‘She’s made a huge impact on our community:’ Cyclists gather to celebrate Cathy Watts

Hundreds of cyclists gathered in Saskatoon Monday morning for a very special bike ride.

Organizer Hilary Gough wanted to celebrate the chair of Saskatoon Cycles, Cathy Watts, who suffered a massive stroke last week.

Watts has been an instrumental advocate for cyclists in Saskatoon over the years, and Gough wanted to celebrate her the best way she knew how.

“I thought about how I could support Cathy and her family. I thought what would Cathy want, and a bike ride was the first thing that came to mind,” Gough said. “I know people just want to show Cathy that we love her, we’re grateful, she’s made a huge impact on our community.”

Cyclists lined up down the block in the Nutana neighbourhood, if you didn’t know better you would think it was a multiple stage bicycle race based on how many people were in attendance.

Cyclists gather in the Nutana neighborhood ahead of their bike ride. (Logan Stein/650 CKOM)

“I felt like this was the best place to start. This pocket-park in front of D’lish Cafe, Cathy was instrumental in speaking with the city about maintaining and keeping this space,” Gough said as she pointed to bike lines in front of the cafe.

When Gough was asked if she was surprised about how many people showed up, she wasn’t.

“I feel really grateful for everyone who has come out. I’m certainly not surprised, the cycling community in Saskatoon is very strong and connected. Cathy is someone who truly makes other people feel seen and welcome,” Gough said. “I’m not surprised to see people come out in the cold, I know people just want to show Cathy that we love her and that we’re grateful.”

“She’s made a huge impact on our community.”

Jim Arnold, a board member for Saskatoon Cycles, has worked alongside Watts for quite some time.

He spoke about the challenges Watts has faced as she has advocated for cyclists around the city.

“Cathy has lived through quite a bit of discouragement and controversy surrounding bike-laws and politicization of issues when she just has wanted a livable city,” Arnold said. “She’s been totally engaged in making this city livable for everyone.”

“Saskatoon Cycles would not be what it is without her.”

Cyclists could walk their bike through Cathy Watts backyard, waving to her and sending her best wishes as they went through. (Logan Stein/650 CKOM)

The cyclists took off around 11:00 a.m., arriving at Watts home within 10 minutes.

When the cyclists arrived, they filtered through the back alley, following signs encouraging them to keep two-metres apart.

They then proceeded one by one to walk through the backyard, waving at Watts as she sat at the window.

One attendee could be heard shouting “take care, we’re thinking about you,” as bells rang out in unison.

Watts is currently in palliative care at home surrounded by her family.