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May 28, 2016 - 12:00 PM
KELOWNA - The highly anticipated annual Bike to Work and Bike and Walk to School Week starts next Monday, May 30, and runs until Sunday, June 5. Central Okanagan residents are encouraged to join a workplace team, start a new team or register as an individual.
“Bike to Work Week is a celebration of active living through cycling, acknowledging those who already cycle regularly and encouraging others to give it a try in a fun and supportive environment,” said Mike Kittmer, Active Transportation Coordinator. “Bike and Walk to School Week also encourages young people and their families to ride or walk together – and it provides schools with an opportunity to show leadership in support of healthy, active families.”
Bike to Work Week participants will have a chance to win great prizes, including daily bike draws, spa services, wine tours, and the grand prize of a cycling vacation to Vietnam. More than 800 people have registered this year, joining 229 teams throughout the region.
Six major celebration stations will be hosted throughout the Central Okanagan, offering refreshments, snacks, complimentary bike checkups and a chance to socialize and enjoy spring in the Okanagan with other participants. Local sponsors and the communities of Peachland and Lake Country are hosting 15 satellite stations throughout the week as well.
“The local business community supports this popular program every year. They add excitement and we couldn’t run the event without them,” says Kittmer.
Monday’s kick-off station at Landmark Centre in Kelowna (6:30 to 8:45 a.m.) will start with the 100-bike Bike Brigade group ride taking to the streets. Riders will come from neighborhoods throughout Kelowna to the Landmark Centre to kick-off Bike to Work Week. Mayor Colin Basran and Councillors Tracy Gray, Luke Stack and Brad Sieben will join the ride from City Hall to the station.
Everyone is welcome at the kick-off event and at other celebration stations throughout the week. Visit smartTRIPS.ca for the Celebration Station schedule, prize information, Team Leader resources and more information about Bike to Work Week.
So far, more than 25 Central Okanagan schools will participate this year in Bike and Walk to School Week. People driving in school zones are reminded to always be vigilant around students and parents who may be biking or walking to school.
To register for Bike to Work Week, visit: biketowork.ca.
News from © iNFOnews, 2016