Bike to Work

Lexi Bainas, The Citizen - Published: Friday, April 25, 2008 (View story with photo)

"It’s not just your bike that’s better adjusted, you are too," Dr. Richard Stanwyck, Chief Medical Officer for the Vancouver Island Health Authority, told a crowd of well-wishers Thursday at the kick off of the first ever Cowichan Valley Bike to Work Week campaign.

He was talking about the higher level of self-esteem felt by cyclists, one of the many benefits that can come from ditching the four wheels and taking to two.

In addition, there are significant improvements in cardio-vascular health as well as easy, comfortable ways to help lose weight and reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, he said.

Nanaimo-Cowichan MP Jean Crowder joined a number of other dignitaries at the official kick off of the first ever Cowichan Valley Bike to Work Week campaign.

Nanaimo-Cowichan MP Jean Crowder also backed the project. She loves cycling, although she only took it up as an adult and cycling from here to her job in Ottawa could take some time, she said, smiling.

"However, I do it here whenever I can and you’ll often see me wobbling into Cowichan Bay. It’s one of my favourite rides," she said.

The Cowichan Valley Bike to Work Week will feature a "Celebration Station" at Beverly Corners during the first two days of the campaign and a wind-up at City Square on the Friday, according to Alex Haddad, one of the group getting the campaign going.

His local gang, while following ideas from Victoria’s successful campaign, is looking at a real "Made in Cowichan" event June 2-8, Haddad said.

© Cowichan Valley Citizen 2008