Whitby residents have two big ways to get involved this Saturday, June 13, with Youth Pride Durham running the same day as the region-wide Curbside Giveaway Day.
Youth Pride Durham is a free, family-friendly event for 2SLGBTQI+ children, youth, families and their allies, according to a Region of Durham newsletter. Organizers say the gathering honours diversity, builds connections and highlights supports available across Durham Region.
The celebration will include a resource village, live drag performances, a DJ, face painting and a magic show. Popcorn, cotton candy and food vendors will also be on hand.
Residents who prefer to stay closer to home can take part in the Curbside Giveaway Day. Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., residents can place unwanted items — in good condition and clearly marked as "Free" — at the curb for neighbours to pick up. Anything not claimed by the end of the day should be brought back inside.
Bike Month events continue until June 30
Meanwhile, Bike Month activities across Durham Region continue through the end of June. Residents can log their rides — to work, school, errands or just for fun — on SmartCommute.ca or its app for a chance to win a $100 gift card through the Trip Logging Contest.
Cyclists who visit three or more Bicycle Friendly Businesses can enter to win prizes, including a Durham Tourism overnight getaway. Weekly Bike Month webinars also run Thursdays from 12 to 1 p.m. until June 30, covering cycling safety and infrastructure, with a chance to win a $50 gift card at each session.
Share the road this summer
The Region is also reminding drivers and cyclists about the one-metre passing rule. Motorists passing or travelling alongside cyclists must leave one metre of space, part of the Durham Vision Zero Strategic Road Safety Action Plan aimed at making roads safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike.
Drivers are further cautioned to watch for farm machinery on public roads, day and night. Vehicles bearing an orange slow-moving vehicle emblem travel at lower speeds, and the Region is asking drivers to be courteous when encountering farm equipment moving between fields.
The Region has also installed crossrides along multi-use path routes at intersections throughout Durham. A crossride is a dedicated space where cyclists may legally ride through an intersection without dismounting. Because cyclists and scooters can move quickly through them, drivers are reminded to check that both the road and the path are clear in both directions before proceeding.
More information on Youth Pride Durham is available at durham.ca/YouthPrideDurham, with details on the giveaway at durham.ca/WasteEvents and Bike Month at durham.ca/BikeMonth.
