The Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area is inviting residents to trade their car keys for a morning commute through Market Square on Friday, June 5, 2026. This year marks a shift in the local calendar, as the event serves as the city’s only Car-Free Friday gathering for the summer.
Running from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., the morning serves to celebrate Bike Month and World Cycle Day. Participants can grab free fair-trade coffee provided by Revel, or help themselves to juice on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees who bring their own mug will earn an extra ballot for event giveaways. To support those who cycle, Ross from Ross’ Bikeworks will be on-site to provide free bicycle tune-ups, and Constable Darren Fischer will be assisting residents with free registration for the Project 529 program.
Those who choose to use public transit to get downtown will have the chance to enter a prize draw to win $25 in Downtown Dollars and a 30-day bus pass valued at $70. Several local officials and community organizers will be in attendance to discuss active transportation and local climate goals, including City Councillor Jo-Dee Burbach, who represents the Active Transportation Advisory Committee and Cycle Stratford, and representatives from Climate Momentum. Stratford Transit Manager Michael Mousley and the city’s Climate Change Programs Manager, Autumn Loosemore, will also be present to speak with the community.
