A new provincial campaign, called Bike to Vote, is hoping to accomplish two things in the upcoming election: get more voters out to the polls and raise awareness of sustainable transportation issues by asking people to peddle to the polling place.
Rail trails and mountain biking are a big deal here in the Kootenays, but beyond the adrenaline and exercise components, bicycles of any kind are one of the most efficient, earth-friendly ways to move people around.
Castlegar has good roads, trails and bike lanes — reaching most voting places should be pretty convenient by bicycle.
Joshua White was biking around Castlegar Monday, April 8, something he said is just the norm for him.
"I don't mind getting the odd ride from time-to-time," said White. "But I use my bike to go just about everywhere."
“It just makes sense," said John Rowlandson, Bike to Vote co-organizer in a press release. "Most polling stations are within two to five kilometres of where people live and work, which is the perfect distance for riding a bike. Bike to Vote is all about celebrating mobility and freedom – the freedom to move and freedom to choose.”
The Bike to Vote release suggests many benefits to making the trek on two wheels: less traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, safer neighbourhoods, less money spent on gas and vehicle maintenance and improving ones health.
Participants are encouraged to sign a pledge at http://biketovote.ca, join the #biketovote conversation on Twitter and help organize election rides all over the province.
Further information about Bike to Vote can be found at http://biketovote.ca.