Bike to Work

Around 150 people cycled to the pancake breakfast on May 28, 2012, the kick off event for Bike to Work Week. 23 cyclists participated in the third annual Car Versus Bike Challenge against three media cars: CHBC, SunFM and KISS FM. Once again, the bike won the title, with cyclist Scott Richardson completing the course in 6 minutes and 46 seconds. The first media car crossed the finish line in 8 minutes and 3 seconds.

The Car versus Bike Challenge was not without challenges this year. Councillor Catherine Lord braked too hard when she was travelling down hill on 32 Avenue and fell off her bike. Wendy Majewski, TDM Coordinator for the City of Vernon, says "Councillor Lord received immediate medical attention from the staff traffic marshall, followed by By-Law Officer Korol who was acting as a sweep for the challenge. BC Ambulance was quick to respond on the scene and Catherine was taken to Vernon Jubilee to get her injuries checked out. She is at home recovering and she is fine. She is going to have some facial bruising and will be off work for a couple of days. "

In a separate incident, District of Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick’s pannier was clipped by a vehicle that was turning right. That happened in the same area about one minute earlier than Councillor Lord’s mishap. At the corner of 32 Avenue and 29 Street just South of Beairsto School. In that case, the motorist did not yield to cyclists. Majewski says, "I’ve spoken to Mayor Garlick and he is fine."

Majewski says, "One of our main goals is to educate drivers and cyclists and increase the awareness of both to share the road. Unfortunately, we were not able to get the license plate of the driver for follow up."

There were three Bike to Work Safety and Skills Courses in advance of this Bike Versus Car Challenge held on April 28, May 9 and May 14 and 16. All classes were full. These were taught by a certified CAN Bike2 instructor. In 2011, nine teachers took part in a CAN Bike Level 2 Course sponsored by School District 22 and the City of Vernon in order to help students develop better bike and safety skills. These were designed to continue bike education as part of physical education classes as well as the Global Education and outdoor education courses offered through School District 22. We don’t want either of these incidents to discourage cyclists from biking to work or to school.