Cyclists pedal city forward
(NOTE the original article by Rachel Stern is no longer available in 2011)
– Nanaimo cyclists pedalled a greener commute last week during Bike to Work Week as more than 150 cyclists rode the road.
Rob Lawrance, city environmental planner, said Nanaimo was third for participation, finishing after Victoria and Comox Valley.
There were 37 teams of various sizes registered for Nanaimo’s inaugural year and at the various city counting stations, an average of 30 cyclists passed each day.
Lawrance said it’s not so much about the numbers, but getting the word out about Bike to Work Week and getting people to try it.
The city had cycling demonstrations at Wally Creek, a trends in cycling display at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and a cycling system and trail network display at Woodgrove Mall.
Lawrance said the event demonstrations were great opportunities for people to learn more about city trails and road routes.
It was also a chance for the city to gather input from the public and for cyclists to discuss the trail and road systems. Newer cyclists also had the chance to talk to experienced riders.
“It’s an opportunity for people talking about it and hesitant to get answers and talk to real cyclist to give people a level of confidence,” said Lawrance.
Ideas are already evolving for next year’s Bike to Work Week. Lawrance said the committee is exploring the idea of offering various biking workshops to raise awareness throughout the year.
Phil Murphy, a 15-year cyclist commuter, won the Bike to Work Week grand prize, a silver Gary Fisher Tarpon mountain bike and a Bell Venture helmet.
“I was shocked to learn it was the first [Bike to Work Week] in Nanaimo. I’ve been involved in the commuter challenge for a number of years, “ said Murphy. “It’s just a bit disappointing the weather didn’t bring out more people.”
Murphy said he’s used trails in several different cities and the cycling system in Nanaimo is one of the best he’s seen.
“The E&N Trail is fantastic,” he said.
For more information about Bike to Work Week or individual team results please go to www.biketowork.ca/nanaimo.
