as a “legitimate mode of transportation.”

Rissy Hantke, who attended the event on Sunday, has been cycling for the past four winters and agrees that cyclists do not receive the same respect as motorists.

“The biggest challenge is the lack of respect,” commented Hantke on the unwillingness of drivers to make room on the roads. She believes that the event helped raise awareness, especially when motorists had to stop for the parade of cyclists.

“Cars are the biggest concern, especially in the winter when there is less room on the roads. People who cycle pay taxes (to aid in road infrastructure) too.  We are allowed to use the roads.”

The ice-coated streets of Saskatoon are dangerous for drivers and cyclists alike, so prior to the race there was a winter cycling safety workshop. Some tips given at the workshop include having a studded bike tires, well lubricated chains, and of course, dressing appropriately. Helmets go without saying, but snowboarding helmets are suggested for warmth. Also, if you only have one studded bike tire, it should be the front. With the right equipment, cycling in the winter is a healthy alternative to driving.

“If there is anyone who is considering cycling [in the winter], it is not as ridiculous as it seems,” said Hantke.

“You just need warm mittens — and goggles help too!”