Go by Bike Week is back – amid record-high gas prices.
The annual behaviour change campaign aims to showcase the resiliency of cycling by getting people to try it out as a mode of transportation, which could come in handy as driving becomes more unaffordable.
Participants are encouraged to register (for free) and log their trips, and there’s a chance to win a cycling adventure for two in the Netherlands.
To get Richmondites in the mood, the City of Richmond and MainRoad are each sponsoring a celebration station on Monday, May 30 outside Thomson Community Centre and the George Massey Richmond Bike Shuttle respectively.
Cyclists can stop by to learn more about cycling, get free snacks and basic bike maintenance, and participate in raffles for a $50 Compass Card.
The bike shuttle station will be open from noon until 2 p.m., and the Thomson Community Centre station will be open from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Last year, 313 Richmondites participated in Go by Bike Week, out of which 127 were brand new cyclists.
“With the surging interest in cycling since the start of the pandemic and the record-high gas prices, we anticipate numbers to reach over 500 participants from Richmond,” said Jenny Tan, the director of partnerships and events at HUB Cycling.
If you’re interested to go by bike next week, HUB Cycling has offered the following tips:
1. If you’re looking for fun cycling routes, check out the Railway Greenway, the dyke, and Shell Road. For longer and faster rides, check out River Road and Iona Beach, both of which are long and flat.
2. Commuters planning their routes can check out the cycling maps for the city and YVR and the surrounding area.
3. Canada Line Bridge has a safe, separated lane for pedestrians and cyclists that can be accessed from Van Horne Way or River Drive.
4. For those looking for fun weekend rides, check out the Richmond Cycling Art Tour.
