Cyclists of all ages and abilities in Chilliwack will once again be riding into spring.
GoByBike Week, organized by Cycle Chilliwack, runs Saturday, May 31 to Friday, June 6 with numerous free, pedal-powered activities happening throughout the week. The event showcases new and improved designated bike routes in Chilliwack. It's free to register and participants have a chance to win prizes.
“We support community initiatives that are healthy, active and inclusive," said Daphne Clegg, one of the organizers.
GoByBike Week kicks off on the Vedder Rotary Trail with a "celebration station" from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 31 where Nicholas Shain will be on hand to help cyclists out with basic tune ups and bike maintenance advice.
The Yarrow and UFV chapters of Cycling Without Age will also be in attendance with trained trishaw pilots offering free rides to seniors and anyone with mobility challenges.
Information about GoByBike Week will be available, as will prize draws and snacks for cyclists on the trail. For anyone with adaptive bikes, there will be a group ride, starting at the celebration station at 2 p.m.
On Monday, June 2, people can take part in the Adopt-a-Trail Clean-Up from 12:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. Gloves, bags, and pick-up sticks will be provided. The meeting point is beside the cycling overpass at the northeast corner of 45802 Luckakuck Way in the parking lot. Email Janice at jbalakshin@gmail.com to confirm your spot.
Wednesday, June 4 will be a free beginner bike maintenance clinic from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Vedder Mountain Bike Co. People must register with GoByBike, and then sign up at the CycleChilliwack Facebook event to attend this workshop. Participants will be automatically entered to win hundreds of dollars in prizes.
To wrap things up, Jen Bailey, a long-time participant will be co-leading an e-bike ride along the Vedder River on Friday, June 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fellow organizer Carolyn Putt and Pacific Developmental Pathways will be hosting a beginner instructional workshop covering basic safety, riding etiquette and rules of the road, suitable for those new to riding and new immigrants.
Cycle Chilliwack, formed in 2017, is partnering with GoByBikeBC and the City of Chilliwack for the local event. Cycle Chilliwack has established itself as a regular engagement in Chilliwack, promoting active transportation and generating data in support of policy that enables and informs active transportation infrastructure.
GoByBike Week runs from Saturday, May 31 to Friday, June 6. Registration is free at gobybikebc.ca/chilliwack and participants who log their ride on the platform are eligible for local and provincial prizes.
For more on Cycle Chilliwack, go to facebook.com/CycleChilliwack.
