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(This story is sponsored by HUB Cycling)

As people across Metro Vancouver brace themselves for the upcoming wet weather, you may think it’s time to put away your bike until next spring. But cycling doesn’t need to stop when the summer ends. With a little planning and prep, cycling can still be fun, safe and comfortable year-round. 

HUB Cycling’s Go by Bike Week returns to Metro Vancouver this week from September 27 to October 3. Participants can register for the free community event at bikehub.ca/gbbw. 

Go by Bike Week is a celebration of cycling, where HUB Cycling motivates people to cycle to work, school, or the shops for a chance to win prizes! By logging your bike trips online at bikehub.ca/gbbw (or linking your Strava) during the event, participants are entered to win great prizes like a Pedego Electric Bike, full kit from Samsara, and hundreds of dollars worth of gift cards from DoorDash, San Poncho, and more.

To get ready for the event, try these tips to make your transition into the year-round cycling club a breeze.

Outfit your bike and yourself for colder weather

The important part of fall and winter riding is the accessories, but that doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy all the high-end waterproof and reflective gear just to ride in the fall and winter; whatever keeps you warm and dry should be at the top of the list. If you live in Metro Vancouver, you probably already own most of what you need.

HUB Cycling loves to keep warm by dressing in layers, merino wool, neck warmers, gloves, and stashing an extra pair of socks in our bags. When it comes to your bike, a set of fenders on your wheels to keep your back end dry and splash-free is worth the investment! If you’re looking for a little more guidance, check out the Commuting by Bike Checklist.

Stay visible with bike lights

Did you know that studies have shown that using bike lights during the day lowers your risk of collision with a motor vehicle by 47%? 

This is especially the case during the fall and winter months. when the sun sets earlier, it’s important to keep yourself safe with a front white light and a rear red light when riding your bike.

Read more light tips to keep you safe here. Stop by one of HUB Cycling’s celebration stations during Go by Bike Week to pick up free bike lights!

Plan your bike route before your ride

If you can, it’s always more enjoyable to avoid routes with heavy vehicle traffic. Plan a safe ride on separated bike routes to work, school, the grocery store or wherever you’re going with HUB Cycling’s free regional cycling maps at bikehub.ca/maps.

TransLink’s Metro Vancouver cycling map classifies bike routes by comfort level with comfortable for most, comfortable for some, and comfortable for few categories. 

‘Comfortable for Most’ routes include bike routes separated from vehicle traffic and bike routes sharing the road with vehicle traffic at reduced speeds.

Attend HUB Cycling’s Fall & Winter Riding Workshop

Colder and wetter weather comes with added cycling safety considerations. Need to increase your bike IQ? Join HUB Cycling experts on Wednesday (October 1) from 12-1 p.m. for a virtual workshop covering everything you need to know about cycling in Metro Vancouver’s fall and winter riding conditions.

You’ll learn about: 

Outfitting your bike and yourself for fall and winter riding, Advanced cycling safety, Cold-weather care for your bike, and Route planning considerations. 

Register for your free spot here. 

Give your bike some TLC with some winter maintenance

Regular riding in the winter months can be hard on your bike and it will need a little TLC to keep you going. Consider cleaning your rims before riding (to increase stopping power) and degreasing and lubing your drivetrain more often. Bonus points if you can wipe down your bike to clean off dirt, grit, and possible salt from the frame and components after particularly wet rides. Visit your local bike shop if you’re in any doubt about whether your bike is winter-ready or if you need advice about how to maintain it throughout the season. 

HUB Cycling is running 15 Celebration Stations equipped with knowledgeable bike mechanics to help tune up your bike from September 27 to October 3. Stop by for free quick fixes or to get your bike assessed for bigger jobs. Find a station in your neighbourhood here. 

HUB Cycling’s Go by Bike Week is back in Metro Vancouver this week from September 27- October 3. Register and log rides at bikehub.ca/gbbw. 

Your participation is important because it helps HUB Cycling show decision-makers there’s a demand for better and safer cycling infrastructure in Metro Vancouver.