Today is the start of Bike to Work Week in communities across the province.
With more bikes on the roads, Constable Rob Gardner with the RCMP is offering some tips so all road users can be safe this week.
“Gotta make sure that everybody is following the rules of the road. Cyclists have to remember that they have to follow the same rules of the road as cars do – they have to obey stop signs, stop-lights, make sure helmets are on, make sure bikes are in good working condition.”
Gardner adds that whether you’re a cyclist, pedestrian, or motorcyclist, you should never assume that you’ve been seen by a driver until you make eye contact for confirmation.
Powell River Bike to Work coordinator Kerry Jones says the annual event began in Victoria in 1995 with 500 riders and has grown every year since. Jones says the goal is to encourage people to try cycling for the first time and include it as a regular part of their transportation.
“We encourage both adults to ride to work…or for kids to ride to school,” she says.
There will be celebration stations throughout the community and at schools during the week.
Jones notes that if you’re planning to take part this week you should register on the Bike to Work Week website (biketowork.ca), which will help track your kilometres and also lets you enter for prizing.
Bike to Work Week runs through June 4th.
