Spruce Grove - Bike to Public Market

Bike corrals at local public markets encourage families to engage in active travel.

“Achieving Community Together” is a group of citizens in the tri-area of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain and Parkland County who love their community. The groups goal is to help connect and support others who also want to continue making their communities friendly, caring places to live, work and play.

Through a grant provided by Alberta Prevents Cancer, an Active Transportation sub-committee was formed to focus on engaging the community in physical activity. Active Transportation is defined as any form of human-powered transportation, most common forms are walking and biking. 

A group of volunteers sought opportunities throughout 2016 to “piggy back” on local events. A logo was created and swag items were purchased to be handed out at events. A shade structure branded with the logo was also purchased to be loaned out.

During the summer a public market takes place in the downtown core of Spruce Grove. The group engaged with the Market organizers with the idea to encourage people to bike to the event. The City committed to providing two large bike corrals to be placed in the centre of the market. An article appeared in the local paper to highlight the bike corral service and Active Transportation committee goals. Social Media was used to encourage individuals to bike to the market. Mud Sweat and Gears set up a booth next to the Active Transportation tent and together volunteers and staff handed out swag items and praised families for walking or biking to the market. All those who used the bike corral had an opportunity to enter a raffle for gift certificates for Mud Sweat and Gears.

Ways to take action: Community Strategies - Physical Activity