It’s time to think about getting pedalling for this fall’s GoByBike campaign in Nanaimo.
This year’s event starts Sunday, Oct. 15, for everyone who wants to get some fresh air while cutting back on emissions, toning up those leg muscles and avoiding traffic hassles by commuting to and from work and school or just running errands on the city’s network of cycling lanes and trails.
Celebration stations, hosted by sponsors, will be set up at various locations along the way and participants can plan their cycling routes to stop at the stations and enter to win prizes. The city will also publish an updated digital cycling map to help with route planning.
Numerous biking events are planned this month, including a kick-off event Sunday, Oct. 15, at 3-5 p.m. in Maffeo Sutton Park.
Seven celebration stations will be set up Oct. 16, 7-9 a.m. at Metral Drive at Mostar Road; Oct. 18, 4-6 p.m. at the Steve Smith Bike Park upper parking lot; Oct. 20, 4-6 p.m. at McGregor Park; Oct. 21, 12-4 p.m. at Vancouver Island University at Discover Fest in the quad; Oct. 23, 4-6 p.m. on the Parkway Trail at the visitor infocentre; Oct. 25, 4-6 p.m. on the E&N Trail across from Brooks Landing; and Oct. 27, 4-6 p.m. at the Rotary Field House at the Third Street ball fields.
Fall GoByBike wraps up with the Bicycle Film Festival on Nov. 9 from 6-9 p.m. in VIU’s Malaspina Theatre.
“Grease the chains, don your reflective vests, and rally, GoByBike Nanaimo,” said Coun. Paul Manly, acting mayor, in a press release. “This B.C.-wide grand event is a jubilant celebration of active and enjoyable modes of transportation, and it’s open to all, regardless of your skill level.”
Registration for GoByBike is free by visiting www.gobybikebc.ca/nanaimo. Registered participants who submit their kilometres are automatically signed up for the chance to win great prizes, including a brand new e-bike from Pedego electric bikes. Cyclists can also sign up to play bike tag, a mystery photo tag game played on bicycles in which the last person standing on Oct. 29 wins.
EDITORIAL: Nanaimo trying to be a go-by-bike community
chris.bush@nanaimobulletin.com
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