Bicycle way to go for Victorians

Cyclists cross overpass on the Galloping Goose Trail. It's not so hard to bike to work once you put your mind and body to it, a writer says. Times Colonist Published: Friday, May 26, 2006 Just this morning in a school staff room I overheard two teachers lament about how difficult it is to cycle to work. "Who wants to arrive sweaty and wet (from the rain)?" I'm here to tell you how wrong they are. I am a teacher-on-call. I work all over Greater Victoria. With the money I've saved in gas, I have already "earned back" the cost of my high-quality bike. When I was driving, I never had time to go to the gym. Now I "take the gym" with me! Many schools have showers. But "sink bathing" has never prevented me from commuting. Bike to Work Week is coming up (May 29-June 4). Here are a few encouraging times of some rides I've done around Victoria. From near the Oak Bay Rec Centre to (near) CanWest Mall in Langford took 55 minutes. From Oak Bay rec to Prospect Lake took just under an hour. Oak Bay rec to Cordova Bay took 40 minutes. Most rides are do-able in Victoria. I encourage -- no, challenge! -- Victoria-ites to leave their cars at home at least one time per week. Good luck, be safe and have fun! Amei Parkes, Way-to-Go co-ordinator, Willows Elementary School, Victoria. © Times Colonist (Victoria) 2006