Despite the rain, dozens of people turned out for the first event of Go By Bike Week at Kelowna’s Stuart Park on Monday (June 3).
“The event promotes people riding their bikes for any reason, anywhere,” explained Suzanne Therrien, active transportation planner with the City of Kelowna. “Not just work, but school, fun, or to the store.”
Several events across the region feature celebration stations where cyclists can gather, have a coffee, and enjoy biking.
Participants are also encouraged to register their trips by creating an account on the Go By Bike website.
“When you log your trips, you enter to win prizes,” Therrien said. “It also gives us a snapshot of how many people are riding their bikes.”
The grand prize is a cycling adventure in Italy.
The Go By Bike provincial campaign includes Mode Shift, where people can register that they chose to bike rather than drive their car or take a bus.
As part of the master transportation plan, the City of Kelowna aims to quadruple bike trips by 2040, based on the 2018 baseline
One of the ways to accomplish that goal, Therrien explained, is by providing supportive infrastructure which includes multi-use pathways and protected bike lanes.
“We are committed to building that primary network grid of what we call all ages and abilities network.”
Other infrastructure includes trip facilities.
“We have a bike valet service and we’re also investing in other smart bike parking technologies such as Bikeep.”
Ultimately, Therrien said Go By Bike events foster a positive culture around cycling, celebrate those who ride regularly, and encourage others to give it a try.
“I will always say to someone, bike it, you might like it.”
Information about Go By Bike Community Stations can be found on the City of Kelowna website.
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