From now until Sept. 21, Central Saanich will offer guided bike rides to encourage active transportation and help residents develop road safety and navigational skills.
“We hope the rides give people an opportunity to learn new skills to keep them safe on the road and gain more confidence on their bikes,” said the district’s manager of community engagement Britt Burnham in an email.
Instructors from Victoria-based cycling advocacy group Capital Bike will deliver the rides, each of which will introduce cyclists to a different part of the region.
“From farmer’s fields to small cafes and vineyards to open vistas overlooking the ocean, Central Saanich offers a lot to see and do by bike,” said Capital Bike's executive director Colleen Sparks in an email.
Each ride is designed for a different group of cyclists. For example, some are tailored to e-bike cyclists, while others will introduce folks to nature cycling.
In addition to encouraging active transportation and promoting safety, these rides may help Central Saanich meet the goals outlined in its climate leadership plan, which, in part, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 100 per cent by 2050.
"Ultimately, we hope that with the increased investment in active transportation infrastructure and skills programs like this, we will see more residents choosing to hop on their bikes," said Burnham.
To sign up for a ride, visit: capitalbike.ca/centralsaanich/.
