The City of Penticton is encouraging residents to join cyclists from across the province in celebrating Fall GoByBike Week from Monday, Sept. 23 until Oct. 6, 2024.
“There are so many benefits to riding bikes for everyday transportation. Not only is it an opportunity to be physically active, but you are contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing road congestion and saving money on gas and parking,” says Sustainability Coordinator Madison Poultney.
Join us at the following events:
- The City is hosting a celebration station on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 7:30-9 a.m. at Penticton Library, next to the bike lane on Fairview Road. Ride in while travelling to work or school for free snacks and the chance to win a prize.
- Other events include a celebration station at the KVR Pump Track on Sept. 28, Cherry Lane Shopping Centre on Oct. 1, a bike maintenance workshop on Oct. 2 and a wrap party at Penticton Safety Village on Oct. 6.
GoByBike Week is an event intended to encourage British Columbians to ride their bikes as much as possible to work, school, for exercise and for fun. Residents are encouraged to register and log their rides at gobybikebc.ca for the chance to win grand prizes.
Latest cycling statistics
Data collected at major intersections along the Lake to Lake Route shows that cycling traffic has been growing by roughly 20-30 per cent each year since the first section was complete, despite it not yet being finished.
To date in 2024, there have been roughly 96,000 cyclists through the intersection of Eckhardt Avenue and Martin Street. At this same time last year, there were approximately 75,000, with just under 100,000 for the entire year. At this rate, the City is well on pace to surpass previous records.
Penticton currently has approximately 50 km of bike lanes and trails and offers a free seasonal bike valet at the Penticton Farmers’ Market and other community events. In fact, this year’s bike valet service, which has now wrapped up for the season, saw a 32-per-cent increase in usage, having parked more than 1,900 bicycles, scooters and skateboards over a four-month period.
Free bike racks available
As part of its ongoing efforts to improve access to active transportation, the City is offering free bike racks to businesses and multi-unit residential buildings through its Blue Skies Transportation Fund. To receive a bike rack, fill out an application form at penticton.ca/bikeracks.
The City adopted its Climate Action Plan in 2021 with the goal of reducing the community’s emissions by a projected 40 per cent below 2007 levels by 2030. Efforts also align with the City’s Transportation Master Plan, which seeks to create a safe transportation system that supports all ages, abilities and modes of transportation. For more information, visit penticton.ca/climate-action.