(This story is sponsored by HUB Cycling)

By Rianna Fiorante

HUB Cycling’s popular Bike to Shop event returns from August 1-31 this summer! 

This year, eight Metro Vancouver neighbourhoods are participating in the event that challenges people to shop by bike. During the event, HUB Cycling challenges people to ditch their vehicle and bike to shop to win great prizes, like tickets to the popular Bard on the Beach and TransLink Compass Cards, and gift cards for local retailers, including Duer, Simons and Sporting Life at The Amazing Brentwood.  

To make shopping by bike a breeze, the interactive Bike to Shop neighbourhood maps highlight bike shops and bike parking in participating neighbourhoods, bike routes to bike-friendly businesses, and nearby bike share options.  

HUB Cycling will also be running two pop-up celebration stations in Coquitlam and Richmond during Bike to Shop: 

• Sunday, August 6, from 9am to 1 pm at Coquitlam Farmers Market 
• Sunday, August 20, from 10:30am to 3:30pm at Steveston Farmers Market 

Participants can stop by these stations to learn more about shopping by bike in the neighbourhood, take home free cycling maps, and find out how they can win great prizes by going for a ride!  

With high gas prices, inflation, and expensive parking costs, many people are looking for more affordable ways to shop, and by saving money (you don’t need to spend on gas to fuel your vehicle) you’ll have more income to spend at your favourite shops and to support your local economy. For every $100 spent at a local business, it’s estimated that $68 remains local, so this summer, get on your bike, support local businesses and help your community thrive! 

Luckily, shopping by bike is easier than you think! Check out these helpful resources for tips & tricks:  

• Find the best and safest bike routes to visit the Bike to Shop neighbourhoods with HUB Cycling’s free bike maps at bikehub.ca/biketoshop/maps. 
• Find secure bike parking while you shop and learn to lock your bike properly to deter bike thieves. Learn about the safe and secure bike parking options available across Metro Vancouver and techniques you can use to deter bike thieves!  
• Think about how to transport your goodies home. You can install a basket, milk crate box or panniers—but if you don’t already have these bike accessories, there’s no need to go out and buy them. A good backpack will also do the trick!  

If you’re entirely new to biking to shop, don’t fret! Follow HUB Cycling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for tips and tricks on easily making cycling to shops a part of your routine, or check out The Commuter Bike Shopper’s Checklist or How to Shop by Bike. 

Bike to Shop returns to Metro Vancouver from August 1-31. Join the movement to show our businesses and local decision-makers how important cycling is for local businesses and our community. Learn more at bikehub.ca/biketoshop.