Championing the cycling culture, event sponsor Concord Pacific, in partnership with Cycling BC, has confirmed it will proceed with its plans to host the Tour de Concord Vancouver – Free Family Bike Festival on the north shore of Vancouver’s False Creek on the evening of Thursday, June 30th, 2022.
Originally planned as an event to start the festivities and preview the Formula E auto racetrack, the free festival will now proceed as a standalone event. The Criterium road cycling race is also an opportunity for local and international cyclists to still race in light of recent BC Superweek cancellations, including the Gastown Grand Prix. Everyone will be welcome to register, experience riding the professional bike closed-circuit course and enjoy the bike-themed community festival and entertainment.
The free family ride takes place between 4:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M, followed by exciting pro cyclist racing on the course as the festival continues into the evening. The 850-metre track and festival grounds will span from BC Place to Concord Community Park by Science World.
“I’m proud that Concord Pacific is following through on its promise to help kick off this year’s Canada Day long weekend with a home grown bike fest and free family event,” said Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart. “Every single resident and business worked hard to keep our city safe and help us get to where we are today, welcoming visitors back to our streets to celebrate our incredible city.”
“The pro race is usually an hour, 40 to 50 laps, depending on how fast they cycle,” explains Erin Waugh, CEO of Cycling BC. “It’s fast, technical and exciting. The first person across the finish line without being lapped wins.
“Whether you ride for fitness, fun, or the environment, you are part of the cycling community in our province,” Waugh adds. “Cycling is for all ages, all levels, and all communities. We’re all one big cycling community, so come out and love bikes with us.”
“This bike festival will be the biggest in the region and is able to stand on its own,” says Terry Hui, President and CEO of Concord Pacific Developments. “We need events like this to bring back the street scene in Vancouver to where it was before 2020, so Concord Pacific decided it must carry on and deliver this event for our local families and cycling enthusiasts. We’re connected to the cycling community and becoming known as ‘the most bike friendly place to live’”.
“Many Concord developments are the most bike-friendly place to live, not just in the Lower Mainland, but in Canada,” adds Matt Meehan, Senior Vice-President with Concord Pacific. “Concord Pacific is recognized globally as a bike-friendly developer. We’re very proud to be a part of creating an opportunity for people to continue to develop biking into part of their healthy lifestyles and simultaneously feel supported by us. Concord Pacific is able to deliver these over-the-top amenities at a reasonable operations cost to owners because our projects are large scale.”
ABOUT THE EVENT
A main stage, a DJ, artists and race play-by-play are all part of the festival, along with obstacle courses, bike decorating, vendors, mountain and E-bike demos, gear-up stations for bikes, beer gardens, food trucks, electric race cars on display, free bike valet service, great draw prizes to be won and more.
In addition, Concord Community Park’s resident Canoe Cultures program will be on-site exhibiting boatbuilding techniques as part of its mission to pass Indigenous knowledge about canoe carving from one generation to the next.
Science World will also be part of the festival with presentations for children on sustainability. “Science World is excited to work with our neighbours at Concord Pacific to support this event, and we look forward to welcoming the community to East False Creek this summer,” said Tracy Redies, President and CEO of Science World.
“We encourage people of all bike levels to come out and participate,” says Jaime Williams, Event Director with Concord Pacific. “From serious athletes to biking beginners, there will be something for everyone. Trained professionals will also be on site for a free bike tune-up, answer questions and educate you on the best bike for your ability, size and lifestyle.”
Online registration is required to be part of the festival ride. All participants will be entered for various prize draws, including a family get-away to either the Sundial Hotel in Whistler, or the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver.
Concord is donating the festival’s proceeds to Cycling BC’s youth cycling and high-performance programs.
For race registration, race details and event schedule, visit cyclingbc.net and for more bike festival information, visit Concord Pacific.
