Go By Bike Weeks are officially underway, meaning cyclists can ride the bus for free in the Victoria area from Oct. 16-29.
To qualify for free transit, BC Transit says customers in the Victoria Regional Transit System must use the bus bike racks or show their bike helmet when boarding the bus.
It says while most bikes can be accommodated on buses, space is limited.
Capital Bike, which organizes the tri-annual free Go By Bike in Victoria, is encouraging anyone in the region to try cycling. The event was formerly called Bike to Work Week, and those wishing to participate can register online.
As of Monday morning, more than 1,500 riders and 550 teams were registered, and organizers are hoping it’ll be a chain reaction.
“Encourage others to ride, run challenges or competitions, plan group rides, and spend quality time together!” says Capital Bike on its website.
“Cycling is proven to improve happiness and productivity, as well as both mental and physical health! With gas prices on the rise, there is no better time to leave the car at home. Not to mention, it’s super fun!”
The charity says cyclists will find celebration stations along popular cycling routes and can participate in challenges to win prizes, with the grand prize being a commuter bike.
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Fall #GoByBikeWeek is ON NOW until Oct 29th!
Hop on your bike and pedal your way to free food, prizes, community, and fun!
✅ Register at https://t.co/Oj5TvlRv9R and log your rides until Oct 29th!
🤓 Learn more at https://t.co/ObJs0CBeHm#yyjbike #yyj #victoria #gobybike pic.twitter.com/BCCvIJ74ZT— Capital Bike (@CapitalBikeCa) October 16, 2023
Speaking with CHEK News in May, Capital Bike event manager Jordan Glowicki said the goal was for people to try a trip by bike that traditionally they would have done by car.
“So we encourage people to do this by setting up different celebration stations across the region,” said Glowicki during spring’s Go By Bike.
BC Transit says it’s proud to partner with Go By Bike Victoria.
“With bike racks on all conventional BC Transit buses, using two forms of sustainable transit is easier than ever,” it said in a news release on Oct. 12.
“This also allows for more flexibility if there is a change in the weather throughout the day – sunshine on the way into work but rain and cold wind on the way home, just toss the bike on the bus and enjoy a free ride.”
More details about Go By Bike Weeks are here.
Fall #GoByBikeYYJ starts Monday, Oct 16th!
Stop by our first Celebration Station at Saanich Municipal Hall from 7-9 AM and the second station of the week at Central Library from 4-6 PM!Register solo or a team for free at https://t.co/Oj5TvlRv9R pic.twitter.com/NpDjBif2Gg
— Capital Bike (@CapitalBikeCa) October 15, 2023
Ethan Morneau
