Without the traditional Celebration Stations (cancelled due to COVID) Go By Bike Week (formerly known as Bike to Work Week) will instead offer cyclists a series of solo and virtual challenge activities instead, from May 31 to June 6.
The event has pivoted from one aimed mainly at commuters to one geared more to individuals, families, friends and workplace teams.
Hosted by Capital Bike, the event now features an expanded Sticker Challenge and new Neighbourhood Rides.
In the Sticker Challenge, participants are invited to cycle to a variety of locations to collect stickers. Cyclists who collect at least five of the 10 available can enter a contest to win an electric bicycle.
“The Sticker Challenge is really taking off. Last year, we started with 42 locations, mostly in downtown Victoria. This year, we’re expanding it with more locations in Langford and Sidney,” said James Coates, program co-ordinator.
“It’s also been great to have both Monk Office and Abstract Developments stepping up to sponsor our two big challenges.”
Just over 2,000 people have already signed up, including 362 teams and about 700 new riders.
“We are seeing an explosion of family and friend-based Go By Bike teams. We see this in the real world, too,” said Coates. “These are new habits that have resulted from the pandemic.”
Participants can win just over $15,000 in prizes. For the first time, people who ride stationary bicycles can join as well.
For more information, go to capitalbike.ca. To register, go to gobybikebc.ca.
