Margot Croft, left, from Vancouver Island University’s sustainability office, and Kamala Haughton, from Advancement and Alumni Relations, are gearing up for Bike to Work Week.
May 17, 2016 - 10:30am
University is helping to plan the annual event, which aims to get more people onto two wheels instead of four
Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) sustainability office is gearing up for Bike to Work Week in Nanaimo (May 30 - June 5) with free coffee and snacks for VIU riders, and a Celebration Station cheering on commuters in the University District.
VIU students and staff have participated in Bike to Work Week since its inception in 1997. In recent years the University has also helped plan the event, along with the City of Nanaimo and other community groups.
“I think it’s really important to show, through participating, that VIU is a strong part of the community and walks the talk in terms of sustainability and environmental stewardship,” says Margot Croft, from the University’s sustainability office. “It’s also just a fun event, not to mention the health and wellness piece that riding your bike brings to the table.”
Last year, VIU students and staff logged more than 1,800 km riding to work throughout Bike to Work Week – the second highest amount in the city from one organization. In 2014, VIU won with almost 1,400 km logged throughout the week. Impressive numbers, given that there aren’t as many students and staff on campus at this time of year, says Croft. “Of course, our goal this year is to be No. 1 again, but most of all, we want folks to have fun when they’re out cycling,” she adds.
To entice people onto their bikes, the University is offering free coffee and a fresh baked goodie for every registered VIU rider who brings a helmet, reusable mug and coupon into the cafeteria between 7:30 and 11:30 am. There will also be a riders’ lunch on Thursday, June 2 for participants. On Wednesday, June 1, VIU is hosting a Celebration Station at Fourth and Wakesiah Streets to offer free drinks and snacks to commuters. You can also get a bike inspection while you’re there, and enter to win the grand prize – a bike donated by Rock City Cycles.
To register, visit the Bike to Work Week Nanaimo website.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Jenn McGarrigle, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University
P: 250.740.6288 | C: 250.619.6860 | E: jenn.mcgarrigle@viu.ca
Tags: In the Community
