More butts on bikes

At the end of May we’ll be seeing an increase in the number of cyclists on the road, and that’s important for everyone, even though you might not realize it. 

Bike to Work Week 

Bike to Work Week coincides with Bike to School Week, so not only will there be adults out on two wheels, kids will also join the masses rolling along with pedal power. 

This is a movement that’s all about moving. Each year is a tribute to the changing idea that we can work local and affect global. It does two major things: 

Exercises people’s bodies while they ride their bikes

Exercises people’s awareness of what’s going on outside of their cars

Some background

Victoria, BC, is credited with starting Bike To Work Week in 1995 for Canada, but the idea of a bike week developed from the Bike To Work Day that started in 1956 by the League of American Bicyclists. 

From this, we can get back to their origins in 1880. Europe also held Bike Week, as far back as 1923 - so there’s more to it than just a reaction to global climate changes.

The stats are real, and growing

Budgets for gasoline are going down, because people are finding out that it’s not that hard to leave their cars at home. They are also finding that it’s a great way to get an active start to the day. 

It’s an activity that gets the blood flowing, usually without requiring a shower afterwards - and no spandex required, unless you want it.

Kelowna tops Canada for solo drivers

Kelowna has one of the highest rates of single-occupancy vehicles per capita in Canada, but with the terrain and climate, it has the potential to be one of the biggest cycling cities of all middle-sized cities in Canada. Which would you rather be known for?

May 30 - June 5 - Bike to Work Week

If you can get out on your bike between May 30 and June 5, or if you’re still stuck in your car during that time here are some things to think about:

 

Some safety tips for cyclists

Visibility is safety
Don’t try to take up as little room as possible, make sure you have the right amount of room to maneuver, while respecting other road users.

Communication is key
Being out on the roads means that we need to help others know where we’re going. You never “take” the right of way, others will “give” it when needed. This also counts for other cyclists. It pays to remember that bicycles are silent, and if you’re overtaking another cyclist let them know you’re coming up to pass.

Pedestrians are the devil spawn of unpredictability
Nobody taught anyone how to walk, we just learned by mimicking the other monkeys in our lives, we do it instinctively but without real direction. Sidewalks are not a safe place for riding, drivers have at least passed a test to get their privilege to be using the roads (did I mention that riding on the sidewalk is against the law?).

Don’t hobble yourself
Use every sense you were born with to keep yourself safe. Just as they teach defensive driving, you should practice defensive cycling. No one should put earbuds in to block out the noise of the distracted driver coming up from behind, and no one should ever text on their phone while riding without hands. We know you can balance well because you’re upright on your bike, don’t prove you’re an idiot by trying to be an overachiever multitasker on two wheels.

 

Some safety tips for drivers

Check right
That’s not a little merge/turn lane to your right. It is a bike lane, and there might be someone’s son or daughter riding along on a vulnerable two wheeled bicycle in that lane.

Check left
When you get ready to open your door, please look in your mirror then turn your head to make sure there isn’t a cyclist trying to sneak up on you and take out your mirror, let them pass without collision.

No need to hurry
Just like the cyclists that you will be seeing on the road soon, nobody will die if you are a few minutes late, but someone may die if you try to get there a few minutes early.

 

Solving the traffic problems of tomorrow by making the transition to a bicycle today will help you get to each next day healthier and happier. I promise! It’s not green eggs and a hike, but I know you’ll like it on a bike. I’m excited to see how the numbers come up for 2016.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.