Peninsula cyclists and those thinking about getting back on their bikes will have some local excitement to look forward to during this year’s GoByBike Week. The Saanich Peninsula will be hosting two GoByBike Celebration Stations with giveaways, free bike repair, demos, and a chance to win some great prizes.
The stations will be located at Sidney’s Iroquois Park on Tuesday, May 30, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and the other is along the Lochside Trail at Newman Park Beach Access in Central Saanich on Saturday, June 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
GoByBike Week is taking place throughout Greater Victoria from May 29 to June 4, 2023. To participate in the free event, register at gobybikebc.ca. This year’s theme is “Shift Your Mode”; by choosing to bike instead of taking a car, not only will you be reducing your carbon footprint, but you’ll also be promoting a healthier lifestyle. When logging a bike ride, participants are encouraged to choose the ‘Shift Your Mode’ option to show that a drive was replaced with a bike ride. Riders can also track their visits to Celebration Stations throughout Greater Victoria on a printable passport, collecting stamps at each station to win prizes.
“We are thrilled to once again sponsor a local Celebration Station and hope it encourages peninsula riders to take part in this fun event promoting active modes of transportation,” said Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor, who noted transportation emissions are the District’s primary contributor to greenhouse gases.
“We are delighted to join our Peninsula neighbours in this celebration,” said North Saanich Mayor Peter Jones. “Cycling has such a positive impact on our environment, as well as the physical and mental health of those that choose it as their mode of transportation.”
“The Town of Sidney is proud to sponsor a Celebration Station at Iroquois Park and recognize all those who bring benefits to the region by choosing to bike instead of drive,” said Sidney Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith. “Those who are able to bike as a form of transportation reduce carbon emissions, parking pressure, and road congestion.”
All three municipalities are prioritizing active transportation. The District of Central Saanich’s Active Transportation Plan projects can be viewed at CSaanich.ca/ActiveTransportation. The District of North Saanich’s Active Transportation Plan ensures safe and accessible transportation options are available for all community members and to improve safety and reduce GHG emissions. The Town of Sidney is currently developing a draft Active Transportation Plan with community input.