Discover pedal power June 7–13

by Joy Poliquin

The cyclists are coming!

Thirty seven teams across campus - ranging from childcare services ("the Training Wheels") to the chemistry department ("Chain Reaction") to communications services ("the Spokespeople") - have signed up so far to participate in Bike to Work Week, June 7–13.

The university encourages as many people as possible to try cycling to campus during Bike to Work Week. As an incentive, a cycling prize will be awarded to every registered UVic participant. The real incentive, however, is fitness and clean air.

"Bike to Work Week is about introducing staff and faculty to the benefits of commuter cycing - not winning the Tour de France," says UVic interim sustainability co-ordinator Sarah Webb. "Start out slow, drink lots of water and go at your own pace."

She also suggests considering cycling as an alternative to working out at an indoor gym. "By cycling to work on a regular basis, we not only improve local air quality and reduce congestion on our roadways, but we get great exercise in time already committed to travel."

For the fourth year in a row, UVic is a major sponsor of the event. The university has traditionally enjoyed high participation and has been recognized as a major presence during previous Bike to Work Weeks.

This year there are some great prizes, including a new bike, a six-day kayaking tour, a bike trailer, helmets and water bottles, clothing, and dinner at some of Victoria's finest restaurants.

Webb has kits available for team captains. If you want to join an existing team or start a new one, contact Webb at 472-5011 or sarahwebb@fmgt.uvic.ca. For more information, or to register online, visit www.biketoworkvictoria.ca. The registration deadline is June 4.