Cycle Chilliwack is preparing to host a celebratory week of cycling, May 31 to June 6, to mark Go By Bike BC Week.
Cycle Chilliwack co-chairs Janice Balakshin, Jennifer Douglas and David Swankey are encouraging cyclists of all ages and abilities to check out some of the bike lanes and trails around town this spring.
The idea is urging people to take their bikes to school, to work, or just to take a ride to get away from endless Zoom meetings.
“Go By Bike Week provides an opportunity to showcase new and improved bike infrastructure around town while also working to bring community together to promote health, wellness, sustainability and of course biking,” said Swankey.
There’s a new ‘Our Biking Guide’ that covers Ch’illiwack cycling routes with helpful hints, as well as maps of bike lanes and more.
“We had funds in place last year and plans were well underway but COVID prevented us from moving forward,” said Douglas. “We’re very excited to follow through on some of those intentions this year.”
There may be no events or gatherings planned to mark Go By Bike BC Week in Chilliwack f0r 2021 but there is still a way to ride around town, log the bike routes for a chance to win prizes.
This is the first time Cycle Chilliwack has stepped forward to organize something locally for bike week. They invented a Bike Bingo game advocating people try certain specific bike routes like the Broadway corridor, Vedder Rotary rail or the Valley Rail Trail for example, or ride to a food truck or bike shop.
“We’re encouraging cyclists to take part, register online and log their rides all week,” added Balakshin.
Previously known under the name ‘Bike to Work’ and ‘Bike to School Week’, the provincewide campaign Go By Bike continues to expand its footprint.
To play Chilliwack Bike Bingo, register at GoByBikeBC.ca, and then complete as many of the specific routes and bike rides as possible. Take a photo of the Bike Bingo sheet and email to cyclechilliwack@gmail.com
To participate or to learn more follow @CycleChilliwack on Facebook and Instagram, email cyclechilliwack@gmail.com, or visit www.gobybikebc.ca/chilliwack.
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