Bike to Work Week Prince Rupert broke their ridership totals from one year ago, having 59 cyclists travel the roads of the North Coast to get to work from May 25-31. That’s five more riders than 2014.
Though their numbers were greater, the distance travelled by the participants couldn’t match the totals from a year ago, with the 59 riders totalling 393 kilometres between them, 113 km short of 2014’s total.
The Friendship House smashed the team competition, coming in first-place with approximately 115 kilometres ridden, followed by the Prince Rupert Port Authority, Pioneer Guesthouse and Northern Savings Credit Union head office.
“Everybody had a really cool experience. The weather was amazing – not a single day of rain,” said organizer Juliane Mark.
Mark distributed prizes to the winning teams as well as through a draw Saturday at the Last Minute Market and had buttons for sale by donation for participants and supporters.
“Button Guy brought his machine so we can use it,” she said, adding the donations from the civic centre, Overwaitea, Safeway, CIBC, Shoppers Drug Mart, Advantage Printing, Pioneer Guesthouse and Farwest Sports made the week a success.
In total, eight teams signed up, with 13 new riders over last year. Just under 400 kilometres were cycled, with 12,003 calories burned and 87 kg of greenhouse gas emissions saved.
The money raised through the initiative will go towards the Kaien Anti-Povery Society’s Bicycle Fund – offering those without bikes a chance to ride for themselves.
A grand prize of a trip for two to Prague was given away and the Rupert Off-Road Cycling Association performed bike repairs for anyone needing it.
“We’re really looking forward to next year as well,” said Mark.
The results of the week can be found at www.biketowork.ca/princerupert.