From May 31 to June 8, residents in Vernon and the North Okanagan will take part in Spring GoByBike Week—a free event encouraging people to trade their vehicle keys for bike helmets. But this isn't just about logging kilometres or winning prizes. It's about what happens when an entire region comes together with the shared goal of changing the way it moves. This is a closer look at how one week of biking is helping shape healthier habits, stronger communities, and a cleaner future.
What Is Spring GoByBike Week?
Spring GoByBike Week is a province-wide event with local chapters, including Vernon and the North Okanagan, that aim to make cycling a regular part of daily life. Participants are encouraged to use bikes for commuting, errands, school drop-offs, or simply enjoying local routes. All rides are counted—short or long, fast or slow. Every pedal helps reduce traffic, emissions, and reliance on cars.
The event is entirely free. Riders can register on the GoByBike BC website and begin logging their trips for a chance to win prizes. These include both local giveaways and a province-wide grand prize travel experience. Riders can register as individuals or teams, adding a social element to the challenge. Workplaces, families, and schools often build teams to motivate each other and stay accountable.
Why This Week Matters
The timing of Spring GoByBike Week is intentional. Late spring is when many residents are looking for ways to be more active and spend more time outside. It's also an ideal time to rethink how transportation habits affect health, finances, and the environment. The event promotes a switch from short car trips to cycling, which has long-term benefits for air quality and personal well-being.
Each kilometre tracked during the event is more than a data point. It's a small step toward broader change. Organizers use the collected data to advocate for better cycling infrastructure and resources. These insights help city planners see how and where people cycle, which areas need improvement, and how to support long-term growth in cycling participation.
What Makes Vernon and the North Okanagan a Cycling Hub?
Vernon and the surrounding North Okanagan region offer a wide range of cycling routes, from neighbourhood streets to scenic trails that connect lakes, parks, and communities. These routes make it easy for both new and experienced cyclists to find paths that suit their comfort levels and schedules. The area's geography also makes it possible to ride without needing to drive to a trailhead, encouraging more people to begin trips right from home.
Community support for cycling in Vernon is growing. Local businesses, schools, and organizations now regularly participate in cycling initiatives. Infrastructure continues to improve, with new bike lanes, racks, and signage popping up in key areas. With strong local involvement, Vernon has become one of the province's standout communities for active transportation promotion.
What's in It for Riders?
Cyclists who register and log their trips during Spring GoByBike Week are entered into draws for a variety of prizes. The more you ride, the more chances you have to win. Prizes are provided by both local sponsors and GoByBike BC, and range from bike gear and gift cards to entries into provincial draws.
The 2025 event also includes a unique grand prize: a cycling trip abroad with Exodus Adventure Travels. This year, participants have a say in choosing the destination. Options include a multi-country ride through the Baltics, a cultural route through Cuba, or an extensive cycling tour of Vietnam. All three trips offer a mix of off-the-bike exploration and meaningful cultural exchange.
Celebration Stations are another draw. These pop-up locations throughout Vernon and the North Okanagan offer free refreshments, basic bike tune-ups, and giveaways. Riders can stop in during their commute or day out to connect with other cyclists, grab a snack, and learn more about local cycling resources.
A History of Momentum
GoByBike BC has grown from modest beginnings into a provincial movement. What started in 1996 with 500 riders in Victoria has since become a province-wide initiative with over 500,000 participants. The rebranding from Bike to Work BC to GoByBike BC reflected a broader mission: to promote cycling not just as a commute option, but as an everyday solution for transportation and health.
The numbers show impact. Since its inception, GoByBike BC has helped reduce more than 3.2 million kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions. That's equal to driving around the Earth more than 370 times. The organization has also supported over 78,500 workplace and community teams. Each team builds awareness in its own way—by encouraging colleagues, hosting tune-up sessions, or organizing group rides.
With each event, more people are introduced to the idea that cycling is practical, not just recreational. That message has been key to the continued growth and impact of GoByBike Weeks across the province.
How to Join In
Registration is straightforward. Visit https://gobybikebc.ca/vernon-north-okanagan/ to sign up. Choose to ride solo or form a team. Once registered, start logging your kilometres each day during the event period. The website tracks progress and provides updates on prize opportunities and Celebration Station locations.
There's no minimum distance required. Even a short trip to the grocery store counts. What matters is the effort to shift from driving to cycling. The more people participate, the more powerful the message becomes. Participation itself is a form of advocacy for better infrastructure, healthier lifestyles, and more connected communities.
Organizers also encourage friendly competition. Workplaces can set goals, compare totals, and reward teams that cycle the most. Families and neighbourhoods often form teams for fun, turning GoByBike Week into a shared experience that extends beyond individual trips.
Looking Ahead: The Big Picture
GoByBike BC has set out an ambitious five-year plan through 2027. The organization wants to remove barriers to cycling and ensure more people can participate—regardless of age, income, or physical ability. The plan also includes expanding seasonal events, building more partnerships, and establishing a stronger cycling culture in every community.
Vernon and the North Okanagan will continue to play a central role in that vision. As one of the areas with strong local participation, the region is well-positioned to help test new ideas, host pilot programs, and be an example of how cities can support everyday cycling.
Spring GoByBike Week is part of something much larger. It's a reminder that changing transportation habits doesn't need to start with big infrastructure overhauls or large investments. Sometimes, it starts with one person choosing a bike over a car. And then doing it again the next day.
Final Thoughts
Spring GoByBike Week in Vernon and the North Okanagan is a signal that transportation in the region is evolving. It's an invitation to be part of something practical, impactful, and community-driven. For riders of all levels, it's a chance to see familiar streets from a different perspective and experience what's possible when more people choose to ride.
