Quicker, healthier and cheaper - thousands set to enjoy benefits of biking to work this fall

Quicker, healthier and cheaper - thousands set to enjoy benefits of biking to work this fall

HUB Cycling aims to get over 8,000 Metro Vancouver residents commuting by bike as part of BC's only Fall Bike to Work Week

Vancouver, BC / October 17, 2016 - Fall Bike to Work Week is back, and host HUB Cycling is ready to break even more records across Metro Vancouver, reminding residents that it’s often faster and more convenient to choose two wheels - even in the fall and winter months.

The free, public event runs October 24-30th, with dozens of volunteers offering complimentary coffee, snacks and bike repairs at over 40 celebration stations along bike routes.

“There is often a perception that cycling is slower than driving to work - but in fact it can be the fastest mode for some trips, especially during rush-hour,” said Emma Cunnington, Bike to Work Week Manager. “And if you factor in needing less time at the gym or fewer hours working to pay $5,000-$10,000 a year in car ownership costs - cycling saves you even more time.”

Cunnington credits a number of factors for encouraging more people to cycle year-round, such as HUB cycling educational programs and marketing campaigns, and improvements to bike routes.

“It’s really quite simple and cost-effective to bike in the fall - most people are happier after a little fresh air and exercise, rather than sitting in traffic, or standing in a cramped, humid bus,” said Cunnington.

To celebrate how easy and convenient it can be to bike in the fall, HUB recently hosted a Fall Bike Fashion Show, featuring real bike commuters wearing their fall styles. Commuters demonstrated how they stayed dry and comforable - while also looking great.

Bike to Work Week includes over $15,000 of prizes, daily draws for new bikes and and a trip for two to Amsterdam on KLM. To be eligible for prize draws, the public can register for free at bikehub.ca/registration. HUB cycling’s goal is to reach a record 8,000 registered riders this fall.

The week wraps up on Friday, October 28th with a Halloween Bike Party at the intersection of Union and Gore in Vancouver - everyone is welcome to join HUB staff, volunteers and sponsors for free treats, hot chocolate, bike repairs and costumed fun.

Visit the HUB website www.bikehub.ca to register for a free Bike to Work Week account.

Notes to Editors

Photos & Other Images for Media Use

Bike to Work Week Photos for media use can be downloaded here.

Posters & web images can be downloaded here.