Go by bike: Annual Bike to Work & School Week pays tribute to the car-free commute

It’s time to tune up your bikes and leave your vehicles at home – the District of Squamish is gearing up for Bike to Work & School Week, May 28 to June 3, 2018. The annual campaign encourages residents of all ages to commute by bike with the goal of promoting regular cycling to school, the workplace or wherever you may have to go.

“Cycling and other forms of active transportation are a part of the way we live. It’s who we are, it’s in our DNA,” says District of Squamish Mayor Patricia Heintzman. “When we commute by bike, we reduce our carbon emissions and gain the many benefits of a healthier, more active lifestyle. Plus, we get to show off our cruisers, road bikes and unicycles, if that’s what you’re into.”

Residents are invited to participate in the following Bike to Work & School Week activities: 

• Register and log your biked kilometres: Residents are encouraged to register as an individual rider, organization or team and track biked kilometres throughout Bike to Work & School Week whether it’s a bike ride to school, the grocery store, a friend’s house or a yoga class.

• Local Business Competition: Do you think your business or organization is the most bike-friendly in town? Enter a team of colleagues and log your kilometres for a chance to earn Squamish’s most bike-friendly business bragging rights. Contest runs May 28 to June 1.Visit biketowork.ca/squamish to register.

• Why We Cycle free screening event: HASTeBC, Squamish CAN and the District of Squamish are proud to host the Squamish premiere of the Dutch documentary Why We Cycle, a 56-minute film that uncovers both obvious and hidden effects of cycling on people, societies and the organization of cities. The free screening will be followed by a panel discussion with local cycling enthusiasts. Thursday, May 31 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Register here.

Bike to Work & School Week is a good annual reminder to check the safety of your bike and to ensure your workplace has safe and sufficient bike storage options for staff. For more information about Bike to Work & School Week and to register as an individual, team or organization visit http://www.biketowork.ca/squamish.

May 18, 2018