Bike to Work Week is May 31-June 6th, 2010 Commuter stations all around the region supply you with free food, hot drinks, mechanical support and tons of helpful riding tips to make your commute fantastic all year round! Registration has begun.

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Your commute to work can be the best part of your day year-round, whether in spring or winter

Why bike to work? It just makes sense:

• Beat the gridlock and get out of traffic. For many trips, biking is as fast as travelling by car or transit. Watch this video of our Share the Road Challenge to see how 7 out of 9 times, cyclists beat car drivers on their commute to work.
• Get in shape. Your commute can be your exercise routine, and it’s great for your mental health, too.
• Save money on car insurance and fuel.
• Cut down on your personal greenhouse gas emissions. Our database will calculate the CO₂ that you’d emit on the same trip by car.
• Engage your community. Meet your neighbours. Breathe fresh air. Enjoy our beautiful cityscape.

Think driving is quicker, cheaper, or more convenient that cycling? You might be surprised by the results. Our Share the Road Challenge found cyclists faster than drivers in 7 out 9 races! Special thanks to all our teams!

In the grey Monday morning mists, nine pairs of cars and cyclists started out from different points around the city and raced each other to get to the downtown library. The final times were all close, within 10 minutes of each other, but the costs associated with their commutes were not.

Our nine drivers spent an average of $4.94 on parking, gas, and other costs, and emitted 1.9 kg of greenhouse gases.

The cyclists, on the other hand, spent a total of $0 (luckily no one got a flat or encountered any other problems), and burned an average of 205 calories each! That's about the same as a glazed donut. Or a pint of beer! So ride your bike, and go celebrate! You deserve it.

Check out the podcast on 24 Hours to see preliminary coverage of the event or watch the full video below.

Share the Road Challenge from Diana Wilson on Vimeo.

If you’ve never tried getting to work on two wheels, it's a lot easier than you may think! The Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition is here to make it easier.

• Is your bike in bad shape? Do you need gear? We can help you find the right shop.
• Is traffic scary? We have great instructors and proven skills classes, both for you individually and for your office.
• Are facilities an issue? Concerned about showers and wardrobe? We can help you make your workplace more bike-friendly.
• Need some extra motivation? Join the next Bike to Work Week for a fun, encouraging start (and win prizes, too)!
• Get inspired by people like you who’ve made the leap to two-wheel commuting.
• If you’re a student or teacher, find out about our Bike to School program.
  

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The VACC is a non-profit society that works to make cycling an integral part of transportation culture in the Lower Mainland. Go to the VACC home page to learn more. Ride the talk. Join the VACC.

Not in the Lower Mainland? BC residents should visit www.biketowork.ca to find a Bike to Work Week event near you.