Cycling

Carpooling
Cycling
Driving Wisely
In-line Skating
Skateboarding
Telecommuting
Transit
Walking, Wheeling & Running

Pedal Power!
What to Wear
Benefits
Weather Accessories
Cycling to Work
Bike and Ride
Cycling Safely
Rules of the Road
British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act - Cyclists
Bicycle Lockers

Download the Kelowna Bike Route Map pdf icon

Pedal Power!

Cycling is a great alternative to using a motor vehicle because it is fast, cheap, easy to do and uses the most efficient zero-emission vehicle – the bicycle. Plus it is a great way to get some exercise and experience the outdoors. You’ll look better, feel healthier and enjoy the thrill of sneaking some ‘playtime’ into your day....remember, start with just one day a week, then two, then...who knows!

Cycling is a great way to experience and immerse yourself in your community! Feel the wind in your face, smell the flowers, meet your neighbours and most of all...enjoy the ride!

Cycling can save you money! It costs about $200 per year to maintain a bike, plus an initial investment of up to $300 for commuting accessories. Compare that to the $8,377.05 a year or $25.17 per day that the average person pays to own and operate a mid size vehicle that travels 12,000 kilometres a year. Then add in the cost of parking (which is free for cyclists), and you’re way ahead.

For trips of up to five kilometers, cycling is usually the fastest way to travel. Car and truck trips of a similar distance give off a high amount of pollution and gobble up more fuel. So take your bike instead, arrive on time, and kiss those traffic jams and parking hassles goodbye.

The average speed for cyclists is 18 kilometres/hour.

What to Wear

The great thing about cycling is its simplicity. To get from here to there, cyclists need only two things: a bike (of course) and a helmet. However, there are some additional accessories that can help make cycling more comfortable and safer (but you can accumulate these depending on your needs, budget and interest level):

Reflectors.
Front and rear light for night time cycling.
Lock.
Tire pump.
Protective eyewear (like sunglasses) to shield your eyes from bright sunlight, road debris, wind and insects.
Water bottle and holder.
Mirror to help you see behind you (but remember to check over your shoulder, too).
Rear rack with a milk crate attached by rope or bungee cords, or panniers for carrying goods.
Roadside repair kit containing: tube/tire patches, spare tube, tire levers, appropriate screwdrivers, an adjustable wrench, surgical gloves or moist towelettes to keep your hands clean , spare batteries for lights, change for two phone calls, and/or bus tickets and taxi fare in case of emergency.
Copy of the Bicycle Route Map.

Weather Accessories

Here in the Central Okanagan year round cyclists face all types of weather conditions and some simple accessories can help you weather any condition.

Front and rear fenders to prevent rain from splashing your clothes.
Vinyl saddle (seat) helps to prevent soaking in the rain.
Biking shorts are good for warm weather, and also offer complete mobility.
Wet weather may require you to wear waterproof clothing, but make sure it allows air to circulate.
Gloves can make riding more comfortable and can protect your hands.
Shoe covers, toe-clip covers, and cold-weather riding shoes help keep your toes warm in cooler weather. Don't forget to bundle up during the winter.

For extra comfort, convenience and fun, think about using the following:

Pant clips or rubber bands help prevent your pants from getting caught.
If you are cycling to work, you may also wear athletic clothes and change at work; bring your clothes in a regular backpack or pannier (special garment-bag panniers are also available). You may also consider taking in a week's worth of work outfits and leaving them there.
Handlebar bag or basket provides extra carrying capacity.
Bicycle trailer is a great way to transport your kids.
Bike stand or kickstand.
Toe-clips and straps, or clip-less pedals.
Suspension device for smoother riding.
White light mounted onto your helmet for increased night-time visibility.
Speedometer or odometer to help your record you distances and times.
For extra safety, carry a cell phone with you (this is especially important if you travelling alone at night).

Cycling to Work

Cycling to work is a great way to include exercise into your daily routine. The average commuter cyclist in the Central Okanagan travels approximately eight kilometres one way. This is equivalent to an average commute time of thirty minutes, which enables people to easily meet Health Canada’s fitness prescription of an hour a day of cumulative exercise.

To make cycling to work easier, you can ask your employer to provide a safe locker or cage to store your bicycle in, plus shower and locker facilities. If you need help convincing your employer of the benefits of providing these amenities, check out our Employer Benefits section.

Try planning your route to work on a weekend ride. This will ensure you know best way to go and just how long you will need to get there... and remember, there is no need to suddenly become an 'everyday bike commuter'. Try even just one day a week to start, then two, then...Bike commuting is a learning experience...enjoy the ride!

If you are interested in encouraging your co-workers to try cycling to work, check out some of our fun events like Bike to Work Week and the Commuter Challenge

Bike and Ride

The Kelowna Regional Transit System is pleased to offer buses equipped with racks that can carry up to two bicycles at a time.

So, leave the pedalling to Kelowna Regional Transit! Whether you're headed for work, for school, for shopping or for fun, you and your bike can ride the same bus.

The bike racks hold most wheel and frame sizes, but was not designed to hold tandem and motor-powered bikes.

Click here for more information about 'Bike and Ride', including instructions on how to load your bicycle.

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Cycling Safely

Always wear a helmet! In BC, it's the law.
Select a helmet approved by CSA, ANSI, ASTM, or Snell and make sure it fits properly.
Always wear bright and reflective clothing.
If you are riding in the dark be sure to use a front light and rear reflectors so that vehicles can see you.
If you are a first time cyclist, try and find a bike buddy who can show you the ropes.
Pick up a Bicycle Route Map that shows all of the bicycle lanes, bicycle paths, and bicycle routes in the City of Kelowna so that you can plan to take the safest routes.
Obey the rules of the road to help prevent collisions.
Always scan the road, be alert and ride defensively – don’t assume that drivers will see you, make sure they do.

For everything you need to know about cycling in BC check out the Bike Sense website.

Rules of the Road

Remember that motorists and cyclists must be courteous to each other. Cyclists should ride defensively, be alert and plan alternate manoeuvres to avoid conflict. See and be seen!

Click here for detailed information on rules of the road including diagrams.

British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act – Cyclists

Cyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers of vehicles.
After dark, all cyclists are required by law to have a front white headlight visible for a minimum of 150 meters and a rear red reflector visible for 100 meters.
Cyclists must not ride on a sidewalk unless authorized by a bylaw.
Cylists must not ride on a crosswalk unless authorized to do so by a bylaw.
Cyclists must ride as near as possible to the right side of the highway.
Bicycles are classified as vehicles under the British Columbia Highway Traffic Act.

Bicycle Lockers

Secure your bicycle for only $10 a month or $2 a day (select locations)!!!

parkade locker Bicycle lockers offer a secure protected location to store your bicycle and several are located throughout the City of Kelowna including:

Downtown on Bernard Avenue

South Pandosy Town Centre

Queensway Transit Station (downtown)

Provincial Court House on Water Street (cultural district)

Downtown Chapman Parkade and Library Parkade (12 fenced lockers monitored by attendant. (Lawrence Ave/ Ellis St.)

For more information contact Kelowna Parking at 250- 862-8585
or visit their office at 100-586 Leon Avenue.

For daily rental of the parkade bike locker just drop by and speak with a parking attendant...

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