British Columbia is gearing up for the annual Spring GoByBike week June 3 to 9, marking the 30th anniversary of an event that has significantly shaped local commuting habits.
Originally launched in Victoria in 1994 as “Bike to Work Week,” this initiative has blossomed into a province-wide celebration, promoting environmental stewardship and healthier lifestyles through cycling.
“Spring GoByBike week is about cycling, but it’s also about making a sustainable choices that benefit our community and our planet,” says Janna Bradshaw, a community planner from Merritt after participating for the first time.
“Since joining, I’ve started biking to work, the grocery store and even the gym. It’s been a transformative experience,” she adds.
Throughout the week, participants can enjoy a variety of activities, from group rides to workshops and community events. Local organizations and schools are encouraged to form teams and log their rides.
In 2023, more than 61,000 participants logged 2.3 million kilometres, saving 501,660 kilograms of greenhouse gases from polluting the atmosphere.
One of the highlights of this year’s event is the potential for schools to win $1,000 toward promoting active transportation. By encouraging students to participate and log their trips, schools foster a healthier student body and compete for funds that can enhance their active transportation facilities and programs.
Bike instead of drive and enter to win big!
The event coincides with World Bicycle Day on June 3, amplifying the call to shift towards cycling as a primary commuting method. This year, participants have the added incentive of winning exciting prizes, including a cycling adventure in Italy, sponsored by Exodus Adventure Travels, and a Cargo E-Bike from Pedego Electric Bikes.
To qualify for these prizes, cyclists need to indicate that their ride replaced a trip that would have otherwise been made by a motor vehicle.
Registration is straightforward, especially for past participants who can simply log in to re-register. New participants can create an account and start logging rides during the event week. The more rides logged, the higher the chances of winning prizes.
In preparation for GoByBike Week, British Colombians can also take advantage of the free online GetStreetWise course offered by HUB Cycling in partnership with the GoByBike BC Society. This course covers everything from bike maintenance to road safety, ensuring participants are well-prepared not just for the week but for a sustained change in their transportation habits.
“We want to make cycling accessible and enjoyable for everyone,” explains a staff member from the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria in a video testimonial.
For more information, visit gobybikebc.ca. Make sure to follow on Facebook and Instagram for any updates.