Time to pull out the bikes

Photo: Castanet Staff

The annual Bike to Work Week, rebranded this year as Go By Bike Week, begins on Monday, and there are many opportunities to get involved in the Penticton - Summerland area.

Penticton is taking part in the initiative for the 10th time, and organizers are hoping to have at least 700 riders register this year.

Among several events, the city will have 'celebration stations' set up at various places from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. from Monday to Thursday, and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on June 1 with a wrap-up barbecue at Gyro Park. 

On Thursday, students at Skaha Middle School will be riding to accumulate 1,000 kilometres along the boardwalk at Skaha Lake — on bikes, longboards, skateboards and other active transportation modes. The event will also raise money for the South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society, and the public is advised to be aware that many students will be riding in the area that day.

Additionally, RCMP in Penticton will be promoting bike safety all week, focussing on wearing helmets, ways to prevent bike thefts and encouraging the new 'Project529' initiative — a program to easily register your bike online in case it is stolen or lost.

Summerland is participating in the event for the fifth time. The District will also have celebration stations set up, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. from Monday to Friday next to the Okanagan Regional Library on Main Street.

District staff pointed out the rebranding to Go By Bike Week "reflects the desire to encourage people to use their bikes for transportation as often as possible, regardless of the intent of their trip."

Participants in Go By Bike Week B.C. will able to win various prizes — the grand prize being an all-inclusive cycling trip for two to the Atlantic coast of Portugal. To be eligible, riders must register online and log kilometres for at least one cycling trip. 

To register for Go By Bike Week and to find further details, go here.