Hundreds of Hamilton cyclists use pedal-power on Bike to Work Day

Hundreds of Hamilton cyclists put the pedal down and got to work on two wheels Monday as part of the city's annual Bike to Work Day.

The turnout marked the biggest event to date, according to Councillor Jason Farr, who said the ridehas been growing every year somethinghe called a sign that cycling is taking off in the city.

"We're providing more opportunities and choices for safe cycling."

• What biking to work looks like in Hamilton

Mayor Fred Eisenbergeralso rodeto city hall.

He said officials areworking hard to retrofit the city to make it more cycle-friendly. One thing he wants to see more of is safe bike lanes so parents feel comfortableletting their kids ride to the park or school.

"I think we need to protect bike lines at some point. A painted line on the road isn't the ultimate."

Among the more than 1,000 cyclists were ridersof all ages.

Meet some of Hamilton's riders:

Charlotte, Laura and Georgia Gregory

The Gregorys don't get to ride to work and school as often as they'd like. But mom, Laura, said biking on Monday showed the familythey actually have enough time to cycle in every day.

"We mostly ride on weekends, but now we know we can do this more often," she explained.

Georgia has a tip for anyone starting out on a bike "It's OK to go slow and use the curb to kick off of. Also, I like to go fast and slow, but if you're faster it's easier to be stable and not fall off."

Jack Garneau

Garneaurides to work in spring, summer and fall. He plans to start biking in winter too.

He said he started riding as a way to lose weight.

"It was getting a little chunky there for a while," he said, patting his stomach. So far, he's managed to drop 30 lbs.

Here's Garneau's tip for new riders: "Start slow by riding around in your neighbourhood. That way it's fun and easy and that will help you get into it."

Rita Giulietti

Giuliettiused to ride to work once a week, but had to stop because of arthritis.

Bike to Work Day was her motivation to get back on her bike and she managed to make the 15 kilometreride. Now she's hoping use Monday as momentum to keep it going.

"It's a beautiful day and it's doing my heart some good," she said.

Here's Giulietti's tip for new riders: "Gears. I used to start in a low gear and tough it out, but now that I'm a bit older I've learned to use my gears correctly, especially when it comes to climbing hills."

The Velo Stage

Riders got to enjoy some sweet cycle music from Myles Evans-Branagh and his keyboard as he was pulled along by Peter Benton on the Velo Stage.

It was Evans-Branagh's first Bike to Work Day and his first time playing while on a roll.

"It's cool, a little bumpy, but great overall," he said.

Benton, the muscle, said he doesn't mind toting around musicians.

"It's actually a lot of fun."