New initiative will keep bikes secure during Whoop-Up Days

By Justin Sibbet - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on July 27, 2024.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDjsibbet@lethbridgeherald.com

Those wanting to bike to Whoop-Up Days this year will see advanced security measures to keep their bicycles secure throughout the day.

Volunteers from the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre will be staffing a free daily bike check, open from noon to 12:30 a.m.

Paul Kingsmith, director of community engagement with Lethbridge and District Exhibition, says this decision is in direct response to feedback given to them from last year.

“One of the biggest things that we heard after last year’s Whoop-Up Days was from people who wanted to ride their bikes but didn’t feel that we had adequate bike parking – it wasn’t secure, there wasn’t enough of it,” said Kingsmith.

In a press release published Thursday, Kristine Cassie, CEO of the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre says the involvement of her organization in this initiative will help the centre spread awareness for the work they do.

“We are so honoured to be part of this initiative,” said Cassie.

“It not only fosters community engagement and healthy living, it also gives us the opportunity to connect with those around us and spread important information about the crucial work our organization does in Southern Alberta. We are grateful for the collaboration, opportunity, and generous support.”

Kingsmith says this plan can also help reduce the headache caused by traffic for some people who are willing to go green in their commuting plans.

“As we know, transportation is always an issue around Whoop-Up Days,” said Kingsmith. “It’s Lethbridge’s biggest summer fair, so the grounds get busy, parking is at a premium. So, if we can encourage people to feel comfortable riding their bikes, to know that their bikes will be taken care of when they come to the grounds, it’s a great green option.”

Furthermore, he says this lines up with the recent actions from the city to make biking a more viable option in Lethbridge.

“It aligns with what the city is trying to do in terms of encouraging people to use bikes as a way to get around.”

Kingsmith says it is also a joy to work with the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre because the organization provides great work for members of the community who most need it.

“It just adds another level as a way to give back to the community as well,” said Kingsmith. “So, it’s something that we’re very excited about all around.”

He says there will be plenty of room for cyclists to leave their two-wheeled transit options in the safe care of the volunteers.

“We are going to utilize what most people would know as the old safety city site… it’s a secure area, it’s all fenced off.”

He says this plan is simply going to ensure more safety and security during Whoop-Up Days.

“There will be, obviously, steps in place to make sure that you get your bike back at the end of the night, or when you go to leave the grounds,” said Kingsmith.

Whoop-Up Days runs Aug. 20 to 24, with the bike check coinciding with each day.

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