St. Catharines, ON — Start Me Up Niagara is thrilled to announce our brightest event of the year, Glow
Ride! Happening on Thursday, July 3rd, 2025, this family-friendly community ride will light up the streets of
St. Catharines in support of our Bike Me Up Niagara program.
The Glow Ride, in collaboration with the Niagara Glow Riders is a fun, vibrant evening of cycling that
invites participants of all ages to decorate themselves and their bikes in glowing lights, neon colours, and
bright accessories — all while raising critical funds for individuals in our community experiencing poverty,
food insecurity, and other life challenges. The ride starts and ends at the Russell Avenue Community
Centre with a fabulous rest stop where participants will be treated to tunes from Mike DJ courtesy of
Robot Ears Radio, ice cream, and a hydration break provided by H2Only.
Why Bike Me Up?
Proceeds from the Glow Ride go directly to Start Me Up Niagara’s Bike Me Up program, which refurbishes
and repairs donated bicycles, making them available at low cost to individuals and families with limited
incomes. For many, having a bike means access to employment, school, appointments, and essential
services. A simple, reliable form of transportation that opens doors.
In addition to serving low-income and unhoused individuals, Bike Me Up has recently expanded its
services to support clients who can pay a modest fee. On two designated mornings each week, we offer
basic tune-ups for just $60.00. More affordable than most professional bike shops, yet still aligned with
our mission of community support. (Bike drop-offs are welcome anytime, with repairs completed during
these scheduled service times.)
Your participation in the Glow Ride helps provide not only refurbished bikes, but also job skills,
confidence, and independence to those who need it most. Every dollar raised helps people move forward
one pedal at a time.
Pre-Event: Join the Fun!
Before the Glow Ride kicks off, pre-ride activities including:
• Bike Niagara special pre-event bike rodeo — an exciting and educational activity for children
• The Niagara River Lions – meet the team and snap some photos
• CAA Niagara – offering safety tips and cycling resources
• 529 Garage – register your bike for theft protection
This fun, interactive experience promotes safe cycling and community engagement before we light up the
night together.
Event Details:
When: Thursday, July 3rd, 2025
Time: Pre-ride activities from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Ride: Glow Ride begins at 8:00 PM and wraps up around 9:00 PM
Where: Start and finish at Russell Avenue Community Centre, 109 Russell Avenue, St. Catharines
(Route map to be announced)
Who: Everyone is welcome! Bring your friends, family, coworkers and don’t forget your sparkle!
Why Join the Glow Ride?
• Fun for Everyone: A safe, inclusive, and glowing experience for all ages.
• Support Local: 100% of funds raised go to the Bike Me Up Niagara’s local program.
• Build Community: Ride in unity to light the way toward a more compassionate Niagara.
How to Get Involved:
• Form a Team: Gather friends, coworkers or your cycling crew to register and fundraise.
• Ride Solo: Join as an individual and light up the route with other community champions.
• Join the Glow Walkers: Don’t ride a bike? No problem! Join our Glow Walkers team and enjoy a
special walking route that leads to the main rest stop.
• Donate: Can’t participate? You can still make a big impact by donating or sponsoring to the cause.
Register or donate today at: www.startmeupniagara.ca/glowride
About Start Me Up Niagara:
We are a dynamic non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals facing significant life
challenges—including poverty, unemployment, compromised mental health, substance misuse and
homelessness. Our comprehensive range of programs includes our Resource Centre, Niagara Mobile
Closet, Bike Me Up, Work Action Center, From Our Garden, Income Tax program, medical services, and
food program, all designed to empower our clients with the skills and confidence they need to thrive. By
fostering a community of care, innovation, and resilience, we not only change lives but also contribute to
the overall well-being and vibrancy of the Niagara region. Let’s light the way forward — together.