Kitchener’s annual Pride Ride set for its second year
Posted Jun 16, 2023 11:49:40 AM.
Last Updated Jun 16, 2023 11:57:33 AM.
The annual Pride Ride takes place Friday night in Kitchener in celebration of both pride month and bike month.
“What better way to bring these two [months] together than a bike ride through the community.”
That’s Darren Kropf, Kitchener’s Manager of Active Transportation and Development. He told CityNews that the casual bike ride starts at 7 p.m. at Gaukel Block. It spans over seven kilometres, and will follow trails and bike lanes through downtown Kitchener and uptown Waterloo, before returning to the starting point. The ride will take about 45 minutes.
Kropf explained why the event has been brought back for a second year.
“The purpose of the event is to bring visibility to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community members,” said Kropf. “It’s showing people doing regular, everyday things like riding a bike in our community. Many allies will attend as well to show their support for a diverse and inclusive community.”
Kropf added that everyone is encouraged to decorate their bikes and pride colours. He said in the past, people have wore socks and capes, put streamers on their handlebars and coloured their tires and spokes. The most creative participants will also win pride and bike-themed prizes.
The event is hosted by the City of Kitchener, Spectrum and Camino Wellbeing and Mental Health.
