GoByBike Weeks has begun, taking place Oct. 3 to 16, and offer participants the opportunity to join in on some positive fun and fitness, while also helping to improve air quality.
GoByBike BC encourages British Columbians to ride their bikes or use other forms of active transportation as much as possible during that time. Whether it’s to work, to school, for exercise or just because it feels good!
Any kind of people-powered transportation, including scooters, rollerblades, and wheelchairs, riding an E-bike or even carpooling, taking public transportation, walking, running, horseback riding or a mix of them counts, too. The idea is to reduce using a private vehicle as much as possible in order to help reduce emissions that contribute to climate change and poor air quality, while being as inclusive and accessible as possible.
Events being planned are as follows:
a Seniors on Wheels active transportation info session and electric bike demo at the Seniors Activity Centre Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the e-bike demo taking place at 1 p.m.
a bike swap at the Potato House Oct. 8 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
a Critical Mass Ride and Parade, starting from Spirit Square on Oct. 14 at 5 p.m.
bike recycling with Mary Forbes at area schools during GoByBike Weeks
a pilot “bike bus” at Cataline Elementary School, to help kids get to school safely on their bikes
In addition, we have invited local politicians and candidates to participate in a “Politician on a Pedal Challenge.”
Those taking part are being featured on the local Facebook page at Go By Bike Williams Lake.
“This is to help current and future decision makers better understand our community’s active transportation network, while also creating an opportunity for them to let voters know they care about improving infrastructure,” says Erin Hitchcock, community coordinator for GoByBikeBC and Air Aware educator with Scout Island Nature Centre. “We and those on the Active Transportation Williams Lake group have already asked Williams Lake City Council to revive the Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Recreation Master Plan. The current council and many new candidates have communicated their support, and we hope that support continues into this next term.”
GoByBike participants can sign up individually or as part of a team and be eligible to win some great prizes, including the provincial grand prize “Cycling in Tuscany: Pisa to Florence” – A Self-Guided Cycling Adventure for 2 in Italy sponsored by Exodus Travels.
Register for free at gobybikebc.ca/williams-lake.
Erin Hitchcock is the community coordinator with GoByBikeBC through Scout Island Nature Centre as an Air Aware educator. Visit their website at breatheasywilliamslake.org and follow us on Facebook at Air Aware Williams Lake.