Riding a bicycle is a great way to get around town, avoid traffic, keep in shape, save money and reduce carbon omissions.
May 28 to June 3 has been proclaimed Bike to Work Week (BTWW).
Powell River Cycling Association (PRCA) is a major promoter of the event.
Throughout the week, there will be a number of celebration stations set up at various locations around town. The week kicks off with a celebration station at city hall, from 7:30 to 9:30 am on Monday, May 28. Mayor Dave Formosa will ride his bicycle to work and there will be coffee and refreshments available.
First Credit Union will host a pancake breakfast on Friday, June 1. A community bike ride, followed by a free barbeque lunch for all cyclists at Willingdon Beach, is scheduled on Sunday, June 3. The ride starts at noon at Liquidation World parking lot.
According to Russell Brewer, president of the cycling association, there are “tons of great prizes, including cash and a couple return flights to Vancouver. We’ve got lots of great sponsors this year. It’s amazing how many people have come on board and have contributed prizes for us.”
Different businesses and organizations will have a tent or station set up where cyclists receive coffee and treats and can put their name in for free draws.
At some of the stations there will be free bike checks by Frank Chrinko from Suncoast Cycles. “If you show up with your bike, he’ll check it and let you know what might need to be fixed or fix it up for you a bit,” said Brewer.
A big reason for encouraging participation in BTWW is to promote awareness of cycling and to make the point that Powell River really doesn’t have adequate infrastructure to support it.
When PRCA was first formed in 2009, representatives approached the City of Powell River several times asking them to put a bit more effort into bike lanes, explained Brewer who was elected to council last November.
“Bike lanes have kind of fallen off the table,” he said, “partly because soon there’s going to be a new social community plan process put in play and then I think it will get tied in with that.”
Brewer added that it states in the city’s official community plan that the city will build one kilometre of bike lanes per year. “That hasn’t happened, obviously.”
There is signage along some roads stating Bike Route and asking motorists to “share the road.” That was done as a result of PRCA making presentations to city council, Brewer added.
The cycling association is working with Transition Town Powell River, which has an alternative transportation committee. Representatives from that organization are on the BTWW committee.
Another reason for BTWW is to help raise awareness not just for cyclists but for motorists, letting them know that bikes are out there and can be on the roads. “We’re hoping that it encourages other people who might be a bit reluctant to get on their bikes to give it a try,” said Brewer. “Then hopefully they’ll like it and do it more often.”
While there is a focus on biking to work, in Powell River there is a push to riding bikes to school too. “We had great uptake last year with some of the schools,” said Brewer who is hoping for an even bigger response this year. “As an example, Grief Point [Elementary School] was just loaded with bikes. It was cool to see. That’s where we want to start. If kids start getting used to it and make it a habit that’ll carry on, hopefully.”
Brewer said cycling to work is cheaper and healthier. “When you do bike, you feel in better shape. You’re more awake. It gets the blood flowing and your mind is clearer in the morning. Healthy body, healthy mind.”
For more information, readers can visit the Bike to Work website.
