Over 200 people participated in Community Living Wallaceburg’s inaugural 3Rivers Roll bike party on Wednesday (July 19). The event was free to the community, and everyone was encouraged to attend – all ages, all abilities all bikes were welcome. It wasn’t a race, but a slow roll through various neighbourhoods , starting at the Wallaceburg Public Library and taking a little over an hour to complete. Chatham-Kent Police was also on hand to help escort the cyclists and motorists along the route.
Board President, Kevin Cavanagh says the idea came from a Slow Roll event held in Detroit.
“It’s an event that has grown so much in the past seven years from 50 people to 5,000 people every Monday night,” says Cavanagh. “I noticed that it was an inclusive event, bringing the community together to have fun, enjoying music and riding as a group.”
Community Living Wallaceburg decided to bring this type of event to Wallaceburg, to raise awareness of the Agency and to promote inclusion.
“We’re so pleased that the community embraced the idea of this event. Everyone had a great time and really got into it by decorating their bikes and bringing their own music,” says Cavanagh. “The event was about inclusion and welcoming everyone, so I think that message was well received.”
While there was no fee to attend, donations were accepted to help purchase a wheelchair bicycle for the Agency. Community Living Wallaceburg has plans under way to host another 3Rivers Roll bike party on August 16, 2017. Further information can be found on their website at www.3RiversRoll.com.
