I choose to bike in Prince George because it's the best way to get around.
Biking has become second nature to me - it's truly a part of my lifestyle. I wake up, shower, eat breakfast, and dress like any other resident in Prince George would. But instead of getting into a car, I hop onto my bike. I give myself plenty of time so that I don't have to rush to work in a sweaty mess. Instead, I dress in my work clothes, ride at a leisurely pace, and arrive to work in style.
As I bike home along quiet side streets, I smile at the kids joyfully playing on the streets and the cats chasing after one another. At the slower pace that I'm going, I can actually make out and appreciate the pretty plants and flowers that line the streets. I take a big breath and enjoy the grassy scent as I bike past a freshly mowed lawn. I spend most of my workday indoors, so it's nice to get a breath of fresh air. As I'm riding along, I hear a friendly voice shout out "I like your bike!" All the while, I feel the wind blow through my hair and the sun beam warmly on my arms. As you can see, riding my bike allows me to see, smell, hear, and feel things I wouldn't normally sense in a vehicle.
At the end of my bike ride, I'm left feeling invigorated! There is something so gratifying about being able to power yourself around with your own energy. It gives me such a sense of liberation and freedom. Although counter-intuitive, I actually feel more energized after biking. My bike ride home is also a chance to reflect and think about my day. During this alone-time, I'm able to process the thoughts and feelings that I may have pushed aside during the day. Biking helps me de-stress and relax.
Beyond the sheer joy of biking, there are many other benefits of biking. To start, biking saves time. Instead of driving to work amongst traffic and circling around the hospital parking lot, I can ride my bike among quiet streets and roll into the bike locker. When you compare biking with walking or bussing, the time savings are even more noticeable. I don't have to pay for parking or gas, and the cost to repair a bike is much less than that of repairing a car. Because I am not reliant on gas, I feel honoured that my mode of transportation is not damaging our environment. Finally, engaging in an active mode of transportation makes me feel physically fit and healthy.
I ask each and every one of you to consider joining Bike to Work Week this year. This is a great opportunity to realize the benefits of urban cycling as well as get some free goodies. Furthermore, by participating in this event, you are demonstrating to the government how much you care about active transportation in our community. What are you waiting for? Let's get cycling!
This is the last of a 4-week series leading up to Bike to Work Week. Hosted locally by Prince George Cycling Club, Bike to Work Week encourages BC residents to commute by bicycle. A variety of local businesses and organizations will be sponsoring "Celebration Stations" during the week of May 26 - June 1st. Visit these stations for food, beverages, education pamphlets, and prizes! Please visit http://www.biketowork.ca/prince-george to register online as an individual or a team.
