Cruising for a Cause: Volunteers and Mechanics are the Backbone of Fall Go By Bike Weeks

As the sun peeked over the horizon (and the rain started to pour), two wheels started to hum, and the spirit of community and sustainability filled the air.

HUB Cycling’s Fall Go by Bike Weeks took place in mid-October this year from October 16-29, and for the first time ever it was a two-week event!

Go by Bike Weeks is a celebration of cycling, where HUB Cycling encourages everyone in Metro Vancouver to try cycling and motivates those who already do to keep riding. All trips count. Participants can ride their bikes to the pharmacy, school, work, or to grab a coffee, any destination counts!

But Go By Bike Weeks is also more than just a series of events; it’s a celebration of the active and sustainable mode of transportation that we all love - cycling. During this period, volunteers and cycling enthusiasts unite to inspire, educate, and engage people in the beauty of biking. It's a time when the world sees how small acts, like choosing to cycle, can create significant positive changes.

Although the results aren’t finalized yet since participants still have until Sunday, November 5 to backlog any trips, the Metro Vancouver community really showed up despite a wet start to Fall Go by Bike Weeks:

• Nearly 3,000 people participated in the event
• Nearly 2,000 people stopped by our Celebration Stations,
• Participants logged 19,000 trips and 200,000 KM so far, and
• Saved over 41,000 KG of greenhouse gases!

Volunteer Power

The heart and soul of Go By Bike Weeks this fall were the volunteers. This year, we had 47 people volunteer their time to make Fall Go by Bike Weeks a reality. They worked tirelessly, ensuring the smooth flow of all Celebration Stations, rain or shine. Volunteers played a pivotal role in making Go By Bike Weeks possible and served as welcoming faces for newcomers, helping participants build the confidence they needed to embrace cycling. 

One participant shared their experience after a conversation with the volunteers at one of our Celebration Stations: 

"I had LOADS of fun. I felt not only inspired but also supported on my cycling journey and a part of the community!"

Mechanics Saving the Day

While volunteers kept the wheels of the event turning with their enthusiasm and charisma, mechanics are the unsung heroes who kept our two-wheeled companions in tip-top shape. Fourteen mechanics supported this year’s event including mechanics from Krusty's Bicycles, Cycle City Vancouver, The Bike Kitchen, Our Community Bikes, Rad Power Bikes, Kickstand, Brodie Bicycles, Nomadic Mechanic, Abby Bike Shop, HUB Cycling instructors, and individual mechanics. Free bike tune-up stations during Go By Bike Weeks ensure everyone can hit the road without worries. These skilled technicians breathe new life into old bikes and offer valuable maintenance tips, further encouraging people to pedal their way to a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

Cycling enthusiasts and mechanics alike describe Go By Bike Weeks as "fun" and a "great success." The camaraderie and shared passion for cycling make these weeks a source of happiness and fulfillment.

Thank you to everyone who participated, and we hope the event sparked the beginning or continuation of your cycling journey!