Fall Bike to Work Week Puts New Spin on Cycling

HUB Cycling ready to break more records with Metro Vancouver-wide event

Bike to Work Week is back, and host HUB Cycling is ready to break even more records across Metro Vancouver, with a new spin on workplace cycling - it's better in the fall.

The free, public event runs October 26 to November 1, with dozens of volunteers offering free coffee, snacks and bike repairs at over 40 celebration stations along bike routes. And this year, for the first time, HUB is tackling the topic of wet weather riding head-on.

"There used to be this perception that you couldn't promote Fall Bike to Work Week, that only hardcore cyclists ride in the rain," said Laura Jane, Bike to Work Week Manager. "But we all know there's no such thing as 'a cyclist' - just people who happen to ride bikes."

"Many people ride bikes now, and to live in Metro Vancouver means embracing our mild and sometimes wet winters," said Jane. "Fall Bike to Work Week is about how fun, refreshing and energizing it can be to ride a bike, especially to work."

Jane credits a number of factors for encouraging more people to cycle year-round, such as HUB public and workplace cycling courses, improvements to bike routes, and the natural growth of cycling - more people cycling leads to more people cycling.

"Most people prefer fresh air and exercise, rather than sitting in traffic, or standing in a cramped, humid bus," said Jane. "People are realizing more and more that being prepared with some rain gear and lights is simple, and cost-effective. It's also often faster than the alternatives during rush-hour."

To celebrate the new spirit of Bike to Work Week, HUB recently hosted a Fall Bike Fashion Show, featuring real bike commuters wearing
their fall styles. 

"It was amazing to see so many commuters demonstrating how they stay dry, safe and comfortable, while also looking great," said venue host Myles Constable of Museum of Vancouver. 

Bike to Work Week includes over $20,000 of prizes, daily draws for
new bikes and and a bike trip for 2 to Vietnam from Exodus Travels.

To be eligible for prize draws, the public can register for free at bikehub.ca/registration. 

The work week wraps up on Friday, October 30th with a Halloween Bike Wrap-up Party at Oxford Properties' Oceanic Plaza - everyone is welcome to join HUB staff, volunteers and sponsors for free treats, hot chocolate, bike repairs and costumed fun.

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