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Cyclists finish first in Metro Vancouver

A group of racing commuters has proved that when it comes to navigating Metro Vancouver, cycling is the better way.

Participants in Wednesday's Share the Road Challenge raced to downtown's Central Library by car, bike and public transit to determine the fastest mode of city transport.

Five cyclists beat or matched their driving counterparts, and all cyclists beat their transit-taking foes.

The race kicked off the province-wide Bike to Work Week, which runs from May 31 to June 6. Over 50 commuter stations will offer bike mechanic service and free food during morning and afternoon rush hour throughout the week.

"Cyclists are hugely fast in this city, so we're not at all surprised at the results," said Erin O'Melinn, program manager of Metro Vancouver's bike week. "This shows you that there's not really any extra time taken out of your day to cycle. It's door to door, and you don't have to park far away."

Twelve per cent of Vancouverites cited time constraints as a rationale for not cycling to work, according to a survey commissioned by the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition last year. Another major concern was safety.

"That's why the city has gone ahead with the Dunsmuir bike lane," said city councillor Geoff Meggs. "We closed that gap that's always existed across the downtown core, so there's a safe route for people to bike to work."

In 2009, approximately 22,000 cyclists in 15 communities throughout B.C. participated in Bike to Work Week.

Learn more or register for Bike to Work Week here.

Robyn Smith is completing a practicum at The Tyee.

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