For the hundreds of dedicated Tri-City commuters already cycling to their jobs each day, Bike to Work Week will do little to change their routes or routines.
But according to Simon Watkins, co-chair of the local HUB committee (formerly the Vancouver Area for Cycling Coalition), the annual event is an opportunity to encourage more people to get on a bike and pedal to work.
"This is a way for everyone to just show the flag," he said. "We want to connect with people that are already biking to work and encourage new people to come out and do it."
Several commuter stations will be set up in the Tri-Cities at various locations throughout the week, offering refreshments and bike maintenance tips for cyclists making their way to and from work. They also give cyclists an opportunity to meet up with other riding enthusiasts, according to Watkins.
"You feel like you are part of a community," he said. "Most people that are coming by have their heads down. The challenge is to get them to stop and have a cup of coffee and see what [Bike to Work Week] is all about."
The benefits of cycling are well known, he said. It saves money on gas, is better for the environment and offers people an opportunity to work daily exercise into their busy schedules.
Watkins added that pedalling to work even a few times a week is enough see health benefits and savings at the gas pump.
"I think the health benefits are the main reason I do it," he said. "It's nice to have that one day a week when you don't have to drive your car."
This is the seventh year HUB has held Bike to Work Week and commuter stations are expected to be set up all over the Lower Mainland.
For more information about details of events outside of the Tri-Cities and a map of all the commuter stations, go to www.biketoworkmetrovan.ca.
COMMUTER STATIONS
PORT MOODY
Tuesday, May 29, 6 to 9 a.m., northwest corner of Ioco Road and Murray Street.
COQUITLAM
Thursday, May 31, 6:30 to 9 a.m., Coquitlam city hall, 3000 Burlington Dr.;
Thursday, May 31, 2012 (6:30 a.m. -9 a.m.)
Thursday, May 31, 4 to 6 p.m., Foster and Poirier.
PORT COQUITLAM
Friday, June 1, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Lougheed Highway near Oxford Connector.
BIKING FOR CHILDREN
If Bike To Work Week is designed to encourage adults to take up cycling, then the Great Pedalheads Treasure Hunt is for kids on two wheels.
This event will take place on Saturday, June 2 at Blue Mountain Park in Coquitlam between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; there will be prizes, activities and lots of bike riding for children.
"We're hoping to have many families come out to this event," said Nick Pavlakis, the community and media liaison for Pedalheads. "It will be a great chance for kids to have some fun on their bikes as well as a way to raise funds for our brand new charity... The Pedalheads Charity Program."
To participate in the event, families are asked to make a donation of their choosing, with all proceeds going to local neighbourhood houses and resource centres. Those who take part in the treasure hunt are also eligible to enter into a draw, with prizes courtesy of Norco and Rack Attack Vancouver.
For more information go to www.atlantisprograms.com.
