What could save you hundreds of dollars per year? How do you lose those unwanted pounds after Easter? Would you like to get to work with a clearer head and a cleaner conscience? Riding your bike to work as part of the inaugural Sunshine Coast Bike to Work Week is the answer.
Bike to Work Weekis a highly successful program encouraging people to engage in commuter cycling. Originating in Victoria, the14-year-old programis expanding throughout B.C. and now includesnearly 25 communities. Through a combination of provincial, municipal and corporate funding, Bike to Work Week will be held for the first time on the Sunshine Coast, from Monday May 30 to Sunday, June 5.
According to Environment Canada, 26 per cent of our greenhouse gas emissions result from transportation. Of course, we all notice the almost daily escalation of gasoline prices and the ever-increasing traffic on local streets and in our neighbourhoods. Ditching the car in favour of a bicycle is a great way to lessen these impacts, and Bike to Work Week provides a great opportunity for new and experienced cyclists alike to make a contribution.
The goal of Bike to Work Week is to increase the number of Coast residents who experience the joy of safely commuting to work by bicycle and to promote cycling as a safe and healthy alternative to automobile travel. Organizers plan for 20 business teams and 200 individual participants for the inaugural event. During Bike to Work Week, celebration stations will be set up in Gibsons and Sechelt, providing coffee, snacks and encouragement. Prizes will be awarded for top team participants, individual and team kilometres and recruitment by business using BC Bike to Work Week's website to track results.
For more information or to register for the event, see www.biketowork.ca and look for the Sunshine Coast tab. You can also email to [email protected], or call Martin at 604-885-0384.
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