June 3, 2004 – On June 12, pedaling dinosaurs, stunt-jumpers, children’s
entertainers and some of BC’s top amateur racers will all be in attendance
at the second annual Stanley Park Bike Festival, Vancouver’s premier cycling
event and highlight of Bike Month.

The six hour festival, held between 8a.m. and 2p.m. at Brockton Point,
celebrates cycling for sport, fun and fitness, while promoting cycling as an
alternative transportation option and addressing concerns around pollution
and global warming. Building on the momentum from the inaugural 2003 event,
organizers expect up to 3000 attendees for 2004.

“The Stanley Park Bike Festival was the best bike event I’ve ever attended
in Vancouver”, said CanBike instructor Bruce Mol of the 2003 Stanley Park
Bike Festival. “Rest assured it was the very best thing that has happened to
cycling for quite a while.”

The festival features the Brockton Criterium bike race, now in its 4th year
and fast becoming one of the most popular dates on the BC Road Racing
calendar. Both men and women athletes compete for prizes and glory on a
challenging course that provides spectators with breathtaking views from
every angle.

The undisputed hit of the 2003 festival, Kids’ Fun Races sponsored by
Shimano will be held for four to seven-year olds and eight to twelve-year
olds. Other activities for children include the SunRype Active Kids
Challenge, Bike Safety Rodeo, Treasure Hunt and performances by Vancouver
Magic Club’s Entertainer of the Year, The Purple Pirate. Also planned for
all ages are guided trail rides in Stanley Park, a team bike relay, bike
maintenance workshops and awe-inspiring stunt jumping and trials
demonstrations. Local retailers and interest groups will be on hand offering
free samples, demonstrations and information in the Expo area.

In line with their 2030 goal of a car-free Stanley Park, the Vancouver Parks
Board supported a 2-hour extension to this year’s festival, with road
closures around Brockton Point in effect from 7:30a.m. until Noon. To reach
the festival at the Totems at Brockton Point, visitors are encouraged to use
alternative modes of transportation, such as cycling, walking, in-line
skating, or transit. Volunteers from the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition
(VACC) will be leading group rides to the park from various points in the
Lower Mainland. Parking is available in other areas of Stanley Park and the
West End for those who must drive. Pay parking is in effect throughout the
park.

“We’ve tried to take it up a notch for this year’s festival”, says Stanley
Park Bike Festival founder and Event Manager Alistair Barrett. “The feedback
we received last year was immensely positive, which tells me that this is
exactly the kind of event Vancouverites want. Not only does it provide a
showcase for amateur sport, but it exposes people to alternatives
surrounding transportation, healthy lifestyles and community. Plus it’s just
plain fun.”

Free activities for families and cyclists of all ages are planned. Cyclists
wishing to participate in the Brockton Criterium race must register and pay
a registration fee. Details about festival events and race registration can
be found on the festival web site: www.stanleyparkbikefest.ca. To plan a
transit trip to the festival, visit the TransLink web site at
www.translink.bc.ca or call 604-953-3333.