Looking Back and Forward
Wheel Life column - January 6, 2001
by Todd Litman and Suzanne Kort - Victoria Transport Policy Institute

Riding local trails was a holiday highlight for our family. The Galloping Goose overflowed with users despite the damp weather: children trying out shiny new bikes and scooters, fellow cyclists on a day ride, and many local residents and visitors out for a stroll. Even during winter the Goose is used by hundreds of people each day. Other community trails also receive heavy use.

Our trail system is developing in exciting ways. Last year saw completion of the Blenkinsop Trestle, the missing link between the Galloping Goose and Lochside trails. It is now possible to cycle from Sooke to Sidney on this network. We are also delighted with the conversion of Cecelia Creek from a rank sewer into a flowing stream adjacent to the Galloping Goose, near the Selkirk Trestle.

We often take these facilities for granted once they are completed, forgetting the tremendous effort and risks needed to develop them. It takes vision to imagine such facilities before they are constructed, and courage to fight for them. Give thanks to the many people, both government officials and community activists, who helped make our growing trail system a reality.

Our region claims to be the official Cycling Capital of Canada, a distinction we can be proud of, but which also requires continued commitment. Claiming this distinction based solely on our fair climate and geography is hardly more than a boast. To earn it, we need to create truly outstanding conditions for cycling.

The Capital Regional District (CRD) is working to develop an official Cycling Strategy that will become part of the Regional Growth Strategy. The CRD hired a temporary cycling coordinator, Liora Freedman, to coordinate a series of workshops to develop the strategy. The next workshop will occur sometime in February, but the date has not been set.

The CRD wants your vision for a more cycle-friendly region, in 250 words or less. The deadline for submitting ideas has been extended to February 1. For more information, or to become involved in this effort, visit the CRD website at www.crd.bc.ca, email lfeedman@crd.bc.ca, or call 360-3257. Consider joining the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition, which works to promote cycling in our region. Visit www.gvcc.bc.ca or call 480-5155.

Our climate is mild compared with other parts of Canada. All you need to ride year round in relative comfort is suitable equipment: a good rain jacket, heavy tights, and a bike with wide tires, front and back lights, and fenders. Still, you may find it difficult to be enthusiastic about riding in dark, wet or stormy winter conditions. This is a good time to diversify your exercise habits.

To maintain a basic level of fitness exercise thirty minutes or more, at least four days a week. Any form of exercise that elevates your pulse-rate will do: fast walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, skating, or a game of tag with kids. The key to health is to exercise frequently. And the key to frequent exercise is to keep it fun.