Biking to OPSEU

(l to r) Marsha Gillespie, Steve Crossman, Heino Neilson,
Paul Bilodeau, Randy Robinson, Joyce Hansen

On Thursday, June 19th, 2008 a number of OPSEU's 100 Lesmill staffers biked to work (and with a few groans and moans) back home at the end of the workday. Heino Nielsen, who lives at the western edge of the city, just a stone's throw from Mississauga, was furthest away from Head Office. That said, event coordinator, Randy Robinson, who lives in the city core, biked out to meet Heino and then "escorted" Heino for his full ride in. This gave Randy the longest trip in that day. (Nothing like making life a little tougher for oneself than necessary, or did he think that Heino would cheat by taking his bike onto the subway? hmmm)

Paul Bilodeau joined the group at a point on the lakeshore (Ellis St. and Lakeshore Rd). The others joined in on the Don Valley trail at Gerrard Street near Riverdale Farm. The majority of the trip was on dedicated bike trails which extend along the lakeshore and up the Don Valley.

Many of the Thursday group also bike to work.

The bike ride drew attention to a number of green initiatives and improvements underway at Head Office. From energy saving lightbulbs to bike trips it all makes a difference. The trip also took place during Toronto's Bike to Work Month.

Staffers Aura Bellin and Michele Dawson-Haber will be biking in on another day this month from their homes in the north end of the city. Michele also participated in the Toronto to Niagara Falls Ride for Cancer on June 21, raising a substantial donation from her pledgers!

Thanks to Heino Nielson for this report.