Turn off those engines and turn on your legs, as Vernon’s GoByBike week kicks off.
GoByBike week is an annual challenge that encourages people of all ages to park their vehicle and travel by bike, skateboard, long board, scooter or rollerblades.
Between Monday, May 29 and Sunday, June 4, riders are encouraged to log their trips (via gobybike.ca/vernon-north-okanagan) for a chance to win great prizes, like a hardtail Titan mountain bike.
“We live in a beautiful, vibrant community, and there are so many fun ways to explore our city,” said Anne Huisken, active transportation coordinator. “We encourage everyone to register for GoByBike Week and ride for fun, health, and the environment.”
There are additional prizes available through GoByBikeBC Society. This year, once you log your ride, make sure to click the Shift Your Mode toggle to report that you travelled by bike (or other wheels) instead of driving a car.
The more times you enter a mode shift ride, the more entries you will have to win.
There are numerous fun, family-friendly events taking place all throughout Vernon.
A kickoff celebration takes place Monday, May 29 from 7-9 a.m. at Nature’s Fare with snacks, prizes and activities.
The Vancouver International Film Festival (VIMFF) is coming to town Thursday, June 1. Come watch some new award winning films celebrating biking and the outdoors at the Towne Theatre at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children and youth, available through the North Okanagn Cycling Society at nocs.ca.
A wrap up celebration takes place at Polson Park Night Market Friday, June 2 from 4-8 p.m. Ride in a beach-themed bike parade through the park starting at 6:30 p.m. (short course for kids, longer for the big kids and adults). There will be many more activities, including a story walk for kids hosted by the Okanagan Regional Library.
Stop by the Vernon Community Arts Centre all week during opening hours (2704A Highway 6) to create bike-themed art and enter a prize draw.
There is also a bike prize trail all week, where riders can pedal over to local businesses for the chance to win gift baskets.
GoByBike week is part of Vernon’s larger strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emission by more than doubling trips made by bikes in the community by 2040.
For more information on the week, visit gobybike.ca/vernon-north-okanagan.
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