Winter Wheels
With the right equipment, clothing and skills, riding in the winter can be safe, comfortable and a lot of fun.
Applications will open on Tuesday, September 22 for Winter Wheels Get Equipped and Ride (GEAR) 2026 program. Applications will close on Friday October 16. Check back for a registration link.
What are the 2026 Winter Wheels programs?
For the tenth year, B!KE’s Winter Wheels program will provide aspiring cold-weather riders with equipment and support to cycle through the winter.
This year there are two streams to Winter Wheels: the Get Equipped and Ride (GEAR) program and the Community Engagement Program (CEP). Read on to find out more on which program is best for you to head out and ride in winter!
Get Equipped and Ride (GEAR) Program
- Free winter tires and lights for 20 new winter riders
- Studded tires sets come in 3 sizes: 700C, 27.5″, 26″
- An open shop appointment to get tires installed and bike checked
- Guidance/materials from shop staff to provide good support for new winter riders
- Free membership at B!KE for the winter so that participants can complete any bike maintenance and repairs
- Opportunities to participate in events offered through the Winter Wheels Community Engagement Program (see below)
- Aspiring riders must have a winter bike prior to submitting their application. (We can help with that!)
- Program participants commit to getting out and riding at least once a week throughout winter and share their experience with friends, family, on social media or by other means.
- Program participants must complete the pre-program survey prior to receiving winter tires.
- Program participants must also complete the post-program survey at the end of the GEAR program.
Any interested City of Peterborough resident is encouraged to apply. If applications exceed the number of available spots, priority will be given to individuals who do not already have winter riding experience, who are in financial need or who represent diverse communities. Applicants not accepted in the Winter Wheels GEAR program are encouraged to participate in the Winter Wheels CEP program.
Community Engagement Program (CEP)
- No application required to participate
- Provides winter riding promotion, encouragement and support for the general community
- Free workshops on: what to wear while winter cycling, winter bike maintenance, slippery handling skills
- Free fun events: Famous Winter Lights Glow Ride, Santa Claus parade, Snow Pokes rides
Any interested City of Peterborough resident is encouraged to participate. If you would like to participate in the CEP program or if you have any questions on either of the Winter Wheels programs, please email Winter Wheels Program Coordinator, Eileen Kimmett at eileen@communitybikeshop.org .
For a sample of what would be in store for you, watch Marc’s first ride below:
Winter Wheel Workshops
One of the uniques offering of this program is the Slippery Handling Skills workshop, which takes place outside. We’ll head out around town to learn and practice key skills dealing with the tricky situations you’ll find yourself navigating through a typical winter. Check out the video for a sample of what we’ll cover.
Winter Wheels Rides
We offer many opportunities to be social, and get out riding in the winter. Check our our Winter Lights Glow ride below.
We also have an occasional ride series called “Snow Pokes” where we take a relaxed ride around Peterborough during daytime hours.
Follow our riders and learn about Winter Wheels related workshops and events on social media.
• Instagram @communitybikeshop
• Facebook @communitybikeshop
• Hashtags for great winter biking content include: #winterbikeptbo #bikeptbo #winterbike #frostbike #studdedtires #wintercommute #wintercycling
Winter Wheels is made possible through the support of the City of Peterborough
