Victoria is one of Canada’s most-bikeable cities and is celebrated for its massive active transportation network stretching through all 13 municipalities making up Greater Victoria.
A Victoria-based non-profit organization, Capital Bike, is now hosting their tri-annual event trying to encourage people to leave their cars behind for a couple weeks, swapping them for pedal power.
Capital Bike says that cycling is not only a fun and engaging way to commute, but is also proven to improve happiness, productivity as well as both mental and physical health.
The fall rendition of ‘Go By Bike Week’ has actually been doubled in duration to try to get people biking for two-weeks straight, rather than just one.
From October 16th to 29th, cyclists could win prizes or attend several bike-centric activities throughout the region.
How to get in on Go By Bike Week
It’s never too late to commit to biking for a week or two!
This year, Capital Bike encourages people wanting to participate to team up to make it more fun while also being able to hold each other accountable.
Registration takes place online where participants can easily log each ride they take to and from work as well as their casual rides around town.
Only during Go By Bike Week
Only between October 16th and 29th, people riding their bikes around town will get to ride BC Transit for free, even if they aren’t bringing their bikes with them on the commute. As long as the commuter has a bike helmet with them, they’ll be allowed to ride for free.
Working Culture Bakery, one of the city’s best breadmakers, has a cyclist only discount of 10% off loaves of bread, so long as a customer arrives on a bike.
There are a series of ‘Celebration Stations’ throughout Greater Victoria’s vast network of cycling trails for cyclists to receive free snacks, swag and even get a quick tuneup on their trusty steed.
Celebration Stations will only be taking place during the first week, between October 16th and 21st.
Prizes
There are over $20,000 in prizes to help motivate cyclists to take part in the initiative.
Prizes include:
- A Marin Fairfax 2 Silver BC Transit Commuter Bike — winnable by visiting four or more ‘Celebration Stations’ and collecting four or more stamps on your Station passport, in addition to logging all of your rides
- Class Field Trip to WildPlay — win this field trip by logging the most rides as a class (for school age kids)
- 3 Mode-Shift Pedego Avenue Sleek Commuter E-Bikes — win this bike by clicking “mode shift” on GoByBikeBC.ca when you log your rides
- Axiom cycling gear and bags — winnable by logging at least one ride
- There are also gift cards, bike accessories, massage vouchers and so much more available to win in smaller prizes simply from logging your bike rides
Go Bike Week – Fall 2023
- Where: All around Greater Victoria
- When: From October 16th to 29th
