Park the car, ride the bike

Photo: Contributed

The City of Vernon wants people to rethink how they get to work.

Several events are planned for Bike to Work and School Week May 30 to June 5 to get Vernon residents thinking outside the box about their daily commute.

The campaign begins May 25-26 with four secondary schools — Clarence Fulton, Kalamalka, Vernon (VSS) and W.L. Seaton — competing to have the greatest percentage of students cycling to school. VSS and W.L. Seaton Recreation Leadership students have produced their own videos in their goal to win the challenge.

VSS and Seaton are also encouraging staff and students to participate in Bike to School Week by hosting a free hot dog barbecue for all who sign up to ride during the week. The VSS event begins 11:25 a.m, May 25. The W.L. Seaton event starts 11:25 a.m., May 26.

On May 30, Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund will be leading a celebration ride with local celebrities and Ellison Elementary students using the multi-use paths from Ellison School to Polson Park.

All cyclists are invited to attend the Community Celebration Station from 6:45 - 9:30 a.m. in the back parking lot of Ellison Elementary School. Cyclists have a chance to win prizes including a free bike.

May 31 and June 2-3, three elementary schools will be hosting Bike to School celebration stations from 7:45 a.m. until the bell rings: Alexis Park on May 31, Harwood on June 2 and Ecole Beairsto on June 3.

On June 1, Sun Country Cycle will be hosting a community-wide Midweek Celebration Station from 6:30-9:30 a.m., with a free continental breakfast and a chance to win prizes such as a Vietnam cycle trip for two.

Bike to Work and School Week wraps up June 3 with a free barbecue at Spirit Square (beside City Hall by the Museum). This is a final chance to win prizes and enjoy free entertainment by Tanya Lipscomb and the Vernon Community Band.

There is still time to register as a rider or a team leader for this year’s Bike to Work and School Week.

Participants can register online.