Tomorrow marks the beginning of HRM Bike Week, running from May 29 to June 6 this year. My little guy is obsessed with two wheels at the moment – either his bike or his scooter, so I guess we better try to make it to some of the fun!

Here's what's happening that looks especially good for families, but there's also other events not specifically for families happening – check them out here. 

Bike Week Kick Off: Pee Wee’s Big Adventure
Ferry Terminal Park, Alderney Landing, Dartmouth
Friday May 28, 7:30pm (film begins at dusk +/- 8:30pm)
Rain date: May 29

In partnership with the Atlantic Film Festival Association, there will be an outdoor "bike-in" screening of the cult classic Pee Wee's Big Adventure (1985, Tim Burton) on the AFFA's 28'X30' inflatable screen. Still as entertaining as it was upon its release 25 years ago, Pee Wee Herman sets off on a cross-country journey, determined to recover his stolen bicycle. Ferry Terminal Park is located just south of the Alderney Ferry Terminal. Free (donations welcome!).

For more information – and to check on weather cancellations, please contact 422-3456 and www.atlanticfilm.com.

Halifax Bicycle Families’ Family Picnic
Halifax Common Playground
Saturday May 29, 12noon- 2pm

Bring your own picnic and meet us at the monkeybars! Come and meet other people dedicated to cycling as a family; discuss safety, proper equipment and how we can make Halifax better for family cycling. Peter Rogers 404-5466 peterandjessica@eastlink.ca

Bike Again 10th Anniversary Celebration
Bloomfield Centre Parking Lot
2786 Agricola Street Halifax
Saturday May 29, 3:30pm to 8pm

Bike Again is a volunteer run, not for profit organization supported by the Ecology Action Centre. Bike Again receives, repairs, and re-donates used bicycles. More than 2000 people visited Bike Again last year, and over a hundred bicycles were recycled through Bike Again's donation program! It is time to celebrate our 10th Anniversary!

This all ages event will include activities like “Superfly Your Bike” (make your bike look really cool!); a bucket pannier making workshop; and a pig roast in the evening accompanied by music and a unique Bicycle Dance Performance.

Bicycles Plus Commons Criterium Bike Race AND Halifax Cycling Coalition Open Street Party
Location: Streets Around the Halifax North Common
Sun May 30, 9am to 5pm

Criterium Bicycle Racing is a fast paced and exciting event to watch. Following the thrilling races, the streets around the Halifax North Common will remain closed to traffic for three hours to allow families, skateboarders, rollerbladers, joggers and all non-motorized forms of movement time to enjoy car-free streets. Also, community booths, music, kids' corner, HRM police Bike Rodeo and MUCH MORE! Family and earth friendly fun.
7:30 – 10:00 am     Criterium Race Registration for athletes*
9:00 – 1:00 pm     Bicycle Plus Criterium Races**
9:00 – 9:30 am     Category D Race (30 minutes + 2 laps)
9:50 – 10:30 am     Category C and F races (40 minutes + 2 laps)
10:50 – 11:40 am     Category B Race (50 minutes + 2 laps)
12:00 – 1:10 pm     Category A Race (70 minutes + 2 laps)
12:00 – 1:30 pm     Race Registration for Single Speed and Kids' Races*
1:30 – 1:50 pm     Single Speed Race (5 laps)
2:00 – 2:10 pm     Kids' Race for Ages 9-12 (2 laps)
2:20 – 2:30 pm     Kids' Race for Ages 5-8 (1 lap)
2:30 – 5:00 pm     Halifax Cycling Coalition Open Street Party

*Registration is at The Pavilion (5816 Cogswell Street)

**Awards for Category A, B, C, D and F Races in The Pavilion (2:30 – 3:30pm)

For further information about Criterium Races contact Ghislain Desainde at gdesainde@hotmail.com or visit www.bicyclesplus.ca.

For further information on the Open Street Party contact opentstreetparty@gmail.com or visit www.cyclehalifax.ca.

MEC School Bike Day

Wenesday, June 2. All HRM schools are invited to promote cycling as a form of active transportation by holding a school wide event today. All students who take part in an event will get a chance to win one of twenty $25 gift certificates from Mountain Equipment Co-op! Options for events that can be held are:

• Encourage students to Bike to School*
• Offer a Bike Rodeo at the school
• Invite guest speakers or demonstrations of Bicycle Safety
• Hold a bike ride at the school

*The school with the highest percentage of students who ride their bikes to school will be awarded a new bike rack!

To register your school, you can find the registration form online at www.halifax.ca/bikeweek/BikeSchoolDay.html, Gerard Bray 464-2000 x 4435.

Bike and Bowlarama
Various Locations (see below)
Friday June 4, 4pm to 8pm

Ride your bike* and receive an hour free bowling at participating locations:

SouthCentre Bowlarama – 16 Dentith Road, Halifax, 479-2695
Bayers Road Bowlarama – Bayers Road Shopping Centre, 455-1519
Woodside Bowlarama – 31 Atlantic, Dartmouth, 466-4405

*Present your bicycle helmet to be eligible for this promotion.

Flaming Dinos Bike Week Ride
Sullivan’s Pond Gazebo, Dartmouth
Sat June 5, 1pm to 2:30pm

Flaming Dinos Club is a new club, formed by children ages 4 & up who meet twice a week to ride, be active, play, and have fun. They will be having a special ride to celebrate Bike Week. Come join the fun with a few laps around the pond and then playtime at the playground. Everyone is welcome, parents are encouraged to participate and ride along. Bring protective gear, water and snacks. Rufino Perez De La Sierra at flaming.dinos@hotmail.com

MEC BIKEFEST
Halifax South Central Commons (near playgound)
Sunday June 6, 11am to 3pm

Please join Mountain Equipment Co-op in celebrating our second annual Bikefest on the Commons (near the playground). Come celebrate all things bike and have some fun. Great event for kids and families.

The festival will feature learning opportunities for amateurs, experts and kids. There will be local retailers, advocacy groups, bike clinics, a charity bike drop-off, yummy food, buskers, prizes, and countless giveaways. Plus our new "Bike Swap". What is a “Bike Swap?” Imagine MEC’s semi-annual Gear swap, focused on everything BICYCLE!! Clinic information and registration is at the store – spaces are limited. halifaxbikefest@mec.ca OR 421-2667.

Family Bike Orienteering
Orienteering Association of NS
Meet behind Fairbanks Centre, Shubie Park
54 Locks Road Dartmouth
Sunday June 6, 11am to 1pm

Orienteering is an activity in which participants use a detailed map and sometimes a compass to find markers in the park. It can be enjoyed as a walk through the woods or as a compatitive sport. In this event we will use bicycles! (However some family members can walk if they would like to). $10 per family or $6 per individual. Maria Jacobs, 454-7858, jacobsm@halifax.ca www.orienteeringns.ca