Cycling to work is cost efficient for both employees and employers, reduces the dependence on cars and allows employees to reduce their carbon footprint. Biking to work is good for employees, employers and the planet.

Carol Vignale, coordinator of Safe Route Tsawwassen, is a supporter of Bike to Work Week, May 28 to June 1. A longtime cyclist and Tsawwassen resident, she initiated the Safe Route Tsawwassen group.

"One of the goals of this group is to extend the walking and cycling culture in Tsawwassen and then to other parts of Delta so that there are more cyclists and fewer cars and so that environmentally and active transportation such as walking and cycling becomes a way of life," said Vignale.

Cycling is a key aspect of a comprehensive sustainable transportation system and plays a vital role in the development of low-carbon and greengrowth urban environments.

There is ample evidence indicating that cycling could offer tremendous economic, environmental, health and social benefits in communities by reducing traffic congestion, energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, air and noise pollution, and by integrating physical activity into our daily routines.

"Although walking and biking are becoming more common as gas prices rise and as people are becoming aware of the health implications of our sedentary lifestyle, much has to be done to change our dependence on cars," said Sepia Sharma, community health specialist from Fraser Health.

"We are seeing a rise in chronic and other health conditions that are caused by the negative consequences of our car-centric culture."

Bike Week is a time when we can begin reversing this trend., making cities safer and healthier.

For more information, visit www.biketoworkmetrovan.ca.