“Biking to work makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something; saving money, reducing carbon emissions and burning calories,” says Tracey Kutschker, curator of the Salmon Arm Art Gallery, one of three people in that organization who sign up each year to bike to work.
Each May, about one per cent of Salmon Arm’s population registers their kilometres cycled to work each day.
Although not the highest percentage in the province, it’s encouraging considering Salmon Arm’s hilly terrain.
Dr. Richard Backus, a sports medicine physician and past-president of Bike to Work BC Society often prescribes “take at least two bike rides and call me in the morning” to his patients.
Backus, a long time commuter cyclist and advocate of cycling health benefits, urges people to register and try cycling to work during Bike to Work Week.
“Even if you try it only one or two days per week, you will be amazed how great you feel,” he comments. “And you will qualify for great prizes.”
In Salmon Arm, the celebration kicks off with a pancake breakfast on Monday, May 25 from 7 to 9 a.m. on the terrace at Shuswap Lake General Hospital near McGuire Lake.
“This is an extra incentive to get biking on that first day, plus it’s a great way to meet others who have signed up for the challenge,” says Alan Journeau, team leader for Shuswap Bike to Work Week.
Each morning of Bike to Work Week features a breakfast stop at three different celebration stations; Askew’s Uptown, CSRD and Ross Street parking lots from 7 to 9 a.m. Monday to Friday.
Locally sponsored coffee and pastries are provided.
Bike to Work Week also includes young cyclists.
Kids are encouraged to start their day with fresh air and exercise by biking to school.
There are great prizes for kids as well, who can sign up with their individual schools.
The finale is a celebration barbeque on Friday, May 29 at the Ross Street Plaza from 3 to 6 p.m.
Food, prizes and entertainment will welcome everyone, and prizes will be drawn.
Salmon Arm/Shuswap is one of 44 communities in BC participating in Bike to Work Week May 25 to 31.
To join them, register and qualify for great prizes trip at: www.biketowork.ca.