Oil your bicycle chain and dust off your helmet -- June 25 has been declared Bike to Work Day in Winnipeg.

"Bike to Work Day is a great initiative that... is changing attitudes and getting thousands of Winnipeggers commuting by bicycle," Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz said in a statement Friday.

"Cycling is not just good for the planet, it's good for people -- our health and well-being. ."

"This is our third year and excitement continues to grow," said Ron Brown, executive director of the Manitoba Cycling Association. "We are very much encouraged by the number of commuters we see and the $21 million of infrastructure advances we're seeing for cycling in the city."

Bike to Work Day highlights the environmental, health and economic benefits of cycling and to encourage Winnipeggers to cycle to work or school.

This year, five "bike oasis" locations also will be set up around the city where cyclists can gather to start or end their commute (6 a.m. to 9 a.m.). Drinks and snacks will be available to the first 30 cyclists to arrive at each location, and prizes and T-shirts will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Escorted group rides (Bike Waves) will also be leaving each location for the downtown and a pancake breakfast that will be get under way at 7:15 a.m. at The Forks. The first 300 cyclists will get pancakes.

To register and to learn more, visit: www.biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org.