Go By Bike Week is a great opportunity to promote active transportation, trail use and low-stress cycling for all ages
“It’s not just about the commute – it’s about culture change, making a choice to ride your bike not just for work.”
That’s the message behind Go By Bike Week Campbell River, which runs May31 to June 6 and invites residents of all ages and abilities to hop on their bikes for work, school, errands or simply for the joy of the ride.
A local chapter of the province-wide GoByBike BC initiative, the Campbell River campaign includes events like Loop Day and Walk & Wheel Wednesday breakfast stations, all designed to make cycling fun, accessible and safe.
“We’re really trying to shift the status quo,” says Erik Muurmans, a local cycling advocate and community volunteer. “The idea is to get people thinking differently about transportation – that your bike can be more than just for weekend rides, it can be how you get around.”
Loop Day on Saturday, June 1, is one of the event’s highlights, celebrating the city’s unique Greenways Loop, a scenic multi-use trail that wraps around Campbell River. Along the route, participants can stop for activities, snacks, win prizes and enjoy community energy.
“There’s even a beer garden(local Beach Fire Brewing beer), music, community displays and food trucks at the Marine Heritage site,” Muurmans says. “It’s a way to make it a celebration, to show that cycling is fun, social and totally doable in this city.”
Campbell River, with its network of in-town and forest trails, is already well-positioned to be a cycling hub. Routes like the ERT, an off-street, multi-use path cutting across the city, allow cyclists to bypass busy roads and explore the community at a more human pace.
“Whether it’s commuting or recreation, we have the infrastructure and we’re just trying to get more people to use it,” Muurmans says.
Throughout the week, organizers will offer Safe Cycling courses, ideal for new riders or those looking to brush up on traffic skills. Group rides for families and youth, including school-based events are also planned. For a full list of events and how to register visit Go By Bike Campbell River on Facebook here.
“People need to feel safe riding alongside traffic. Our long-term vision is to see more designated bike routes, more separation between cyclists and vehicles. That’s how you get real change.”
The benefits of biking go beyond carbon footprints and fuel savings. For Muurmans and other volunteers, it’s about community, health and giving people options.
“We’re seeing a lot of families come out this year. My own family of four is hitting the trails,” he says. “There’s something special about doing this together, it brings people closer.”
For those who have never considered biking as a means of getting around, Muurmans encourages taking the leap this week.
“You don’t have to go far. Try it once. Join a group ride, come to an event. Make it fun!,” he says. “It’s about creating positive memories and maybe changing how you move through the day.” (or week)
For a full schedule of events or to register, visit: gobybikebc.ca/campbell-river.