Bike to Work
Wheel Life column - 03 June, 2000
by Todd Litman and Suzanne Kort - Victoria Transport Policy Institute

Cycling Grade 7 teacher, Garry Garraway, is getting ready to race on Monday morning, June 5, and he's hoping his opponent, Margaret Paul, will have to stop for gas again like last year.

Garraway and Paul, both cyclists, are part of the Willows Elementary school team that will participate in the Share the Road Race to kick off Bike to Work Week on Monday. The friendly contest between drivers and cyclists determines who gets the first cup of hot coffee at the downtown Starbucks (Blanshard and Fort) without violating traffic rules.

Campus View Elementary has created a literary competition between bikes and cars. Cycling and driving parents will leave the school at 9:00 am on Clean Air Day (Wednesday, June 7), travel to the downtown public library, check out a book and return to the school while following all the rules of the road. Students that estimate the closest time differences between the two modes will be eligible to win special bike equipment prizes.

To contradict the common perception that parents and teachers can't cope without their cars, the school will close its parking lot from 8:30-9:15 am that day, and sell lemonade there instead of storing cars.

On Bike to School Day (Thursday, June 8) Willows Elementary hopes to match or exceed last year's total of more than 400 students, parents and staff arriving by bicycle. Some pretty special bikes are planning to join the fun, including a penny farthing (an old style high-wheel bicycle), BikeCartAge pedal powered freight trailers, and the Oak Bay High Bicycle Racing Team.

"During the rest of that day, we are planning to hold a bike rodeo for Grades 4 through 7 capped off with an assembly to celebrate bicycles as a form of transportation," Garraway said. Brentwood, Glanford, Lochside, Macaulay, Monterey, Princess Ann, Sir James Douglas, South Park, Tillicum and other Island schools will also host special walking and biking events during the week.

More than 200 teams have registered for the Bike to Work Week Commuter Challenge, a weeklong competition between workplace teams. That's double last year's count, according to Bike to Week organizer, Susanna Grimes. The challenge rewards companies that get the most commuters cycling. Commuter Challenge kits provide cyclists with loads of helpful info, freebies and a T-shirt for team captains. The top team in each of three size categories wins a CORA bike rack. New teams can still register by calling 413-8000.

All participants are eligible for grand prizes: four bicycles and a cycling trip for two on the spectacular Kettle Valley Railway. Draw prizes include great cycling equipment donated by local bike shops, Roots Fest weekend passes, Can-Bike courses and more. Listen for the results Friday, June 9 from 4 to 7 pm with CFAX On-the-Goose from the Switch Bridge over Highway 1.

Local bike shop mechanics will staff Bicycle Support Stations along the Galloping Goose during morning and afternoon commutes all week. The Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition will also have a booth with information, snacks and daily draws. Call 413-8000 or visit http://www.biketoworkvictoria.ca to find out more.

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Tips for Biking To Work, School and Play

• Choose a proper size bike. A bike that is too large is difficult and dangerous to ride. One that is too small is slow and inefficient. If in doubt, ask your trusty bikeshop to help determine your correct size.
• Choose the type of bike that matches your needs. A racing bike is built for speed. A touring bike is built to carry loads. A mountain bike can handle trail riding, but is a little slower to ride.
• Be lively while cycling. When approaching rough road surfaces, stand on the pedals and absorb the shocks by bending your arms and legs. Shift your weight so it is low and over the back wheel whenever you brake hard. Lean into curves.
• Use your gears. Maintain a fast (60-100 revolutions per minute) and light pedaling speed. Shift down as you approach hills. This avoids straining your muscles and joints.
• Learn traffic riding skills. Take riding just as seriously as driving. Consider taking a Can-Bike cycling skills course. Call 380-0172 for details.
• Be predictable. Observe traffic rules. Maintain a straight course when riding along the roadway. Don't shift lanes without checking, signaling and yielding as necessary.
• Watch for hazards. Keep a good eye ahead, and slow down whenever approaching possible potholes, loose gravel, cracks, animals and unpredictable drivers. Always ride defensively.
• Eat, drink and be merry. Bring plenty of water and snacks when cycling, particularly on longer rides.
• Keep cycling fun. Don't get burned out trying to break speed records or riding more than is enjoyable. Develop bicycling into a lifelong habit that you enjoy, and enjoy, and enjoy.