Ray Hall's Cobble Hill Bike Ride
Wheel Life column - 26 June, 1999
by Todd Litman and Suzanne Kort - Victoria Transport Policy Institute

Today's bicycle routes are recommended by local bicycling expert Ray Hall. They are ideal day rides that explore the byways around Mill Bay and Shawnigan Lake. The Cameron Taggert Road loop is about 20 kilometres. Adding the Shawnigan Lake loop makes a 45 kilometre trip.

Along the way you can lunch at the Sunflower Café (open for lunch from 11:30 am to 2 pm, and dinner from 5-9, call 250-743-3663 for reservations), and have a cool drink at the Merridale Cider Works (call 250-743-4293 for hours).

A good way to get there from the Victoria area is to take the little ferry from Brentwood Bay to Mill Bay, where the ride begins. Or, you can take the E&N railroad (call 383-4324 for reservation information) to the Shawnigan Lake station.

A ride like this is an ideal way to spend a summer day. Besides sheer enjoyment, it's good for you. According to the World Health Organization's new "Charter on Transport, Environment and Health" (available at http://www.who.dk/London99/transport02e.htm) there are many important reasons to get off your duff and go for a pedal.

The charter points out that non-motorized transportation promotes health by providing physical activity while decreasing noise and air pollution. Regular physical activity provides the following health benefits:

• 50% reduction in the risk of developing coronary heart diseases (i.e. a similar effect to not smoking).
• 50% reduction in the risk of developing adult diabetes.
• 50% reduction in the risk of becoming obese.
• 30% reduction in the risk of developing hypertension.
• Decline in blood pressure in hypertensive subjects (a similar effect to that obtained from antihypertensive drugs).
• Reduced osteoporosis and the prevention of falls in the elderly.

A total of 30 minutes' brisk walking or cycling on most days of the week, even if carried out in 10-15 minute episodes, is effective in providing these health benefits. Two typical walking or cycling trips each day would be enough to provide the recommended "daily dose" of physical activity.

So bicycle, walk, eat, drink, and be merry, regularly and in moderation.