By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Nanaimo prepares to put the pedal to the metal for Bike to Work Week

May 16, 2017 | 5:29 PM

NANAIMO — It’s time to trade the car keys for your bike lock keys.

Bike to Work and School Week gets in gear on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. with a lunch and chance to have your bike inspected at the Bowen Rd. Country Grocer. Once your cycle is in tip-top shape, you can take part in their 7 km community bike ride.

This is the 20th year the Greater Nanaimo Cycling Coalition has hosted the event. Coordinator Leo Boon said they aren’t treating it like an anniversary, instead they want to show everyone how being active and biking to work can fit into peoples’ schedule.

“It’s very hard to compete with 200,000 car trips every day. If you actually sit still for a minute, you’ll be amazed at how many people are cycling.”

During the week, there will be stations along bike routes such as the E&N Trail. Teams can also register for a chance for various prizes.

environmental impacts

Accidental pump activation causes minor oil slick in Nanaimo marina

14m ago

invasive species

Crews destroy invasive species from pristine island off Nanoose Bay

1h ago

whale rescue

Bigger boats, more nets, people arrive in Zeballos for new orca rescue attempt

4h ago

Boon said they want all cyclists, whether veterans or rookies, to be safe on the roads.

“You have to stop at a red light, you’re not supposed to ride on the sidewalk and you need to indicate if you’re going left or right,” he said. “If you’re predictable and drivers can anticipate where you’re going to go, cyclists and drivers can get along just fine.”

More information about the week can be found here.

island-news@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nanaimonewsnow