More than 500 cyclists of all ages participated in the second annual Sunshine Coast Slow Food Cycle in Gibsons and area on July 28. Between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., they visited 16 participating farms and small businesses dotted along the route from North Road in Gibsons to Highland Road in Roberts Creek. The event hit its online registration limit of 500 on the morning of the event and took additional in-person registrations at the event. The ride was organized by Transportation Choices Sunshine Coast (TraC), a local active-transportation advocacy group.
“One of our main goals with the ride is to connect participants with local food producers,” said event director and TraC board member Heather Anderson. “Many riders were visiting farms and businesses for the first time and the venues that took part really poured their hearts into the event, preparing snacks, leading farm tours and hosting live music.”
Modeled on similar rides in other communities, Anderson said the Slow Food Cycle aims to encourage people to travel by bike, build a sense of community among cyclists and local food producers and to support the local food economy.
Sarah Rooney, whose Walker Creek Farm on Burton Road was one of the participating venues, said the networking aspect of the event is something she values. “The event really makes me feel like I’m part of the community––helping with food security, connecting people with food producers and educating our guests about what goes into producing the food they eat,” she said. “And so many people tell me they had no idea I was here, and that they’ll be back. So, for me, it’s not so much about one day of great business as it is about connecting with people who’ll come back again and again.”
The number of participants coming from off the Coast jumped dramatically, from 20 per cent in 2023 to just under 50 per cent in 2024. Anderson said these off-Coast participants have a trickle-down effect that has an impact on other businesses and services that aren’t directly involved in the event.
“We heard from off-Coast participants that whether they stay with friends here or pay for accommodation, they end up eating in our restaurants and visiting our shops. Cycle tourism is good for the community well beyond the scope of the ride,” Anderson said.
Meanwhile, TraC is moving ahead with plans for its next event, Car-free Day, which will take place on Cowrie Street in Sechelt on Saturday, Sept. 7. The third annual Sunshine Coast Slow Food Cycle is scheduled for Sunday, July, 27, 2025.
