It's almost time to turn into pedal pushers with Whistler and Squamish Bike to Work Week 2012.
The Sea to Sky Clean Air Society is coordinating the May 28 to June 3 event, which encourages commuters to travel to work via bicycle rather than burning fossil fuels in cars or even buses. The society is a non-profit organization with a mandate to improve air quality in the Sea to Sky and Howe Sound airsheds.
The health and fitness side of cycling will also be promoted, as will be the cost savings of not needing to fill a tank of gas to get around. Commuting to work is the number one cause of carbon emissions and vehicle exhaust is the number one form of pollution in our airshed. Choosing to cycle instead, even for part of the time, can have dramatic results.
"Bike to Work week is a great opportunity to experience getting around on a bike and hopefully this form of commuting will be adopted by more people," says Ruth Simons, volunteer member of SSCAS and former Lions Bay Councillor.
The emphasis will be on having fun, with Celebration Stations set up along popular commuting routes offering free refreshments, as well as prize draws. BCCAA will be offering free "Bike Assist" roadside assistance for bicycles, to all participating cyclists — whether BCAA members or not — in case they experience a problem during the ride.
Businesses and organizations are encouraged to create or encourage staff to join a team, though teams of one are ok too, say organizers. Register at www.biketowork.ca. Event organizers are also looking for sponsors and volunteers for the Celebration Stations. To do this contact seatoskycleanair@gmail.com.
