Bike to Work BC Society
Abbotsford resident Orlando Schmidt, president of Bike to Work BC Society, has been cycling to work for 14 years. "Nothing beats how fantastic you feel when you arrive at work refreshed and ready for the day," he comments, "Unless maybe it is the ride home where all the stress of the day slips away.
"Even if you try it only one or two days per week, you will be amazed how great you feel," he comments. “And if you register at www.biketowork.ca, you will qualify for great prizes including a grand prize of a 14 day Exodus Travel cycling adventure to Vietnam,” he adds.
Schmidt adds, “Bike to Work Week has been growing in popularity, with more and more communities signing up each year. We are also now combining Bike to School with Bike to Work Week and we have seen a lot of enthusiasm from kids, their teachers and parents participating in creative and fun events around the province. Teachers, parents or students can also register their classes or schools through our website.”
Workplace teams or individuals register, and people can join an existing team or create a new one. Often there is friendly competition amongst industries or organizations. The City of Nanaimo and Fraser Valley have been having such a competition for the past few years. Last year Fraser Valley had more riders and Nanaimo had more kilometres.
“We are looking forward to increasing our participation to match or surpass Fraser Valley,” Deborah Beck, coordinator of the event in Nanaimo, says.
Cycling to work also has environmental benefits and can save money in parking and gas. As well as alleviating stress and other health benefits, people find Bike to Work Week is a fun way to connect with co-workers and meet other people.
"Safety is also very important," says Schmidt, "ICBC has provided some great safe cycling tips that can be found on our web site and some communities also offer safe cycling courses."
"You don't need fancy clothes or an expensive bike, but it is important to be visible and wear a helmet. Most participating communities provide lots of support and fun celebration stations with food and entertainment. Many workplaces have team leaders to encourage you. And for longer distances you can always bus and bike part way," he comments.
Fifty communities in BC are participating in Bike to Work Week May 30-Jun 5, 2016. To join them, register at www.biketowork.ca and qualify for great prizes including Exodus Travels 14 day Vietnam Cycling Adventure for two.
Bike to Work BC is a not for profit society that provides resources and support to assist local communities to hold bike to work events province-wide.