From weekend riding to daily commuting: how e-bikes and go by Bike Week can help you make the switch

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, 54-year-old Coquitlam-resident, Wilson Tsui, began commuting by e-bike to Vancouver for work. “With COVID, I didn’t want to take the SkyTrain or bus, and driving and parking are too expensive, plus driving in downtown is stressful, so in order to ride in more than one or two days a week, I needed help in the form of an e-bike.”

Tsui commutes 25 km each way by e-bike and usually meets up with a co-worker along the way to ride in together. “I look forward to being able to ride in! Since e-biking, I have started listening to podcasts along the way too, along with enjoying the views. It helps me separate my work and non-work life.”

If you're interested in trying e-bike commuting, HUB Cycling’s Spring Go by Bike Week from May 29 to June 4, 2023, is the perfect opportunity. Tsui will be one of the 7,500+ people participating in the event.

HUB Cycling has rounded up three of the safest, long-distance bike commuting routes in Metro Vancouver to help you get where you need to go.

1.   Central Valley Greenway - This 25-kilometre multi-use cycling route links New Westminster, Burnaby, and Vancouver.

2.   BC Parkway - This 18-kilometre mostly flat route from the Fraser River to Trout Lake follows the SkyTrain most of the way so if you get tired from cycling, you can hop on transit!

3.   Adanac & Francis Union - This 35 km scenic loop connects Burnaby and Vancouver.

If you’re ready to make the switch to cycle commuting, check out HUB Cycling’s free bike maps, and commuter bike shopper’s checklist at bikehub.ca/gbbw. The cycling advocacy group will also be hosting two free Intro to E-Biking webinars on May 26 and June 1 from 12-1 PM PST, and two free community rides open to all cycling abilities. Participants can register for free at bikehub.ca/gbbw. If you don’t have an e-bike yet and want to give them a try, Lime is offering free 10 minute test rides during Go By Bike Week from May 29 - June 4.

HUB Cycling will also be hosting 30 celebration stations at various locations around Metro Vancouver, including a free community wrap-up party at Trout Lake with free e-bike test rides on Saturday, June 3, from 11 AM to 3 PM. Each Celebration Station offers free basic bike maintenance, TransLink cycling maps, and snacks to anyone who stops by!

Go by Bike Week is returning to Metro Vancouver from May 29-June 4, 2023 and is the perfect opportunity to try cycle commuting. Participants can register for free at bikehub.ca/gbbw.