GoByBike Week kicks off this weekend to promote active transportation in Greater Victoria

GoByBike Week is back in Greater Victoria to promote the many benefits of active transportation. 

The week-long event is run by Capital Bike, a local non-profit that promotes cycling safety and benefits. 

How does it work? Those in Greater Victoria who want to challenge themselves to commuting by bike rather than car for a week can log their rides online. 

GoByBike Week will begin on Saturday May 30th and will continue on until Friday, June 5th. 

There are over $25,000 in prizes for Capital Bike to give away, including a brand new Devinci Milano 21S bike, stays at the Sooke Harbour House and Chateau Victoria, a round trip on the Coho and many more. 

To win prizes, riders have to register and log their rides. Plus, for a better chance at winning, ride around in Greater Victoria and visit Capital Bikes’ Celebration Stations to collect stamps on a Prize Passport. 

The Celebration Stations move around throughout the capital region depending on the day, so make sure to stop if you see one and check Capital Bike’s website to learn where they’ll be ahead of your ride. 

Additionally, at the Celebration Stations, there will be free food, drinks and basic bike maintenance available for cyclists. 

BC Transit has also partnered with Capital Bike to make transit free for anyone commuting by bike and bus. 

All cyclists taking part in GoByBike Week must do to get free transit is either use the bus bike racks, or show their bike helmet when boarding the bus.

BC Transit says that all conventional buses in Greater Victoria are equipped with bike racks on the front of the bus, making it easier for cyclists to combine two forms of sustainable transportation when travelling longer distances. 

Each bike rack can accommodate two bikes only. 

Capital Bike noted that this week-long event isn’t just for cyclists. They want to encourage active transportation of any kind, be it bikes, scooters, skateboards or even roller skates.

Not only does cycling to-and-from work on a daily commute benefit one’s physical health, but Capital Bike says that it can also improve one’s mental health.

Plus, the more cyclists there are, the more traffic is reduced for those who rely on their vehicle for commutes, in turn reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses being emitted into the atmosphere. 

GoByBike Week takes place three times a year in Victoria—in the spring, fall and winter.