The West Coast will celebrate an explosion of self-propulsion this week as Go By Bike activities kick into gear.
A week’s worth of bicycle-based festivities will run from May 27 to June 2 in both Tofino and Ucluelet to tout the joys and benefits of cycling to work or school.
“When kids ride their bikes to school, they build physical activity into their daily routine and their daily life and that helps support concentration in class and provides a foundation for healthy lifestyles and a lifelong love of cycling,” said Tofino Recreation Programmer II Pamela Zwicker. “We also want to appeal to adults and get adults out riding their bikes to work to reduce traffic congestion, support other active transportation modes and work on decreasing some of our impacts on the environment from vehicles.”
Ucuelet is hosting a Bike Rodeo, including free tune up tips, balance games and a turtle race at the Ukee Rec Hall on May 27 and another Bike Rodeo in partnership with local schools on May 28. A Bike-Palouza will be held at the UCC on May 29 at 7 p.m. and May 30 will see a bike-themed movie night at the UCC at 7 p.m.
Tofino district staffers are ready to join Wickaninnish Elementary School students for three themed, costume-encouraged, bike parades:
‘Superheroes versus Supervillains’ on May 27, ‘Colour Explosion’ on May 29 and ‘Fun in the Sun on May 31. Tofino Bike Co. will be offering free bike tune ups at the Tofino Village Green from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 25 for anyone who has registered for Go By Bike week.
Registration and event information for both Tofino and Ucluelet can be found online at www.biketowork.ca.
“Bicycling in Tofino doesn’t have to be a sweaty affair that requires special gear, you just need a good working bicycle—with a nice bell and a helmet—a good attitude, and you can use all the great infrastructure we have in Tofino, like the MUP,” said Tofino mayor Josie Osborne.
“I strongly encourage Tofitians to give it a try and make the commitment to bike to work during the entire week…Even five days can be
a great way to build a new habit.”
Osborne said she has committed to biking, walking or shuttling to work from May 1 to September 30.
“I do love riding my bike, and one of the best parts about commuting by bike in the summertime is not having to wait in a long queue at the four-way stop or having to find a parking spot. Pretty sweet,” she said.
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andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
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