Bike to Work

During BTWW 2009 almost 400 Fraser Valley residents cycled 14,000 km’s and saved 3,300 kg’s of Green House Gas Emissions from entering the Earth’s atmosphere. Ninety-seven of which were first-time commuter cyclists.

Distance didn’t keep Michelle Peterson, physiotherapist of the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, from trying it. Peterson was a first-time commuter cyclist and won this year’s prize for cycling the most kilometres during Bike to Work Week—two Whistler Bike Park Passes. “Our Bike to Work team leader encouraged me to participate in Bike to Work Week [even though] my one-way commute is 40 km! I love getting fresh air and my workout on my way to work,” says Peterson.

Rick Lowe with Keystone Architecture was the lucky winner of a Gator Mountain Bike donated by Canadian Tire. Lowe’s team was not a typical ‘workplace team.’ His team was comprised of people from offices all over Garden Street. Team leader, Wendy Gorner, faithfully bikes to work, and when she realized that most of her office colleagues couldn’t join her because they lived closer to Vancouver, she distributed flyers to neighbouring buildings, which is how she connected with Lowe. Like many biking enthusiasts, Gorner just loves how exhilarating it is and she motivated her team by just sharing her passion for it. “I’m a biking advocate and just love the bike lanes. I feel more energized and creative when I bike to work,” says Goren.

Twenty-seven prizes were awarded in total. Bike to Work Week would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and volunteers who have all shown exceptional dedication to the healthiest, most environmentally friendly transportation! A special thank you to Abbotsford Cycling Action Group, Vancity, Shaw TV, Abbotsford News, Country 107.1, BC Government, regional municipalities, Best Western Listel Whistler, Fraser Health, Action Roofing, Western Canoe and Kayaking, Windmill Deli, Sport & Spine, Canadian Tire, Gifford Electric, Chilliwack River Rafting, European Day Spa, Minuteman Press, Wentings Cycle & Mountain Shop, Starbucks, Clayburn Comfort Soaps, Bikram Yoga, Howard Wong Farms, Panago, and Lifecycles Bike Shop.

Although Bike to Work Week is officially over, the Abbotsford Cycling Action Group encourages everyone to keep riding safely and to remember that it’s not about an event, but a lifestyle. For more information about safe cycling, visit www.bikesense.bc.ca. For a detailed list of prize winners visit click here.