BIKE TO WORK. BIKE EVERYWHERE!
By Contributor
Kootenays – Calling all cyclists –new and experienced: Bike to Work Week 2016 is approaching! A provincial initiative taking place May 30 to June 5, 2016, Bike to Work Week encourages everyone to commit to commuting to work by bicycle for a week.
According to event organizer Mike Kent, “We encourage everyone to join us. There are just so many benefits to biking to work. Active transportation to work promotes healthy lifestyles, increased physical activity, and prevention of chronic disease. It also provides positive economic and environmental benefits including saving money on gas, reducing vehicle emissions and reducing our collective carbon footprint. Plus,” he adds, “it’s a lot of fun and we have some great prizes in store for participants!”
Bike to Work Week Kootenays is the only region in the province that ties in fundraising for a local non-profit with the challenge. This year, Bike to Work Week Kootenays has partnered with the West and East Kootenay Brain Injury Association – the only brain injury association serving the entire Columbia Basin/Boundary region.
“We are so pleased to be partnering with Bike to Work Week Kootenays in 2016,” says Danielle Armstrong, Executive Director of the West and East Kootenay Brain Injury Association, “The West and East Kootenay Brain Injury Association relies on community grants, donations and fundraising to provide much-needed supports and services to the individuals and families in our communities who are living with an acquired brain injury. It’s a great partnership given the importance of safety while riding your bike and reducing your risk from an acquired brain injury by wearing a properly fitting helmet.”
Registration is now open. To join in, there’s a simple two step sign-up process.
First, register online for Bike to Work Week Kootenays at https://www.biketowork.ca/kootenays. You can register individually or as a team. Second, to support Bike to Work Week Kootenays’ fundraising challenge in support of the West & East Kootenay Brain Injury Association, visit http://btwwkootenays.yodel.org/ where you can register for your own individual ‘challenge’ fundraising page or make an online contribution. Donations of $25 or more are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.
To see all of the great local sponsors who are supporting the event go to www.biketowork.ca/kootenays. When you register you will be entered to win random draw prizes that will take place each day of Bike to Work Week. There will also be prizes for the individuals who raise the most money for the West and East Kootenay Brain Injury Association.
Bike to Work Week Kootenays encourages local businesses and organizations to get involved and join the fun through corporate teams, fundraising events or competitive challenges. For more information, contact Mike Kent in the West Kootenays at 250-368-7776 or mike@yodel.org or Patti King in the East Kootenays at 250-421-9057 or patti@yodel.org
