Riders and those travelling with Bike-a-thon pose for a picture before heading into P.A. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Suicide prevention

Cyclists ride into P.A. for a cause

Jul 4, 2019 | 6:24 PM

Over 30 cyclists made their way into Prince Albert Thursday afternoon to raise awareness about a very important issue.

The Black Lake Bike-a-Thon is an annual event which sees young people from the community set out to bring attention to the issue of suicide in northern communities. The group made their start on June 21.

Patrick Mercredi, who is one of the riders, said he has wanted to take part since he was young after seeing his mother do it. While he’s riding he thinks about those who have been affected by suicide.

“While I am biking I am keeping all those people in my prayers and all those people that are suffering, I keep them in my prayers,” he said.

Mercredi said the ride has been enjoyable as he makes sure to take time to look around at the different scenery and animals. He added they’ve been getting lots of support from people along the way, and while some of the riders were having a hard time with the physical challenge , the rest of the group helped push them on.

2 New Directors

Getting to know the new members of the Prince Albert Chamber of Commerce

13h ago

warrant issued

Former Sask. Mountie, convicted of breach of trust, now accused of voyeurism and accessing child porn

13h ago

Aggravated assault

Dispute lands woman in hospital, man in jail

16h ago

“We talk with them, we motivate them,” he said.

PAGC Vice Chief Joseph Tsannie rode into P.A. with the cyclists from Black Lake (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

Before travelling into the city the cyclists were met by representatives from the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC), including Vice Chief Joseph Tsannie. Tsannie said the issue of suicide needs to be on the public’s radar.

“We have serious issues in terms of suicides in all of our northern communities and we want to make sure that people are aware of the crisis situation,” he said.

The vice chief said it’s important to support the young people who are making the trip and those who are dealing with health issues. That’s why he hopped on his bike to ride into the city with them.

“We hope we can encourage and give them hope,” he said.

The cyclists will wrap up their ride in Lac Ste Anne, Alberta.

–

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn