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Cycling initiative continues year-round in Powell River

GoByBike launches first autumn bike to work and school campaign
Cycling on Manson Avenue in Powell River
TWO-WHEEL TRAVEL: A provincial campaign encouraging residents to commute by bicycle has expanded to include a fortnight of cycling this month, adding to GoByBike’s traditional Bike to School and Work Week that takes place each spring. Peak archive photo

Although the days are getting shorter and the weather more inclement, that is no reason to stop riding your bike, according to GoByBike executive director Penny Noble. The not-for-profit  society, formerly known as Bike to Work BC, is launching its first-ever autumn cycling campaign taking place October 15 to 29.

"A fall event is something we have wanted for a few years, in addition to our traditional spring Bike to Work and School Week," said Noble. "The idea behind our new two-week event is to promote going by bike in fall and winter, instead of taking your car, whether you bike to yoga, to shop, to meet friends or to work, school or anywhere."

Individuals, teams and schools are encouraged to register online and record each trip they take by bike during the two-week event. The grand prize for participants is an eight-day cycling trip in Sicily courtesy of Exodus Travels, as well as prizes for new riders and their team leaders.

Powell River Cycling Association president Russell Brewer said an autumn event makes sense.

“Kids are back in school, and October is usually a pretty decent month for the most part; it’s still totally bikeable,” he added.

In addition to winter cycling activities, the local association will be holding its annual general meeting on Sunday, October 21, at Townsite Brewing. Brewer encourages all interested to come.

“It’s open to anybody,” he said. “Anyone who's interested in cycling in general, advocacy, mountain biking, road infrastructure, I’m encouraging them to come out and see what we have going on.”

Although cycling does not need to be just a fair-weather mode of transport, biking in the fall and winter months does require some different preparations. Staying visible, warm and safe is key. This includes having proper lights and reflective gear and using them during low visibility daytimes as well as night.

“You have to dress a little bit differently, a bit warmer, more rain gear,” said Brewer. “But really a lot of the trips in Powell River are fairly short.”

To register, go to gobybike.caor for more information on the Powell River Cycling Association, go to the organization’s facebook page.