Fitness, sustainability and the chance to win a trip to Sicily? British Columbians have lots of reasons to swap their vehicles for bicycles for this winter鈥檚 , Feb. 5 to 11!
Yes, simply and you鈥檒l be entered for the chance to win a trip cycling in Sicily sponsored by among other GoByBike Week prizes, including a . The more rides logged, the more entries into the contest!
鈥淎ny bike ride counts to enter this prize draw 鈥� just try biking in the wintertime and log your rides,鈥� says Terri-Lynn Gifford, Provincial Program Director.
Why ride?
For many, the idea of cycling in the cold and snow seems daunting. However, testimonials from participants like Sarah Bird in Nanaimo challenge this notion.
鈥淚 never thought I would be able to successfully cycle in the snow, but now I have! This is my first winter biking to work. It makes me feel so strong,鈥� Bird says.
Tom Huisman, in Lake Country, enjoys the mental and physical health benefits commuting by bike offers.
鈥淎nd while snowy conditions can slow the ride, the right gear makes winter riding doable. The added bonus? Saving money on gas and helping the environment,鈥� Huisman says.
And, because group activities are even more fun, you can to compete and have the chance to win a $250 Visa gift card!
鈥淲e want to encourage as many people as possible to experience the benefits of cycling, especially in winter,鈥� Gifford says.
Whistler鈥檚 Rose Lawrence describes winter cycling as her favourite time to ride.
鈥淚 love seeing the days getting lighter every day past the winter solstice. The crisp air and the quiet trails create a magical world for bikers.鈥�
Even children like four-year-old Owen Rieu from Penticton enjoy GoByBike Week, riding to daycare with his mother, Chelsea. While Chelsea says biking is a great way to model the benefits of an active lifestyle, Owen also enjoys the morning bike rides, 鈥渆specially seeing deer,鈥� he says.
Winter riding tips
For newcomers to winter cycling, preparation is key. 鈥淕ood lights, fenders, appropriate tires and clothing are essential. And always allow extra time to gear up and down,鈥� says Sebastian Harper, from Esquimalt.
GoByBike BC Society offers a safely and free resources, including pre-recorded webinars, to help cyclists navigate the winter roads safely.
Cycling in numbers
In winter 2023, more than 61,187 British Columbians participated in Winter GoByBike Week, logging 2,313,928 kilometres and saving 501,660 kilograms of greenhouse gases 鈥� equivalent to 112 gasoline-powered passenger .
鈥淏ike for exercise, stress relief, fun, or as a new challenge. Just try it; you鈥檒l love it!鈥� Gifford says.
To learn more and to , visit.