Sudbury native and Olympic cross-country skier Devon Kershaw is taking his campaign for bicycle safety on the road.

Last summer, Kershaw joined forces with the Share the Road Cycling Coalition, an Ontario-based cycling advocacy organization created in 2008 to unite cycling organizations and work with and on behalf of municipalities to enhance their ability to make their communities more bicycle-friendly.

Along with the organization's founder and CEO Eleanor McMahon, Kershaw helped to organize a Share the Road ride in Sudbury, in memory of the his girlfriend and former national ski member Sofie Manarin, who was killed on a training ride on her bicycle in 2001.

On July 16, Kershaw is taking the campaign to the streets of Canmore, Alta., where he now trains and resides. The 20-kilometre community ride will mark Share The Road’s first initiative outside of Ontario.

As the lead athlete ambassador for Share The Road, Kershaw has dedicated significant time and energy to promoting the work of the Coalition, most recently hosting a fundraising event in Toronto in May 2010, according to a press release.

“Tragic accidents can be avoided when we increase levels of awareness and care taken by cyclists and motorists alike,” Kershaw said. “We shouldn't have to think twice about encouraging people to be active, environmentally-conscientious and to have fun by riding their bikes.

“It’s a particularly relevant issue for athletes,” he continued. “Between riding, roller-skiing and running, we are probably on the road at least 15 hours per week. By increasing awareness we can all continue to enjoy these activities safely.”

Share The Road’s signature event, The Ride for Greg, has been held in Burlington since 2006 in memory of McMahon’s husband and former OPP Sergeant Greg Stobbart, who was killed on a training ride in June 2006. In addition to the Canmore ride, a Share The Road event has been tentatively planned this summer for Sudbury on Aug. 31. More information will be provided as it becomes available.