Bike to Work Week Launches 22nd Year in Victoria

Bike to Work Week, now in its 22nd year, is a born-in-Victoria phenomenon now running province wide, cyclists and supporters heard Wednesday.

Since it began in 1995, the event has grown to include 47 communities across B.C. At the official launch at Phillips Brewery on Wednesday, event organizers and supporters pledged to keep the annual event growing. Last year it drew 9,127 cyclists — including 1,400 new commuters. Over the years, the event has drawn 13,800 people and it’s believed many are continuing to commute by bicycle. “We find when people try it, they like it and they will continue doing it,” said Frank Hudson, executive director of Bike to Work Greater Victoria.

Victoria Coun. Geoff Young told the Bike to Work Week crowd that attitude is just as important to growing cycling as new and better gear. “The technology is one part of it, but the attitudes about it are just as important,” he said.

Bike to Work Week runs May 30 to June 5. For more information or to register, go to biketowork.ca/victoria. To register for a cycling course, go to biketoworkvictoria.ca/bike-skills.