Vancouver celebrates another Bike to Work Week

After seeing a significant increase in cyclists during Bike to Work Week in the spring, organizers are hopeful that next week’s event will see the same growth.

Over 2,500 people across Metro Vancouver are registered for the event from Oct. 28 to Nov. 3.

“The fall events are usually about half the size of the spring ones,” said Bike to Work Week’s program manager, Laura Jane.

“It’s a great way to encourage people to try cycling the daily commute and also celebrate people who already do it in Vancouver,” said Jane.

HUB is the non-profit organization that address cycling issues in Vancouver

HUB is also the organization who is running Bike to Work Week. Langara will host one of over 20 stations in metro Vancouver on Oct. 29 at Ontario St. and 50th Ave.

There will be free drinks from Tim Hortons, free mechanic services from VanCycle Mobile Bike Shop, and a chance to win a Mountain Equipment Co-op gift card. Stations will be open during the morning and afternoon commute throughout the week.

Cyclists need to be safe on the road

“Cyclists need to have a heightened state of alertness,” said Vancouver police Const. Ryan Hooper. “Stay two steps ahead of drivers, predict the road, and cycle defensively.”

Jeremy Sally, Marpole’s community policing communications director said, “Cyclists should do anything they can to stay visible on the road.”

To learn about cycling in a confident and safe way, HUB offers streetwise courses to the general public.

“That’s a really great way for someone who’s wanting to try it and to get an idea of what the best routes are and what’s the best way to do it,”  Jane said. “Cycling is good for your health, it’s good for your wallet and it’s just good for the community in general.”

Langara English instructor, Stefan Haag, bikes 10 kilometres to and from work every day. He does it for the health benefits and because it “feels more relaxing than driving.”

Reported by Andrea Anthony