Cyclists and artists will ride tandem for the Kamloops Bicycle Summit, a forthcoming exhibition that looks at “velo culture.”

An art-based project exploring the culture that surrounds cycling — along with its health and environmental benefits — the summit runs Sept. 2 to Oct. 29 at Arnica Artist Run Centre.

Throughout the exhibition, local cyclists will lead a variety of local bike rides to destinations around the city, adding pedal power to the ideas.

“I’ve always been a passionate cyclist,” said Ray Perreault, project co-ordinator and president of the Arnica Society. “I’ve always been interested in cycling, starting in the early ’70s.”

Yet Kamloops is not nearly as far along the path to becoming bicycle friendly as are many North American cities, he noted.

“There is no infrastructure to speak of,” Perreault said. “To the City’s credit, they have a plan in place and it’s moving ahead. There is reason for optimism.”

Cities the world-over are embracing cycling as a viable alternative to motor vehicles. Riders driving this change are becoming a force of nature, he notes. At one end of the spectrum stands old cities such as Copenhagen, in which cycling has become an integral part of the transportation network. Fifty-five per cent of the trips in that city are made on bicycles, Perreault said. At the other end of the spectrum, bicycles provide an affordable option for developing regions, such as Ubuntu, South Africa, where cycling is the primary mode of transit.

Local artists Doug Buis and Craig Willms, together with Calgary’s Ruth Lloyd and the Cariboo’s Lilka Dragowska, will exhibit their work in the show. Vintage tour posters from the collection of local cyclist John Tilley will also be on display.

In addition, Arnica will present the best of the Filmed By Bike Festival, a bike-themed indie short event held each spring in Portland, Ore.

But cycling is also about fun, so Perreault has assembled a host of likeminded riders to carry the idea into the community. Ten different rides carry names such as North Shore Meander, Women on Wheels, Critical Mass and Great Green Event.

Trail descriptions and contact information are available at www.arnica.ca.