Bike to Work Week kicks off tomorrow, rain or shine

With wetter roads and autumn leaves plugging street gutters, hazards for cyclists abound at this time of year.

But according to a Metro Vancouver cyclist advocacy group, it's the perfect time to remind people that cycling is a great way to commute.

Hub Cycling is kicking off its semi-annual Bike to Work Week on Monday.

"Here in Metro Vancouver, really the worst weather we get is rain — and that's totally doable on your bike," said Erin O'Melinn, Hub's executive director.

O'Melinn expects about 8,000 people to register for the event, which is up from last fall when Hub drew a little more than 6,300 riders.

"Most of the winter, people aren't as motivated to be out there," she said, adding that a big part of the event is just to encourage people and keep their spirits up in the nasty weather.

"We'll have over 40 celebration stations around the region set up on bike routes with free coffee and bike mechanics and prizes," said O'Melinn.

Staying safe in the weather

According to Const. Brian Montague with the Vancouver Police Department, this time of year brings plenty of challenges for cyclists.

"We see a number of hazards. There's some obvious ones — vehicles, obviously — but with the darker weather and the poor weather, it's sometimes hard to see curbs, uneven pavement, storm sewers," he said. "All of those pose risks, especially to cyclists."

"We're a city where you can bike and walk year round. Pedestrians and cyclists are some of our most vulnerable road users and we want drivers to pay extra attention to what's going on around them.

"The goal is to make sure that police, ambulance and fire don't have to be called to a pedestrian or cyclist who has been struck by a car or some sort of collision."

O'Melinn echoed the note of caution, while trying not to discourage anyone from choosing to bike to work.

"We definitely want them to be visible when they get out there and to have the right gear. So we encourage people to put lights on day and night. It's proven that even during the daytime it helps people see you," she said.

"Just put those lights on all at the time, front, back, helmet ones, side ones — the more the merrier, really."

O'Melinn notes that in many cases, people may not be comfortable riding all the way to work. But even combining the bike with other types of transportation, like bus, SkyTrain, or car is keeping in the spirit of Bike to Work Week.

She said one of the perks of registering for the event is daily prizes; there's a bike-a-day giveaway and a trip for two to Amsterdam.

Follow Rafferty Baker on Twitter: @raffertybaker