Ready, set, bike to work

Photo: Castanet Staff - File Photo

Stretch your leg muscles and get ready to pedal like you've never pedaled before.

It's Bike to Work and Bike and Walk to School Week May 30 to June 5.

"Bike to Work Week is a celebration of active living through cycling, acknowledging those who already cycle regularly and encouraging others to give it a try in a fun and supportive environment,” said Mike Kittmer, active transportation co-ordinator.

“Bike and Walk to School Week also encourages young people and their families to ride or walk together. It provides schools with an opportunity to show leadership in support of healthy, active families.”

Residents are encouraged to join a workplace team, start a new team, or register as an individual.

Bike to Work Week participants will have a chance to win great prizes, including daily bike draws, spa services, wine tours, and the grand prize of a cycling vacation to Vietnam. More than 800 people have registered this year, joining 229 teams throughout the region.

Also this year, six celebration stations will be hosted throughout the Central Okanagan over the course of the week.

These will offer refreshments, snacks, complementary bike check-ups and a chance to socialize.

Local sponsors, as well as Peachland and West Kelowna, are hosting 15 satellite stations.

Monday’s kick-off station at Landmark Centre in Kelowna (6:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.) will start with the 100-bike Bike Brigade group ride taking to the streets. Riders will come from neighborhoods throughout Kelowna to the Landmark Centre to kick-off Bike to Work Week.

Mayor Colin Basran and councillors Tracy Gray, Luke Stack and Brad Sieben will join the ride from city hall to the station.

So far, more than 25 Central Okanagan schools will participate this year in Bike and Walk to School Week. People driving in school zones are reminded to always be vigilant around students and parents who may be biking or walking to school.