Bike to work and school week takes over Bovill Square in Smithers

It was an afternoon that saw many smiles as “bike to work and school week” took over Bovill Square in Smithers today (May 31st).

8 Smithers schools and over 300 people attended today’s event, and organizer Sheena Miller, explains the importance of bringing this event to the community.

“Today is an amazing celebration of cycling in our town. We started this initiative back in 2013, which means this is our sixth time hosting the event. Today was all about bringing businesses, sponsors, school kids, and cycling enthusiasts together for a fun afternoon. When we host events such as this, there’s always overwhelming support and it’s a great way to promote a sense of community in our region.”

Miller says she has a wealth of experience putting on festivals such as this across the province, however, residents of the Town of Smithers support there events like no other.

“We’ve had events in the past that have had over 300 people and that is huge for our downtown core. It shows how important cycling is to the Smithers community and as a safe form of recreating, that speaks volumes. Connecting and doing more cycling events like this will continually grow the popularity of biking in our region. I’m projecting over 500 people to attend next years event.”

Although the event was very light-hearted with a lot of smiles, Miller says she has one specific message she’d like to get out to the Bulkley Valley and Lakes District.

“We promote so much fun but safety is such a key piece to cycling. With so many more cyclists on the road, motorists and those riding bikes need to share the roads properly. It’s a two-person job, not one or the other. It’s important that motorists and cyclists practice safe habits when using the roads.”

Miller says if it wasn’t for the help of the “Smithers Bikes” team and sponsors, none of the event’s success would be possible. She sends thanks to the tireless efforts of her team and sponsors which include: the Town of Smithers, The Moose, Interior News, Subway, Big Smile Kids Store, BV Credit Union, BV Wholesale, BV Family Network, Bugwood Bean, Canadian Tire, Sportchek, Home Hardware, Kool Treatz Bike Cart, as well as many other sponsors who have helped over the week.