In 2011, longtime friends, Peter and David founded a new event, “Pedaling for Parkinson’s”, to raise awareness and research funds for Parkinson’s. Over three days, cyclists pedaled over 100,000 pedal strokes 1 pedal stroke for each Canadian diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Our inspiration was David’s father, diagnosed with Parkinson’s and a close friend/neighbour of Peter’s recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
In 2011, 20 riders participated and over $18,000 was raised. Fast forward to 2018, the final year of the Parry Sound ride, and more than 350 riders took place raising in excess of $700,000 for a lifetime total of $1.7 Million in support of the Pedaling for Parkinson's Research Grant through the Parkinson Canada Research Program.
The event flourished thanks to the support of the local community, a true togetherness of volunteers, riders and community members coming together in their shared connection to Parkinson's. The ride has always been a ride with a purpose. Fundraising success is important, but thanks to the character instilled by Peter Istvan, David Newall and their families it has always had a true sense of community. Of friends, new and old, coming together to demonstrate their support of one another in their Parkinson journeys.
So moved by that experience Jim Redmond and Krista Simonett of Ottawa, Ontario are eager to take up the mantle and give riders a chance to continue or to build new meaningful connections.
Jim's reasons to ride are very personal: "Riding gives me my freedom back. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s about a year and a half ago when I was 44. Somebody showed me a video about a guy with PD and how he could barely walk but could still ride a bike. I bought a second hand bike and gave it a go. It worked even better than I thought that it could. My mind and my body have a sense of freedom that I rarely get with just the medications. I feel like I can do anything when I am on my bike. It’s pretty incredible."
New Pedaling for Parkinson's events continue to be added across the country, including an event in Summerside, PE in 2021. If you are interested in hosting a ride in your community, please contact us using the chat feature below, or call 1-800-565-3000.
What is your reason to ride? We hope you will consider participating in the Pedaling for Parkinson’s and help make a difference in the lives of people and families affected by Parkinson’s.
Keep spinning,
The Pedaling for Parkinson's Team
Reflections on Pedaling for Parkinson's from its founders, Peter Istvan and David Newall
The event founders ran the ride in Parry Sound form 2011 to 2018
Jim Redmond, co-host of our Prince Edward County ride, reflects on his reason to ride
Shot while participating in the Parry Sound edition of the event
Want to see the video that inspired Jim? View it here.
No, there is no registration fee. Everything for this ride has been donated. The success of the ride depends on people like you, fundraising. While there is no “minimum fundraising amount”, we appreciate your efforts in helping us reach our fundraising goal to impact the future of Parkinson’s research.
No, there is no minimum fundraising level. However, the sole purpose of this ride is to raise funds for research for Parkinson’s in addition to creating awareness.
Parkinson Canada has created a specific Pedaling for Parkinson’s Research Grant. 100% of funds raised by riders go to supporting research. View information on the current recipients.
For the Prince Edward County ride, all rides start and finish at the Mount Tabor Fairgrounds in Milford, Ontario (click for map). For the Summerside, PE ride, all rides start and finish at the Credit Union Place.(click for map).
For other community rides, please contact Parkinson Canada (pedaling@parkinson.ca) or your local ride organizer.
We do encourage riders to treat the event as a 'self supported ride'.
Please plan to bring your own nutrition. Also, carry some money as some routes may pass by stores/rest stops. For other community rides or self supported events, please plan to supply your own nutrition unless otherwise indicated by your event host.
Riders are
called upon to help one another with technical issues on route. During the ride, we hope to have a floater vehicle but please carry supplies so that you can change a flat.
We have ordered sunny, cool days with lots of tailwinds for all rides. In the event of rain the ride will continue with routes subject to change (for example, the long distance routes may be shortened). The exception would be thunder/lightning storm.
There are three ways to process them: Option 1 - Bring the cash/cheques with you to the event. There is an offline form that you can download. Option 2 - within your personal webpage, you can manage offline donations adding them to your fundraising thermometer to track and share your success. Option 3 - mail cheques payable to Parkinson Canada, complete with donor addresses and rider information, to: Attn: Pedaling for Parkinson's, Parkinson Canada, 316-4211 Yonge St., Toronto, ON, M2P 2A9.
When logged in, you can update your ride distances from your fundraising centre. Just click 'your profile' in the main navigation and choose 'questions'. Click for more detailed instructions; or email us for support at pedaling@parkinson.ca.
Riders are responsible for their own safety on route, however the following guidelines will help you prepare to keep yourself and other participants safe.
Routes are OPEN to vehicle traffic, please obey all rules of the road, red lights and stop signs. You are responsible for your own safety. Wear a Helmet HELMETS ARE MANDATORY for all participants.
Do not ride more than two abreast. The Ontario Highway Traffic Act applies equally to cyclists and motorists. Be courteous to motorists and other cyclists. Our safety is enhanced if we can minimize motorist frustration. Ensure your bike is tuned up and road-ready before the RIDE. Communicate your intention to pass other cyclists. Use caution on downhill sections. Please avoid use of cell phones and personal audio systems while cycling.
