Thousands of Central Okanagan residents will be participating in the 15th annual Bike to Work Week, kicking off today and rolling until Sunday, June 4.
Bike and Walk to School Week is happening during the same dates, now in its 10th year running in the Central Okanagan.
“It’s hard to believe it has been fifteen years already since the first Bike to Work Week in the region and ten years since the first Bike to School Week happened,” said Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran. “The event seems to get more and more popular with residents each year serving as a sort of kick-off party to the spring and summer cycling season.”
Mayor Basran and Councillors Ryan Donn, Tracy Gray, and Luke Stack rode into the Celebration Station from city hall with members of the 100 Bike Brigade and others.
“We are happy to see the number of people using active transportation corridors soar in the warmer months… I’d like to wish everyone a safe and fun Bike to Work Week and I look forward to seeing you out on your bikes,” said Mayor Basran.
The events encourage people of all ages to try out active transportation in support of healthier communities and a healthier environment. Through the Central Okanagan there are 21 events happening through the week as well as celebration stations you can stop at as you ride to work or school.
Check out the celebration station schedule here.
Motorists are reminded to drive with care, reduce your speed around school zones and share the road with all road users.
In 2016, more than 52 regions and communities across B.C. participated with the following stats:
• 36,998 participants
• 7,798 first-time commuter cyclists
• 3,200+ workplaces participated
• 1,225,180 kilometres were cycled
• 324,906 kilograms of CO2 were saved from entering the atmosphere
• 37,054,982 calories were burned
• $80,930 in gas saved
Enjoy free breakfast, bike tune ups, games and prizes along your way to work.
For more information, visit www.smartTRIPS.ca.