Bike to Work

Cowichan News Leader May 28, 2008 (view full article here).  The first valley-wide Bike to Work Week is beginning on Monday, and the spandex has been thrown down in Duncan.

“It’s time to step up to the plate, it’s almost election time. People want to elect in-shape individuals,” said Paul Fletcher, a Duncan councillor.

Fletcher is challenging the North Cowichan and Lake Cowichan council, the Cowichan Valley Regional District, and his fellow Duncan councillors to bike to work next week.

So far, he hasn’t heard from his fellow councillors about their participation, which he calls “pretty poor.”

“There’s no room on council for out-of-shape councillors,” he said jokingly.

He adds he’s not making the challenge for bragging rights.

“Just by participating it’s a victory. I don’t normally ride myself, and I’m hoping this will get me into it,” he said.

“If we can convince people to make healthier choices, it’s a victory.”

But not just politicians are participating; regular people can too.

Individuals or groups can register with through work. Their groups are placed into categories — small workplaces with one to three people are classified as “mini,” while bigger companies with 41 people or more are “large.”

So far, 14 teams have registered, said Aaron Bichard, an organizer for Bike to Work Week. Teams include the News Leader Pictorial, Sun FM, and Safeway. The townships of Lake Cowichan and Ladysmith, as well as the City of Duncan, are officially registered as well.

But anyone can start participating next week, he added, by calling Bike to Work Week and telling them about it.

There will be celebration stations on Monday and Tuesday morning at the corner of Beverly Street and the Trans-Canada Highway. Free bagels and coffee will be available, along with a bike maintenance crew.

The workplace in each size category with the highest percentage of employees in its office participating will win a first-place prize.

There are also draw prizes to be won during the wrap-up event next Friday afternoon in Duncan city square. These include $500 toward a custom bicycle and a $280 paddling excursion in a voyageur canoe.

And there are benefits aside from the loot that can be won, said Bichard. Getting out of your car and not burning gas can save you huge amounts of money.

“But expense isn’t the main reason people bike — it’s more about the fun and fitness aspect,” he said.

“Some people have preconceived notions about the difficulty, time, and distance of biking to work. But once you try, the obstacles aren’t as difficult as you think.”

Duncan Mayor Phil Kent is definitely taking his bike to work next week. But since he lives less than a block away it isn’t really a big deal, he said.

“I never use my car, I walk to work.

“I enjoy riding my bike, and it’s all tuned up and ready to go,” he said.

North Cowichan Councillor Melissa Hailey said she has heard of Fletcher’s challenge, and is planning to bike to work if weather permits.

“If it’s nice, why not?” she said, adding she hasn’t heard if her fellow councillors are participating.

Anne Murray, another North Cowichan councillor, certainly isn’t.

“No, I don’t own a bike and I think I would be a danger to the general public,” she said, laughing.

“I haven’t ridden a bike since I was a kid. I prefer to walk or drive.”

Lake Cowichan Mayor Jack Peake said he doesn’t think any of his council is going to be pedaling to work.

“I’m all for it, but unfortunately at 67, I don’t own one,” he said, adding he does walk most of the way to the town office from his home.