Bike to Work Day sees dozens of cyclists try a pedal-powered commute

A sunny morning greeted dozens of cyclists as they crossed the city for Bike to Work Day 2017.

• Bike to Work Day is back in Windsor on May 29

The group began their ride at the Devonshire Mall around 7 a.m.

"It's beautiful out, and I think it's just great to get out on your bike," said Windsor Bicycling Committee chair Amy Farkas before setting off. "It's better than a cup of coffee."

The riders began arriving at CBC Windsor around 8 a.m. and were treated to a healthy breakfast of bagels and fruit.

Steve Hayes had an especially long ride in. The Windsor worker who lives in Amherstburg had already peddled more than 42 kilometres before he rolled in to the station.

Hayes, who commutes 28 kiolmetres to and from work most days during the warmer months, was named the 2017 Bicycle Commuter of the Year and handed a $500 gift certificate for Infinity Cycle.

• 28-kilometre commute: Taking bike to work to a whole new level

"I'm nothing special. Everybody keeps telling me, 'Oh, that's crazy! You go so far. Oh, you must be this. You must be that.' But I am honestly not a real physically active guy, had never been," he said while accepting the honour. "It doesn't feel like I'm doing anything that fantastic you know. For me, it's just a bike ride."

Farkas said Bike to Work Day is all about making biking a more appealing option.

"It's just important to really try to encourage people to see cycling as a viable mobility option in this city," she explained. "We have a really flat terrain, so it's really conducive to cycling and we just want to get more people out there start feeling more comfortable on the road."