The Hope Visitor Centre staff will be celebrating Bike to Work Week Fraser Valley from May 30 - June 5 and are inviting all area residents to join them. The Hope Visitor Centre will be hosting a Bike to Work Week Celebration Station from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. every day during Bike to Work Week. Commuter cyclists are encouraged to stop by the ‘Celebration Station’ for snacks, water, a free Bike to Work Week shirt (limited number available), and an extra entry into the Bike to Work Week Fraser Valley prize draw.
“Bike to Work Week is a great way to remind everyone that Hope is small enough to allow local residents to cycle to work, school, and run shopping errands. Hosting a ‘Bike to Work Week’ Celebration Station gives us an opportunity to remind local residents about our information services, including local maps and recreational trail brochures,” said Inge Wilson, manager of the Hope Visitor Centre.
“The Bike to Work Week program is a positive community initiative. Any program that supports healthy, active living and gets folks outside into the fresh air is beneficial to our residents,” adds Wilson.
“I would like to see local business owners take steps to make their establishments more bicycle friendly for their customers and staff by providing bike lock-up racks. I would also like to see local businesses encourage their staff to take part in the Bike to Work program.”
Wilson was born in Amsterdam, so using her bicycle as her primary mode of transportation always came natural to her. “I relied on my bicycle for everything until I finally got my driver’s license at the age of 36 and purchased a vehicle about 14 years ago. Now it is easy too easy to hop in the car for every little errand and I have to make more of conscious effort to choose my bicycle; but each time I do, I am reminded of what a great alternative it is.”
Wilson and Nat Baker, a Visitor counselor at the Hope Visitor Centre, are both regular commuter cyclists.
“I like biking to work because it’s quicker than walking, and helps me get exercise,” said Baker. “I feel fit and rejuvenated plus look stylish while doing it!”
Relying on bicycle travel means a financial savings as well because Nat does not have to pay the costs to insure, maintain and refuel a vehicle.
While the staff at the Hope Visitor Centre is encouraging residents to try commuter cycling, Wilson also wants to reinforce the importance of cycling safely. “Always wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road,” says Wilson, “do not cycle on the sidewalk!”
“Prepare your bicycle for commuting by getting it tuned up—brakes checked, tires inflated, chain greased — and then get yourself prepared with proper clothing for the cycling commute and a backpack, bike bag or bike pannier to carry your work clothes and lunch in.”
Registered participants who cycle at least one day during Bike to Work Week are entered into a draw for a Rocky Mountain Metro donated by Life Cycles Bike Shop in Abbotsford, Chilliwack River Rafting Day Trips, cycling apparel, and many more prizes.
For more information about safe cycling, read the Bike Sense Manual online at http://bikesense.bc.ca. To learn about Bike to Work Week Fraser Valley events, visit www.biketowork.ca/fraservalley.
Bike to Work Week participants are also encouraged to register online at www.biketowork.ca/fraservalley.