Cyclists win more than 80 per cent of the time when Greater Victoria races the morning commute. They were batting above average this year, with the 17 riders finishing ahead of vehicles every time Wednesday (May 7) morning. Well, except the tie declared by Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto and Victoria Coun. Susan Kim, who met up behind the finish line from different sides.
The aim of the annual commuter challenge, hosted by Capital Bikes, is to show that it’s more efficient and Greater Victoria residents can beat traffic on their way to work by riding a bike rather than driving a car. Racers compete during the morning rush through to downtown.
Everyone finishes with a little sweat as drivers must find a parking spot, then jog to the finish line at the front lawn of the legislature near Belleville and Government.
For Victoria Coun. Matt Dell, that included finding a parking spot for the car-share he used for the ride in. Teammate Sonia Furstenau, former B.C. Green Party leader, finished ahead of him. While forced to deke around a few garbage trucks on the ride in, Furstenau noted the trip left her with a smile on her face.
Following the rules of the road held back Rob Botterell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands, as he hit red light after red light on his commute in. His cycling team member Jeremy Valeriote finished ahead despite a holdup at the Johnston Street Bridge.
The event kicks off Spring Go By Bike Week in Greater Victoria, which runs May 31 to June 6.
It starts May 31 with a handful of bike infrastructure celebration rides leaving Langford, Colwood, Esquimalt, Oak Bay, Saanich and Victoria – culminating at the first celebration station at the north end of Selkirk Trestle from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Register at GoByBikeBC.ca.
