During the week of May 28 to June 3, 2018, leave your vehicle at home and join thousands of other British Columbians who will be using cycling as their main form of transportation.
Organized by GoByBikeBC, the 2018 Bike to Work and School Week was established to help encourage, “… a future in which as many people as possible experience the joy of using bicycles for everyday transportation.”
Last year’s Bike to Work and School Week was a massive success. After reporting their numbers back to the province, the City of Fernie was told that their town set a minimum standard which should be echoed by others.
Local singer-songwriter Anie Hepher wrote her feelings down on paper after last year’s event, and her quote was picked up by the province, which now uses it to promote the event.
“Everyone is on equal footing when they hop on their two wheels, feel the wind in their hair, and can wave to their neighbour on their way to work,” read the quote.
This year, Fernie will be participating again.
The idea for Bike to Work and School Week originally came across council’s desk as an information item, and Councillor Ange Qualizza decided to take it on.
She says one of the reasons she did so was because she enjoys engaging the community in new and unique ways, and wanted to show that local government can be fun.
She says the goal of Bike to Work and School Week echoes a mentality that already exists in Fernie.
“We are a bike-crazy town,” she said. “We celebrate bikes. Brilliant townies, there are dirt jumping bikes, there are mountain bikes, there are downhill bikes.”
Last year was the first time Fernie was involved in this event, and Qualizza had no trouble garnering the support of local businesses once again.
The City of Fernie received a $450 grant to organize the event, which it used to purchase prizes.
Throughout Bike to Work and School Week, Qualizza will be riding around town rewarding individuals for riding their bikes. She says with the weather the way it is, it’s hard not to ride her bike everywhere she goes.