Join us in celebrating Go By Bike Week, help make our shared roads safer for all users, and get active in ParticipACTION

Type(s)
Community News
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Go By Bike Week is May 31 to June 6

From May 31st to June 6th, everyone across British Columbia is encouraged to choose two wheels instead of four—whether it’s for your commute, errands, exercise, or just for fun.

Every ride counts. Every rider matters.

And the best part? You’ll have a chance to win prizes, connect with your community, and stay active—all while helping make our streets cleaner and safer. And thinking about safer streets . . . Lake Country will be raising awareness of safety on our shared roads this week as well.  Watch for Lake Country Road Safety Awareness Week social media posts, and information about how all roads users (motorists, cyclists, walkers/joggers, skateboard and scooter users, stroller pushers, mobility device users) can share our travel routes safely throughout our community -- whether on rural roads with a gravel shoulder or more recently developed urban streets with paved multi-use pathways. 

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What can you do to practice road safety

Have you thought about ways you could leave the car behind and choose active transportation for some trips this week? Go By Bike Week is about biking, skateboarding, scootering or rollerblading, instead of driving. It’s a great opportunity to try something new, reduce emissions, and explore Lake Country in a new way. You can even take your bike with you on the bus if you work in Kelowna or Vernon and do part of your commute on two wheels. This week is the time to ride for your health, your community, and for some seriously awesome prizes.

Some events you might want to participate in during Go By Bike Week: 

  • Oyama Traditional School Go By Bike to School group ride
    Monday, June 2 starting at 7:45 am at the Oyama General Store
    The week begins for Oyama Traditional School students, with a bike to school group ride led by Ms. Daniels. Parents are welcome, and younger students can walk or scooter from the Oyama Community Hall at 8:00 am with OTS teacher supervision.  Everyone cycling or scootering (including parents) is reminded to wear their helmet. Students are encouraged to use any human powered way to get to school, not just biking.
  • Everyone Welcome Lake Country Celebration Station 
    Wednesday, June 4 at Swalwell Park 7:30 am to 9:30 am  
    The District of Lake Country in partnership with Friends of Okanagan Rail Trail, Lake Country Cycle and Pedego Oyama are hosting a celebration station to help you kick off your Wednesday morning with some fun, prizes and treats. Stop by Swalwell Park at 10090 Bottom Wood Lake Rd to get your Go By Bike Week passport stamped, learn more about sharing the roads safely, enter the prize draws, and pick up some treats. Plus, a bike mechanic will be on-site offering basic tune-ups.  Want to get involved in your community? Chat with the Friends of Okanagan Rail Trail to learn how you can support their work as a volunteer trail ambassador or steward.  Whether you're stopping by on your commute to work or school or just passing through, we’d love to see you!
  • Friends of Okanagan Rail Trail Group Ride from Oyama Boat Launch Wednesday, June 4 at 6 pm riding approximately 20 km… all flat terrain Join the trail ambassadors for a guided ride through Oyama and along the beautiful lakeside natural environment as you listen to the sounds of birds, and visit with friends while you get some exercise. 

There will also be celebration events hosted by community partners in Kelowna and Vernon. All events are free.

To take part in Go By Bike Week, register as an individual or a team at https://gobybikebc.ca/kelowna-central-okanagan/ Logging your rides helps track greenhouse gas savings and gives you a chance to win prizes, including the grand prize: a cycling trip in Vietnam through Exodus Adventure Travels. By simply logging a ride at GoByBikeBC.ca, you're automatically entered to win some incredible provincial prizes (https://gobybikebc.ca/event-info/provincial-prizes/).

How to Enter:

1.  Register at GoByBikeBC.ca

2.  Log at least one ride during the event week

3.  Complete any extra prize entry forms (like the Vietnam trip!)

The more you ride, the more chances you have to win.

Whether you’re commuting, riding to school, or cruising around the lake on the Okanagan Rail Trail and Pelmewash Parkway —every logged ride is an entry. So hop on your bike, track those kilometers, and get excited about where your pedals could take you!

Your rides matter. Your voice matters. And your wheels are already making a difference.

Keep riding, keep sharing, and keep inspiring others to join the movement.

We’re also very excited to let you know that Lake Country is officially participating in the 2025 ParticipACTION Community Challenge — and we need your help to win the title of Canada’s Most Active Community!

What is the ParticipACTION Community Challenge?
It’s a nationwide event running throughout the month of June, encouraging everyone to get moving and track their physical activity. Communities across the country compete to see who can be the most active — and the winning community receives $100,000 to support local physical activity initiatives.

Why are we doing it?
Because it’s a fun, simple way to promote healthy, active living in our community. And since most of us are already moving through our programs and activities, all we need to do is track what we’re already doing!!

How can you help?
All local organizations, sports groups, schools, and community programs can get involved by:

  • Encouraging your family, community group members, staff, and sports organization participants to track their activity in the ParticipACTION app or website
  • Spreading the word to help get more people moving
  • Registering your organization to report group activities 

The more movement we track, the better our chances of winning!

Let’s show Canada what Lake Country can do. For more information visit ParticipACTION's website.