Growth of cycling in Surrey celebrated during Bike to Work Week

More local Celebration Stations, new theft prevention campaign highlight busy week for bikes

Spring Bike to Work Week starts on Monday, and organizer HUB Cycling expects record numbers of riders, teams and trips from Surrey residents, thanks to increasing local support for cycling improvements, events and education.

The first of three Surrey celebration stations kicks off Monday for a 'Launch Lunch' at Central City Shopping Centre on Monday. Early morning Celebration Stations, featuring free coffee, snacks, cycling maps and bike repairs, take place Tuesday at Surrey Memorial Hospital, and Thursday at King George Skytrain. 
 
Last year, there was one station in Surrey, and Bike to Work Week commuters numbered in the dozens. This year, almost 500 riders have registered from Surrey.
 
"With so much focus on Vancouver, people lose sight of the fact that cycling is growing in municipalities like Surrey, Burnaby and Richmond, and we see that effect during Bike to Work Week," said Laura Jane, Bike to Work Program Manager. 
 
"Employees who bike to work are shown to be healthier and more productive, which leads to demand for better infrastructure and education, which leads to more cycling. This is the effect we think we're seeing in Surrey."
 
On Saturday, May 23, two Surrey libraries hosted bike theft prevention as a prelude to local Bike to Work Week festivities. HUB Cycling provided bike lock demos at the Guildford and City Centre library branches. 
 
"Surrey's LockItLoveIt campaign is an important part of supporting the growth of local cycling," said Colin Stein, Director of Communications at HUB. "Just a little education can reduce theft, and help eliminate an obvious barrier to workplace cycling." 
 
On Monday, the public is welcome to bring lunch, and get free snacks and bike tune-ups during the Launch Lunch at Central City mall. Over 70 Celebration Stations are planned across the region, and a map with more details about Surrey's three locations can be found at bikehub.ca/btww.

Monday is also 'Bike Day in Canada', with recreational rides planned in Surrey and locations across the country on May 25th.

Registration for Bike to Work Week is free - to be eligible to win prizes, including 6 bikes and a trip for 2 to Europe, participants must log their bike trips on the HUB website during the week - May 25-31.