Cyclists were out in full force Monday as Bike to Work Week got underway across the Central Okanagan.
As of Monday, 2,133 riders on 257 teams registered. That’s up from 1,570 riders on 222 teams in 2014 and 1,277 riders on 234 teams in 2013.
Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran, along with city councillors Tracy Gray, Luke Stack and Ryan Donn, rode to the Landmark Centre Celebration Station Monday morning and were impressed with the record turnout.
“Riding is a great way to see your neighbourhood and experience it in a more natural way. It helps build friendlier neighbourhoods by letting you connect with your neighbours as you ride,” said Basran.
“Plus riding a bike lets you get some fresh air, reduce the stress in your life and live a healthier lifestyle — all things that people in Kelowna take pride in.”
After pointing out that Kelowna has, per capita, the second-highest commuter cycling population in the country, Basran encouraged his fellow cyclists to attend Tuesday’s Celebration Station at Grace Baptist Church (1150 Glenmore Dr.).
Cyclists can also ride to Celebration and Satellite Stations in West Kelowna, Peachland, Lake Country and the Westbank First Nation office this week. For a complete list of the 21 events, please go to celebration stations on the smartTRIPS website.
Bike to Work Week continues until May 31 and cyclists can continue to register at www.biketowork.ca/registration.
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Kelowna’s Pandosy Village Veterinary Hospital proves that it’s possible to run a business car-free. The family-run business’ five staff members all bike and walk to work.
“We want our employees to be as healthy and productive as possible,” said Dr. Jason Rowan. “So we support our staff by providing fresh organic produce at work, preventative health coverage and an alternative transportation allowance.”
Two of the five staff members take advantage of the clinic’s alternative transportation allowance, which encourages them to bike to work.
“I basically get paid to bike to work,” said Hannah Sharpe, the clinic’s nutrition consultant. “On the days I don’t feel like biking back up to Glenmore, I do it anyway. It’s powerful incentive.”
The remaining staff members walk to work, as they live in the Pandosy Village neighbourhood. When the veterinary hospital needs a car for errands or housecalls, they use the Ogo Carshare Co-op’s shared vehicle parked in the parking lot across the street.
“Our veterinary hospital focusses on preventative health, so we try to support our staff in the same way as we recommend for pets,” said Dr. Rowan.
The veterinary hospital’s Pounce & Hound Fine Pet Goods shop sells bike baskets and dog joggers, so that people can bike their pets to work with them.
