Photo Credit: HUB
Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the best cities in North America for cycling. So it should be no surprise that many locals bike all year round. It’s a great way to stay active while reducing air pollution and traffic congestion. During the week of October 21-27, give autumn weather cycling a try during the annual Fall Bike to Work Week.
The week-long celebration of cycling encourages bikers to make more trips to work, school or shopping by bike. Each trip you log with the cycling advocacy group HUB gets you a chance to win daily prizes including bikes. You’ll also be entered to win the grand prize: a cycling trip in Europe!
Map of Celebration Stations. Credit: HUB
Be sure to stop by one of the Bike to Work Week celebration stations across Metro Vancouver. They’ve got snacks, drinks, draw prizes, and free basic bike tune-ups.
You can even get together with your coworkers to compete against other workplaces in your industry to see who can log the most cycling trips. Last year over 1,500 schools and businesses in the Vancouver area participated!
Each year, over 18,000 cyclists log a trip as part of Bike to Work Week. HUB uses that data to help advocate for better biking infrastructure in Metro Vancouver.
Photo credit: HUB
Cycle Commuting Tips:
- Get some bright lights. They keep you visible to cars and help you see where you’re going after dark. Consider adding reflectors to your bike and clothing too.
- Invest in a good lock to keep your bike safe.
- Don’t forget a helmet. By law, you must wear one in BC.
- For fall biking, a waterproof and breathable jacket is crucial to keeping you dry.
- Consider bringing a change of clothes and some toiletries to work in case you need to freshen up when you arrive.
- Research your route. Vancouver has lots of bike lanes and quiet side streets designated for biking. Check out Translink’s cycling maps to find the ones that work for you.
- Get a bike tune-up so you know everything is running smoothly. And always carry a patch kit just in case you get a flat.
