Kamloops celebrates Bike to Work Week

May 31, 2016 | 3:49 PM

KAMLOOPS — It’s Bike to Work Week; a chance for Kamloops residents to park their cars for the weekly commute, and hope on their bikes. this morning, Thompson Rivers University held a special celebration in honour of bike to work week.

It’s not quite Paris… but this morning, in honour of bike to work week, Thompson Rivers University held a petit dejeuner, for those registered, and participating in the week long event.

“We just want to encourage people to get on their bikes for Bike to Work Week,” said James Gordon, with TRU’s Sustainability office. “Because of the strong French bicycling culture… and the food is fantastic. So [we combined] those two.”

The Velo-ciraptors, comprised of members of TRU’s Marketing and Communications department, took full advantage of the breakfast, and have embraced Bike to Work Week.

Down at the Prince Charles Park Bike to Work Week Celebration Station, the atmosphere is less European, but celebrating sustainability is still front and centre.

“The volunteers, the sponsors, the riders. Everybody is coming together after months of planning, and now we’re starting to catch that excitement and buzz,” said Faith Bateman, event co-ordinator.

The week is a province-wide initiative, aimed at reducing the emissions from our daily commutes; Faith Bateman, Bike to Work Week organizer, says there are other significant benefits to using pedal power to get around.

“I feel, personally, that we have to have a stronger connection to our natural environment, and getting on your bike gives you that opportunity,” Bateman told CFJC Today. “It slows you down on your way to work. You connect with nature, you connect with your community in a completely different way than if you’re in your car.”

Back at TRU, the french style breakfast continued. Event organizer, James Gordon says there are other Bike to Work Week events planned for campus throughout the week, and beyond.

“[TRU is] extending… Bike to Work Week for the entire month [of June],” Gordon said. “Sometimes it takes a while to get into a habit before you realize ‘Okay, it’s not that big a deal. I can do this on a regular basis.’”