Bikes Faster than People Driving Cars in HUB Cycling’s Rush Hour Challenge

HUB Cycling’s Spring Go by Bike Week returns to Metro Vancouver next week from June 3 to June 9. To kick off the event, HUB Cycling held the highly anticipated Rush Hour Challenge yesterday, where people cycling, e-biking, using transit, and driving compete to determine the fastest mode of transportation during the morning rush hour. 

In an impressive display, people on bikes and e-bikes emerged victorious in four out of six teams competing. Not only did they claim the top spots, but they also saved an average of $7.34 per trip and enjoyed their commutes more compared to those driving. “This outcome once again highlighted the consistent advantages of cycling: it is enjoyable, healthy, and better for your mental health - and often faster than traveling in a personal vehicle for shorter trips,” says Lisa Storey, Event Manager at HUB Cycling.

Final Results

During Go by Bike Week, HUB Cycling encourages people to choose cycling for transportation and log their bike trips online from June 3 to 9, for the chance to win great prizes like a trip to Cilento & the Amalfi Coast in Italy with Exodus Travels or an e-cargo bike. The online Go by Bike Week tracking tool also allows people to create and compete on teams, track their kilometres, and see how many greenhouse gas emissions they’ve saved by cycling instead of driving.

“HUB Cycling asks participants to log cycling trips during Go by Bike Week because it helps to show decision makers that investment in cycling is beneficial and that they should continue to connect the network and provide other incentives,” adds Storey.

During the event, there will also be 35 ‘Celebration Stations’ at various locations around Metro Vancouver, including a wrap-up station outside Science World on Friday, June 7 and a family-friendly Cargo Bike Show and Shine event in Downtown Vancouver on Saturday, June 8, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Lot 19 in downtown Vancouver. Each Celebration Station offers free basic bike maintenance, TransLink and municipal cycling maps, and snacks to anyone who visits the station. Project 529 will also be offering free registration to their online theft prevention system at various stations.

 “Go by Bike Week is a great opportunity for our region to support cycling and discover the benefits it brings to our communities — whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out,” says TransLink’s CEO Kevin Quinn.

Combining cycling with transit is a great way to commute, especially for those with longer commute distances. If participants are unsure where to park their bike during Go by Bike Week, TransLink has them covered.

“TransLink is proud to support cycling commuters with secure, low-cost bike parkades and bike lockers year-round that can be found at many SkyTrain stations and busy bus loops, throughout Metro Vancouver,” adds Quinn. 

Go by Bike Week takes over Metro Vancouver from June 3-9, 2024. Participation is free and open to all Metro Vancouver residents. Register as an individual or team at bikehub.ca/gbbw.