The Owen Sound & District Junior Optimists (OSDJO) will assist in Wheel & Ride 2026 on May 30. Due to the generosity of Community Foundation Grey Bruce (CFGB), the Junior Optimists received a grant that paid for the repairs of over 60 unused bikes that were kindly refurbished at Scenic Cycle for donation to people in need.
Scarlet Fleming is the Junior Optimist who applied for the grant from Community Foundation Grey Bruce. Scarlet is clear about why she wanted to apply for these funds that are essential for this community festival.
“I think Wheel and Ride is very important because so many people need transportation for work and to get to other places they need to be. When someone doesn’t have a car, they always have to carpool or take the bus, but if they have a bike, they feel free to go wherever they want to go. And it is very helpful for children to learn about safety on the road. I’m glad we are doing Wheel and Ride again this year because it is so very important for our community, and I hope it happens for years to come,” said Scarlet.
Giving refurbished bikes to newcomer children started as an Owen Sound Junior Optimist & Scenic Cycle (SC) initiative during the pandemic. It has quickly grown to a large and inclusive community festival involving many community organizations working together to make it happen.
The City of Owen Sound River District (COSRD) has been a major partner since Wheel & Ride began, and their contributions have been recognized through two provincial awards – 2024 Festivals and Events Ontario Innovation Award and the 2025 Ontario Business Improvement Area Association Special Events Award of Excellence. Their participation allows this event to take place on 8th St. E. for the whole block between 2nd and 3rd Ave. E. This has allowed the event to expand and offer entertainment for families and community members to enjoy, such as the children’s activities provided by OSHaRE and the Food Bank Owen Sound. Owen Sound firefighters and EMT staff plan to attend and allow tours of a fire truck and ambulance as well as answer any questions.
Scenic Cycle will be on site to assist with bike adjustments to seats and tires and offer advice about maintenance. Junior Optimists and members of the Optimist Club of Sydenham and District (OCS)) will help with bike sizing and provide information about keeping bikes safe. Once again, the Kiwanis Club of Owen Sound (KOS) will be providing wonderful barbecued food as well as beverages and are generously providing free bike helmets to people who do not have one.
Owen Sound Police Services (OSPS) will have a bike course set up so participants can learn about road safety. There will also be pedal-carts available for anyone who does not have a bike to experience the obstacle course.
If you have an unused bike, please consider donating it to this great community cause at the event on Saturday, May 30, at 8th St. E., Owen Sound. Or drop it off directly during May to Brandon at Scenic Cycle. Please check current business hours on Google, especially at this busy bike season.
Wheel & Ride Chair Jane Jamieson stated, “Seeing people who become ecstatic to receive a refurbished bike brings me great joy. Wheel & Ride is one of my favourite days of the year!”
Wheel & Ride 2026 is on May 30, from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. across from Owen Sound City Hall on 8th Street East between 2nd and 3rd Ave. East.
