Some commuters in the North Okanagan have parked their cars and are grabbing life by the handlebars.
The Spring GoByBike Week is rolling in Vernon and throughout the region May 30 to June 5.
The annual challenge encourages people of all ages to travel by bike instead of by car for the week, while logging their trips online for a chance to win some prizes.
New this year, trips using skateboards, longboards, kick scooters, e-scooters, rollerblades and other small wheeled transports will count towards the contest. Trips of any type can be logged, whether heading out for work, running errands or just going on a joyride.
Last year, 550 Vernon and North Okanagan riders cycled more than 24,000 total km — enough mileage to get about halfway around the world — and saved 5,328 kg of greenhouse gas emissions.
“We live in a beautiful part of the world. What better way is there to explore our backyard than by bike or small wheeled transport to see our favourite places with our favourite people?” said Ellen Croy, manager of transportation. “We encourage people of all ages to rally their team and get pushing or pedaling for health, for our environment, and for good old-fashioned fun.”
Riders who log at least one trip during GoByBike Week will be entered into a draw for $1,000 to a local bike shop of their choice, sponsored by the City of Vernon, Kal Tire, Tolko Industries, VantageOne Credit Union and Neuron Mobility.
There’s also the provincial grand prize: a self-guided cycling trip for two in Holland, courtesy of Exodus Travels. To be eligible for the grand prize, riders must also register on the Exodus Travels website, www.exodustravels.com/ca/gobybike-spring.
This year’s campaign also sees the return of in-person events, which give participants in GoByBike Week the chance to meet one another:
May 27 – May 31: Story book ride
Take the family for a ride along the Marshall Fields’ multi-use pathway, at your own pace and on your own time, to read the story Give a Mouse an iPhone. Families can enjoy the story one page at a time at different stops along the bike trail. Sponsored by Okanagan Regional Library.
Monday, May 30 @ 7 – 9 a.m.: Morning celebration station
Join us at Sun Country Cycle (1340 Kalamalka Lake Rd.) for the kick-off celebration to GoByBike Week. Have a coffee and a snack while receiving a complementary bike inspection. Sponsored by Sun Country Cycle, Rail Trail Café, Gum Tree Catering.
Wednesday, June 1 @ 6:30 p.m.: MOTHERLOAD documentary showing
The Towne Theatre will be showing MOTHERLOAD, a crowd-sourced documentary about a global movement of people replacing cars with cargo bikes. Tickets are available online at thetowne.ca and at the door while quantities last. Sponsored by Tourism Vernon.
Friday, June 3 @ 7 – 9 a.m.: Morning celebration station
Join us at Nature’s Fare Market (3400 30th Ave.) for the downtown celebration of GoByBike Week. Enjoy a coffee and snacks while receiving a complementary bike inspection. Sponsored by Nature’s Fare Markets and Olympia Cycle & Ski
GoByBike Week is part of the City of Vernon’s broader strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with the goal of more than doubling the number of bike trips made in the community by 2040.
The campaign is organized province-wide by the GoByBike BC Society, with the support of sponsors including the provincial government, BC Hydro, Big Bear Software, Exodus Travels, and ICBC, as well as many local sponsors.
A list of local sponsors can be found here.
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