Despite the rain, dozens of people turned out for the first event of Go By Bike Week at Kelowna91Ƶs Stuart Park on Monday (June 3).
91ƵThe event promotes people riding their bikes for any reason, anywhere,91Ƶ explained Suzanne Therrien, active transportation planner with the City of Kelowna. 91ƵNot just work, but school, fun, or to the store.91Ƶ
Several events across the region feature celebration stations where cyclists can gather, have a coffee, and enjoy biking.
Participants are also encouraged to register their trips by creating an account on the Go By Bike website.
91ƵWhen you log your trips, you enter to win prizes,91Ƶ Therrien said. 91ƵIt also gives us a snapshot of how many people are riding their bikes.91Ƶ
The grand prize is a cycling adventure in Italy.
The Go By Bike provincial campaign includes Mode Shift, where people can register that they chose to bike rather than drive their car or take a bus.
As part of the master transportation plan, the City of Kelowna aims to quadruple bike trips by 2040, based on the 2018 baseline
One of the ways to accomplish that goal, Therrien explained, is by providing supportive infrastructure which includes multi-use pathways and protected bike lanes.
91ƵWe are committed to building that primary network grid of what we call all ages and abilities network.91Ƶ
Other infrastructure includes trip facilities.
91ƵWe have a bike valet service and we91Ƶre also investing in other smart bike parking technologies such as Bikeep.91Ƶ
Ultimately, Therrien said Go By Bike events foster a positive culture around cycling, celebrate those who ride regularly, and encourage others to give it a try.
91ƵI will always say to someone, bike it, you might like it.91Ƶ
Information about Go By Bike Community Stations can be found on the .
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