Throw those car keys in the trash and convert your morning commute to pedal-power, Go By Bike week is returning to the Capital Region.
Go By Bike Week is a week where commuters are encouraged to cycle to work and everywhere they would normally drive, if possible, in order to promote non-reliance on motor vehicles.
It takes place this year from May 29th to June 4th.
Capital Bike hosts Go By Bike Week here in Greater Victoria and this year’s spring/summer celebration of pedal-power features prizes, activities and numerous resources for those looking to become bike commuters year-round.
Over the last year, inflation and gas prices have both skyrocketed, but the ol’ shoelace express doesn’t cost anything and riding a bicycle does wonders for a bike-commuter’s physical and mental well-being.
Depending on what kind of vehicle Greater Victorians are driving, hanging up their keys and riding a bike could save them up to $50 per week travelling a mere 15 km daily on their commute.
There will be 12 ‘Celebration Stations’ throughout Greater Victoria on popular bike routes, each offering snacks, beverages, bike mechanics and entry for one of many jaw-dropping prizes.
Every station will be different and will only be open one day at a time. For the most avid cyclists wanting to hit all 12, an online passport is available with the dates and times the stations will be open and handing out goodies.
On-site Go By Bike volunteers will be able to help provide commuters who ride by any Celebration Station on their bikes, scooters, skateboards and other people-powered wheels with maps and even show them how to do simple tune-ups on their bicycles.
For those who want to win the big prizes, a free bike donated by BC Transit, a free E-bike donated by Oak Bay Bikes or a free WildPlay family pass, all that needs to be done is log your daily commute online and you might win one of those big giveaways.
Capital Bike will also be slinging limited edition T-shirts and tote bags with a custom locally made design showing just a small piece of Victoria’s vast bicycle network that spans the region.
The artist who designed this year’s totes and shirts is Sharon Lam who is locally renowned for her colourful illustrations of local hot-spots and businesses that make Victoria so special.
Go By Bike Week also features several events like a ride-planning webinar with seasoned bike-commuter and Capital Bike’s Director, Ed Pullman or a family friendly ride-along with local MLA Grace Lore. All events can be found via Go By Bike’s website or Capital Bike.
To close out the week-long bicycle-themed festivities, there will be a block party with free pizza,
Victoria is one of Canada’s most bikeable cities and on certain commutes it’s often much faster to bike than it is to drive, so why not lose your car keys on purpose and wait a week to find them.
Are you ready for the challenge?
