As the temperature drops, so does the number of cyclists. This year, however, there are more two-wheeled commuters on the roads of Vancouver year-round.
According to The Province, the city has seen a major increase in new cyclists sticking to their bikes even in the rainy, dark winter months. The number of daily mid-week bike trips over the Burrard Street Bridge topped at 6,800 in mid-July this year. The September average is up to 4,500 from 3,800 in 2013.
“It’s really all about the rain gear,” said Erin O’Melinn, executive director of HUB, in The Province. “Cyclists find they’re drier when they get home after riding than when they walk or take the bus because they’re dressed better.”
During HUB’s Bike-to-Work-Week from October 27 to November 2, 4,300 bikers registered compared to 3,200 last year. 740 were new riders, compared to 268 in 2013.
“It’s just nice to be outside, doesn’t matter what the weather is”, “I wanted to commute in a more environmentally-friendly way” and, “I don’t want to take transit” are just a few reasons why some Vancouverites have chosen bikes as their main mode of transportation.
Interested in joining this community of winter riders? Check out Winter Riding in BC for tips on how to get started.
For More Information:
- Winter Cycling in BC, Slater Vecchio Connected
