Cycle therapy spring, 2014 by Cycle Therapy

CycleTherapy hike+

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Go Multimodal kayak+

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Bike ToWork Week p18

Cycle Therapy Published by the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition PO Box 8586, Stn Central Victoria, BC, V8W 3S2 The GVCC’s purpose is to get more people cycling more places more often in Greater Victoria by: • Improving cycling education and making it universal for cyclists, motorists, and others dealing with bicycling • Facilitating communication between cyclists, business, government, and other community groups • Improving facilities and infrastructure for bicycle use • Improving the legal climate for cyclists • Encouraging more people to ride bicycles more often • Developing a cycling information base To contribute to Cycle Therapy, please email: cycletherapy@gvcc.bc.ca Submissions are greatly encouraged. Still, we reserve the right to edit copy in the interest of clarity or where necessary. The views expressed in Cycle Therapy are not necessarily those of the GVCC. All articles, photos and graphics published in Cycle Therapy remain the intellectual property of the authors and artists. Visit our website: gvcc.bc.ca facebook.com/GVCCbc twitter.com/gvcc Editorial Collective: Kate Berniaz, Michael Fisher, Celina O’Connor, Jason Weedmark Editor: Kate Berniaz Design Collective: Ryan Mijker, Celina O’Connor, Jason Weedmark Contributors: Pamela Bethel, Kate Berniaz, Michael Fisher, Ed Janicki, Max Johnson, Jennifer Marr, Ryan Mijker, Roy Nikaido, Matthew Payne, Ed Pullman, Ray Straatsma, Oliver Terry, Tony Webster, Celina O’Connor, Jason Weedmark, Simon Wigzell Distribution: Brenda Boyd Bike Couriers: Janet Besler, Brenda Boyd, Barry Edmonson, Forrest Nelson, John Perry, John Van Hoorn GVCC Board of Directors President: Edward Pullman Vice-president: Ray Straatsma Treasurer: Michael Fisher Secretary: Brenda Boyd Director: Bharat Chandramouli Director: Michael Fisher Director: Kathleen Fraser Director: Jeremy Loveday Director: Darren Marr Director: Celina O’Connor Director: Karen Quine Printed by First Choice Books & Victoria Bindery The GVCC is a proud member of the British Columbia Cycling Coalition. On the Cover: The Bike Ferry to Salt Spring Island during 2012’s Velo Village Photo: Jason Weedmark

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President’s Message multimodal means seamless connections by Edward Pullman An essential characteristic of a sustainable and equitable transportation system is that it is multimodal. That is, users of the transportation system have multiple modes at their disposal to reach their desired destination. These multiple modes should be safe, convenient, and accessible to the large majority of users. Seamless integration of different modes of transportation, such as park and rides, or bike racks on buses, is also important. Since moving to Victoria over 10 years ago, I have extensively made use of multimodal transportation to get to all of my desired locations, all without needing a car. Now, cars can certainly be a part of multimodal transportation, but again, the point to emphasize is that all modes of transportation, be they by foot, bike, bus or car, are accessible and convenient to users. While there probably isn’t a single municipality or jurisdiction in North America that is truly multimodal, Victoria isn’t bad (though I’m still waiting for a Bixi-esque Bike-sharing service). Some examples of multimodal transportation include:

• Biking out to the Sooke Potholes on a very sunny summer day via the Galloping Goose Trail and returning via the 61 bus. You may want to bike into Sooke and wait at the main stop on Sooke Road to reduce your risk of encountering a bus bike rack already filled to capacity! • Biking to Swartz Bay, hopping on the Tsawwassen ferry to visit friends in Vancouver. If it happens to be bucketing down with rain, a quick trip to the legislative buildings and hopping on the 70x guarantees a dry ride up to the ferries. • Routes 66 and 99 offer easy access to Duncan and Shawnigan Lake, respectively. These routes aren’t so handy for day bike trips, unfortunately, as the routes only go into Victoria in the morning and back to the Cowichan Valley in the evening. If you’re a commuter cyclist who hasn’t cycled more than 50km in a day, why not try cycling out to Sooke or up to Sidney sometime this spring? If you don’t have the energy to make the trip back, just hop on the bus!

Correction The article “California Cycling – Davis by Bike” in the Winter 2014 issue of Cycle Therapy stated that advance bicycle traffic lights installed in Davis, CA were a “Portland OR imported innovation”. This is incorrect. In fact, the first series of bicycle specific traffic signals in the U.S. was established in Davis in 1994. Portland did not install bicycle specific traffic signals until 2004. Thanks to David Takemoto-Weerts of the University of California–Davis for this clarification. Also, our apologies for the oversight.

a bike lane in mexico - see page 13

Editor’s Message Kate Berniaz Most of us don’t ride our bikes all the time, so this issue of Cycle Therapy explores how we combine biking with cars, buses, trains, planes, ferries, and walking. By going multimodal you can go further and see more. But just like getting ready to ride your bike after a long break, it can take some time to figure out the right bike rack for your car, how to not be totally awkward when you put your bike on the bus, and how to box a bike to take it farther afield. This issue has great information and tips on going more places with your bike. The Cycle Therapy Collective is welcoming Celina O’Connor to undertake copy editing and design, and we are very happy to welcome back Jason Weedmark who had a great history with the magazine. We always welcome articles and photos from our readers. Please be in touch (cycletherapy@gvcc. bc.ca) if you are interested. To make sure Cycle Therapy continues to be educational and entertaining, we are undertaking our first reader’s survey. The on-line survey can be found here: goo.gl/jntVTK

and asks what you like, dislike, and would like to see more of in the magazine. Complete the survey by June 15, 2014 and you will be entered to win a mystery ‘Copenhagen Cycling’ gift pack. In this issue, Ed Janicki and I provide information on bringing your bike with you when you fly. John Luton looks at bringing your bike on the ferry and what you get for the $2 charge. Andrew Godon share his recent experience cycling in Mexico and shows the role bikeshare can play as part of multimodal exploration of a new place. Closer to home, Eunice Martel is a multimodal tourist in her own town. Many people are biking to work. Theresa Gulliver fills us in on the 20th Anniversary of Bike to Work Week. Congratulations to BTWW on encouraging more people to try biking. Sarah Robert writes about other incentives workplaces can provide to get people on bikes and the positive outcomes they will see. Impending disaster? Rob Johns from the City of Victoria shares information on the new Cyclist Response Team. All this with

@GVCC What’s New at the GVCC

Since our last issue, the GVCC: • Released two major reports, both viewable on our website: gvcc.bc.ca Victoria Cycling Concepts, based on our Nov. 2013 public workshop. Includes recommendations for Victoria’s Bicycle Master Plan Update;

• Hosted a presentation by Dr Christian Juhra on what we can do to improve cycling safety. • Presented Bikes Mean Business at BC Regional Conference of Business Improvement Associations (BIAs).

Bikes Means Business. A research and survey report on the ‘business case’ for cycling, with a focus on Victoria’s downtown.

• Attended a meeting with City of Victoria Staff to discuss cycling facilities on the proposed David Foster Way harbour pathway.

• Received postive media coverage for Bikes Mean Business in the Times-Colonist, CBC Radio and CFAX.

• Began preparations with the City of Victoria for the next Tour de Disaster event for summer 2014

• Hosted a Ride Marshalling workshop at Uptown Community Room.

• Published on op-ed piece in the Times Colonist on why parking fares are important to a vibrant and active Downtown Victoria.

• Hosted a Cyclist Lounge at Cenote Resturant and Lounge. • Attended, did two presentations at Changing Gears alternative Transportation Expo (Pearkes Rec Centre).

• Spoke to Victoria City Council in support of favour of a rental development (1075 Pandora), that will feature bicycle storage just outside every suite.

regular articles from Oliver Terry, Tony Webster, a book review by Michael Fisher and more. Have a great time at Bike to Work Week and a glorious summer of biking around Victoria. See you in September, Kate Editor, Cycle Therapy

Watch for the GVCC @ • Bike Day in Canada Event in BC (tentative) May 26 • Bike to Work Week 26 May - June 1 • MEC Bike Fest - Ship Point, Inner harbour, Victoria BC - Saturday, June 14th • Fri 15 Aug Integrate Arts Festival Saturday, August 16th Cycle Therapy spring 2014 3

Theatre SKAM Brings Performance by Max Johnson and Cycling The Galloping Goose Trail is a perfect ride for cyclists in Victoria. Every summer, one particular stretch of the trail features blue skies, a rustic trestle, peaceful woods… fairies on stilts and poets in tuxedoes… giant puppets, wooly mammoths, folk singers… and Velociraptors in love?? That’s Theatre SKAM’s Bike Ride, an annual festival that brings live performance and cycling together. Every year since 2009, our local theatre company has taken over a four-kilometre stretch of the Galloping Goose Trail. Audience members purchase tickets from “The Hub” at Cecelia Ravine Park where they can also rent bikes or decorate their own, grab a healthy and eco-friendly snack, and take in some music, games, and fun surprises. Every fifteen minutes, tours of about twelve audience members are given maps and depart from The Hub to see three 10-minute performances. These miniature shows emerge from the natural environment of the trail at spots indicated on their maps. Audience members then return to The Hub and get ready to set out on another tour.

SNAFU dance theatre on the trail, 2009 (photo: Pamela Bethel)

All told, audiences can see as many as a dozen shows across four tours in a single afternoon. The lineup is always a surprise: you might see a dance troupe in a concrete courtyard, or two girls with ukuleles in a forested detour off the beaten path. Over the trestle, a fisherman juggles waist-deep in the Gorge waterway while a bike-themed punk rock group gets pumped up for their performance. Theatre SKAM’s Bike Ride is the brainchild of our Artistic Producer, Matthew Payne. He’s an avid cyclist, and the idea to combine his uniquely Victorian loves of cycling and live performance came from his regular rides along the Galloping Goose. The Trail is a hidden treasure available to all Victoria residents – by bringing theatregoers and cyclists together to see a wide variety of fun and family-friendly performances along the verdant, vibrant background of the trail, Theatre SKAM hopes to bring more attention to the natural beauty hidden right under our noses. Max works for Theatre SKAM and can be found on-site at Bike Ride wearing a straw hat, suede blazer, modest skirt, and running shoes. 4 Cycle Therapy spring 2014

launch pad collective on the trail, 2009 (photo: Matthew Payne)

Theatre SKAM’s sixth annual Bike Ride runs at Cecelia Ravine Park July 12, 13, 19 and 20. For more information, visit the website or call 250-386-7526. Skam.ca Skam.ca/bike-ride Facebook.com/TheatreSKAM Twitter.com/TheatreSKAM

a 2011 performance in bamfield Park (photo: Jason Weedmark)

Last year, Theatre SKAM’s Bike Ride featured: •500 audience members •382 performances •300 hot dogs •114 tours •17 performing companies (including 4 from Vancouver, Toronto and Saskatoon) •6 bike-punk rockers •4 sunny days •3 folk singers •2 giant puppets •1 wooly mammoth zopyra theatre at the hub, 2012 (photo: Max Johnson)

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Introducing Our Newest Board member, Karen Quine Continuing from the last issue, the GVCC has welcomed Karen Quine as a new Board member to help guide and promote the work of the organization. I moved to Victoria six years ago, partly because I wanted to live in a city where cycling to work was a viable option. My morning commute now starts along the Galloping Goose Trail, then continues along Government Street, past the Empress and Parliament buildings. I love my commute! This summer, my husband and I welcomed our baby son into the world, and of course are experiencing the millions of changes that come with starting a family. Part of this is that I now have a completely different perspective on cycling, and in particular, safety while cycling. Where I once would have had no

Velofix Is the bike store changing? Normally, we expect to go to a bricks and mortar location and see a dazzling array of shiny lightweight bikes that we hope will be gift wrapped for us at Christmas. Velofix is a mobile repair and service only business and started operation in Victoria in January of this year based on a reportedly successful roll out in Vancouver. The bike shop is mobile in a thoroughly equiped Mercedes Sprinter van – it is fully equiped with tools, light, heat, bike stands and a wide range of parts and spares. The local franchise is operated by Brent Hooper who worked for many years at Oak Bay Bicycles. Brent related how he started the business in Victoria after making friends with Simon Whitfield. Simon is an advisory partner in the Velofix business and Victoria is their second outlet after Vancouver. Brent has 20 years experience as a bike mechanic in a number of cities across the country. For busy cyclists, Velofix offers a way to book an appointment online 24 hours a day and the truck will come at the scheduled time to service your bike then and there. Alternatively, Velofix can pick up your

hesitation in taking a particular myself taking an alternate route or the car. I’d heard about the GVCC several years ago and knew they had been involved in some ambitious and important cycling projects in Victoria. As a new mom, I’ve joined the board to try and help build on the GVCC’s successes and legacy, and to help make cycling even more accessible for moms and their children. Cycling in Victoria can be such a joy and I want to share this appreciation of the outdoors and an active lifestyle with my family. I’m so impressed with the amount of time and effort that board members commit in working to improve cycling within Victoria. I hope to help further the GVCC mission of getting “More People Cycling, More Places, More Often”.

by Michael Fisher bike and deliver it back when finished – a service that does not generally appeared to be offered by regular bike stores. The bike mechanic is right there and can explain any issues or concerns when the job is completed. For those who love their bikes, such a personal connection is a strong selling feature.

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Brent explained how most of their customers ride high end road bikes or are busy commuters who value their bikes and want to keep them running properly. Appointments can be arranged to pick up the bike from a workplace and return it the same day. For commuters without cars to deliver the bike to the store (or alternative bikes) – this is a valuable service. Another market is trikes, baakfiets and cargobikes as these would be extremely difficult to move to the store, so instead the store can come to them. Velofix is becoming established in Victoria and has attended a number of cycling events. Many customers come by referral at the moment, but this mobile addition to the bike service market in Victoria offers yet another convenience in allowing more people to cycle more often to more places Cycle Therapy spring 2014 7

Where Water Meets Land

by Jennifer Marr

With summer at the tips of my toes, it’s time I started thinking about taking my private dates with my bike to the beach. Last summer didn’t go so well. You see, the issue with the beach is that there is absolutely nowhere to lock up my stuff as I swim. Normally I just attach my key to my dog’s collar and let her do the heavy lifting while we wade through the water. With a car, I can change and leave my belongings in there. Biking? Think again. So there I stand, on the shore, surrounded by a gaggle of teenagers with my shoes, bike, helmet, clothes, wallet, phone, and no dog. The cumulative worth of it all is about half of what I’ll make all summer. Well, not quite, but with tuition and rent to pay, it’s still enough to make me nauseated at the thought of losing it all. Now, you see that island? I’m going to swim way out there and back again and just hope that my stuff is still here when I come back. Needless to say, it doesn’t take long to start coming up with innovative places to hide gear. Obviously the less gear you have, the easier it is to hide, so be nice to yourself and pack lightly. Enjoy the water. Jennifer is a triathlete and UVic botany student with an insatiable taste for the outdoors. A few tips for the beach Rather than grabbing greasy food from a vendor, bring along simple, healthy snacks.

Both your bike lock and your clothes should be impressive!

Swimming over to an island? Just pack your gear in a floating waterproof container & tow it behind you.

Don’t want to carry your panniers? You can buy a set that you can lock to your bike & carry the goods inside in a nylon bag.

No place to store a key for your lock? Consider a combination lock.

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clockwise from upper left: a starfish just chillin’ ( Jason Weedmark); lakes and beaches of greater victoria and their proximity to biking trails; technically, you could ride to this beach if you were up for a teeny bit of a challenge (Celina O’Connor); a sandy beach (jw); lookout lake (jennifer Marr); bike parking on mayne island (JW)

Ride Don’t Hide by Michael Fisher cylists on the canada line bridge (Photo: Jason Weedmark)

On Sunday June 22, 2014 thousands of Canadians will show their support for mental health and help reduce stigma – one pedal at a time – by participating in fun community bike rides. The Victoria event is starting from Ogden Point and will go along scenic Dallas Road into Oak Bay. Rides are planned for all skill levels including families and the more athletic 29 km ride.

When travelling to Vancouver, consider a multimodal trip. You can load your bike onto buses for part of the trip, cycle part of the way & load your bike onto the SkyTrain or Canada Line if you like: translink.ca/en/Rider-Guide/Bikes-on-Transit. If you’re cycling across the Fraser, use the Massey Tunnel Bike Shuttle: th.gov.bc.ca/popular-topics/driver_info/ route-info/massey/massey.htm. The Metro Vancouver Cycling Route Planner comes in handy for getting around: cyclevancouver.ubc.ca.

Ride Don’t Hide started with one brave Vancouver teacher alone on his bike cycling around the world. In 2014 the event reaches beyond BC to 19 cities across BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario, with the goal of engaging 4,500 participants and raising $800,000 for mental health. Riders, volunteers and donors are being sought for this key event in the 2014 Victoria cycling calendar. For more information, please go to: facebook.com/RDHVictoria ridedonthide.com/bc/ride/victoria/

Cyclists Have Rights. Get Fair Results. Max Durando, Injury Lawyer

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Cycle Therapy spring 2014 9

by Kate Berniaz

Harbour Air sounds ridiculous with those little planes, but for no extra charge your bike can be part of your luggage. The company cautions that there On a sunny August day, I tried it out as I took my bike over to attend a planning conference in Vancouver. I was nervous about the logistics the Harbour Air staff will take it from there. No need to box it or anything else - they load it up with the luggage and pack it on.

I see your destination in a whole new light.

above & below: harbour air staff load a bike onto the plane remove your front tire for loading (photos: Kate Berniaz)

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Pedal It!

by Michael Fisher chanics of bicycles. A few memorable stories were thrown in, such as the Swiss CIBA-Geigy company which was faced with building a new parking garage. Instead, bicycles were offered to each worker who gave up their parking spot. The result was that a new garage was not needed and money was saved. This is a story any child, but perhaps not a politician, can understand. There were also lovely stories about Kenyan border

Pedal It! How Bicycles are Changing the World Michelle Mulder Orca Book Publishing 2013 - 48pp I was delighted to have met Michelle Mulder this summer. She mentioned that she had written a new book and asked if we would review it for the key audience of Cycle Therapy. When we are buttered up like that and offered a free copy to review, we feel honoured, but we trust that the freebie will not in any way taint our journalistic integrity.

Namibian bicycle ambulances and other less developed countries’ innovative uses for bicycle technology.

book review

was that it was a lovely coffee table book as vating photos. style was very simple and childlike but was intrigued by the opening question: “What The author then went on to tell the reader in simple and youthful language. Embarrassingly, it was only at this point that I realized the book was aimed at the young reader. My literary wanderings do not normally extend to the youth market for which Ms. Mulder has This is a lovely children’s book, as the history of cycling is written at an age-appropriate level in a storybook fashion. It is serious, but not condescending and doesn’t talk down to children. The various chapters walk the young reader through the history and basic me-

We don’t normally review children’s books for CT, so I asked myself who the intended audience is. If I had grandkids or children aged about 5 to 11 years old, which I don’t, this would be a good story book to encourage them to cycle. The artwork and glossy pages speak of a high-quality publication – a keepsake for a young reader. This book should be read and absorbed by the young reader so they can enjoy reading and learn the story of the bicycle. In this it succeeds, as the story is written in a level appropriate for a young reader and the artwork is impressive. The book is available locally at such stores as Munro’s with a list brary holds three copies so you can borrow it instead of purchasing a copy if you prefer. Michael is an avid reader of a wide range of topic matters, but rarely reads children’s books these days.

News Briefs City of Victoria Launches Bicycle Master Plan Update Consultations Public consultations are underway for the city of Victoria’s Bicycle Master Plan Update. The consultation consists of 3 main components: 1.

An Online Survey

3 workshops, 2 for cyclists, 1 for non-cyclists

Information sessions at events throughout the month.

Go to victoria.ca/cycling to fill out the survey, resister for a workshop, and find out where information sessions are being held. The GVCC has submitted a report to the city on how to improve cycling in Victoria (online at gvcc.bc.ca/gvcc-workshop-report/). We have 5 recommendations: 1. Expand the Cycling Network to include roads regularly used by cyclists, such as Linden, Haultain, Gladstone, Rockland etc. 2.

Update design standards for new cycling infrastructure to

prioritize safety. An excellent example of this is the new physically separated bike lanes seen in Vancouver (Dunsmuir, Hornby, Burrard St Bridge). 3.

Increase dedicated cycling infrastructure funding.

4. Improve bicycle counting metrics and set short and medium term targets for increasing the number of cyclists on the road. 5.

Develop a new Bicycle Master Plan.

City of Victoria Budget Update On Monday May 5, Victoria city council met to consider their draft 4 year budget. GVCC submitted a letter highlighting the need for great investment in cycling infrastructure, and speaking in opposition to proposed reductions to the bicycle master plan implementation budget. A motion was moved by mayor dean Fortin, carried unanimously, increasing the cycling budget by $50 000 per year, bringing annual funding for the Bicycle Master Plan implementation budget to approximately $250 000 per year. Cycle Therapy spring 2014 11

The Bicycle as a Multimodal Vehicle

by Oliver Terry

transportation of passengers. For carrying even heavier loads, cargo bikes or trikes with a box in front of the rider are available, and can carry goods, children, or anything else you might want.

a typical cargo trike in mexico (photo: Russteaches / Flickr)

Multimodality in transport is a relatively a new concept. Until fairly recently, people didn’t think twice about using “alternative” forms of transportation. After all, although it’s the predominant form of transportation, the birth of the modern automobile was not until 1886, and automobiles only became affordably available to the masses in 1908 with the introduction of the Ford Model T. To many, a bicycle is just a two-wheeled contrivance used for recreational transportation. For some, this recreation may give way to more dedicated commuting. However, bicycles worldwide are incredibly versatile and varied, and are used for much more than just “riding around”.

Bicycle models can quickly veer off into the obscure. Rail bikes are bicycles which have been modified with an “outrigger” to run on disused rail lines. In the absence of trains, rail lines are removed from motorized traffic, often fairly flat, beautifully scenic, and can be a pleasure to ride if a safe rail bike is built. However, these are often single-use bikes. Bikes have also been built to run on snow or ice, with a ski or skate as the front wheel and a large or studded tire in the rear. And of course, more recreationally, there are fat bikes, which use extremely large tires to increase traction and allow riders to ride on loose or light surfaces such as sand, heavy mud, or snow. Recumbent bicycles allow the rider to recline in a seated position while riding, which increases comfort and may also increase efficiency due to the aerodynamic advantage. Finally, velomobiles consist of a bicycle, often a recumbent bike, with an aerodynamic fairing to greatly decrease aerodynamic drag. As you can see, multimodality in transit means increasing the use of

Cycle couriers, for example, are a familiar sight, or at least a familiar concept. Recently showcased in the Hollywood movie Premium Rush, cycle couriers are often used to transport documents or small parcels within cities, and are chosen to do so because of their relatively low cost, convenience, and their frequent ability to be quicker than a motorized vehicle, due to their agility and ease of parking. Obviously, there’s a limit to how much can be carried on a bike. In Mexico, however, modified bicycles are widely used for the transportation of loads that would seem impossible for a bicycle to carry. Closer to home, Geazone Eco-Courier uses hybrid automobiles and electric cargo tricycles to transport larger loads around town in an eco-friendly manner. As well as courier services, bicycles can also be used for the personal transport of goods. A basic bike rack can greatly improve the carrying capacity of your bicycle beyond what you can fit in your backpack. Long wheelbase cargo bikes, such as those offered by Xtracycle and many other bicycle manufacturers, allow for carrying loads much larger than normally possible and can even allow for the

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geazone eco-couriers in action

alternative forms of transport, ostensibly for commuting, and bicycles are often part of this equation. I propose a further expansion of the perceived capabilities of the bicycle beyond that of just a recreational vehicle or commuting tool. Oliver is a professionally certified bicycle mechanic and engineering student.

¿Cycling in Mexico City? ¡Si!

by Andrew Godon

In 2010, the EcoBici system was inaugurated and now has some 275 bike stations around the central part of the city and more than 100,000 registered riders. Once you’ve obtained the card, you can check out a bike for 45 minutes for no charge. (For info on the system, go to ecobici.df.gob.mx/es - en Español). On many of the main thoroughfares, separated bike lanes have been created and other streets have been specified as greenways where bikes have priority…supposedly. Remember, this is Mexico, so regulations are

bike sunday on paseo de la reforma (photo: Andrew Godon)

Mexico City (aka DF for Distrito Federal) isn’t the first place that comes to mind when thinking about cycling destinations. But I’m here to tell you that it is a fabulous place to ride. I recently spent three weeks in DF and as my walking ability has declined in my old age, I was very interested in using bicycles for transportation where possible. I knew about the EcoBici program but, like most people, was under the impression that you had to be suicidal to ride in this chaotic city. But that’s not the case. Bicycle culture has exploded in DF in the last few years thanks, in large part, to former mayor Marcelo Ebrard who established a number of green initiatives that led DF to win the 2013 Sustainable Transport Award.

exercise activities, aerobics and Zumba, water fill-ups, and places to sign up for the EcoBici program. On the last Sunday of the month, the route is expanded with a 20-mile engine-free circuit called the Cicloton.

ecobici - mexico city’s excellent bike system (photo: Andrew Godon)

For those still too cautious to ride in DF, the excellent public transportation system will serve you well. For five pesos (about 41 cents), the subway (second largest in North America) will take you just about anywhere and the above-ground Trolley Bus system serves areas not serviced by the subway. Add to that scores of franchised buses and swarms of cheap taxis and getting around DF is inexpensive and easy.

cycling in mexico city (photo: Alejandro Luna)

somewhat flexible, driving is chaotic, and the automobile still rules. That said, Chilangos (the term for residents of DF) if not especially respectful, are at least tolerant of cyclists. Started in 2007, under mayor Ebrard and known as Muevete en Bici, every Sunday is Bike Sunday. The Paseo de la Reforma, the main thoroughfare through town, and other streets in the central area are closed to cars and tens of thousands of cyclists take to the street as well as rollerbladers, skateboarders, joggers, walkers, strollers, and any sort of wheeled, non-motorized vehicle. It’s quite awesome to be among that many cyclists on these normally car-dominated streets. There are mechanic stations for fixing broken bikes, stations with a dedicated bike lane (photo: Andrew Godon)

(background image: Alejandro Luna)

Cycling in DF requires constant vigilance, as it does anywhere. But with promotion and education from the city government, bicycles are becoming a viable transportation modality in this traditionally car-dominated city. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION EcoBici info: ecobici.df.gob.mx/es - en Español denverpost.com/travel/ci_24381537/mexico-city-cycling-programnew-eateries-are-signs Andrew is a long time cyclist and Mexiphile. Cycle Therapy spring 2014 13

Bikes & Ferries

by John Luton

On coastal British Columbia, multimodality means bikes and ferries. For Victorians and residents of nearby Islands, getting to and from the places they want to go may include a ferry ride. BC Ferries statistics indicate that tens of thousands of bikes are boarded every year (easy enough to count since they charge for bikes without delivering much service for your investment). Many other bikes travel (free) on bike racks attached to cars or in the box of a pick-up as riders travel to and from the Islands on a multimodal trip. For many visitors to Vancouver Island, the multimodal connection is essential to their bicycle tour plans. Many find their way by transit or by vehicle to Tsawwassen ferry terminal, roll on board, and start their tours on the quieter routes of the Saanich Peninsula. bike rack designed by sportworks on the spirit of vancouver island (photo: John Luton) They ride into Victoria along the Lochside or head overland to another ferry at Brentwood Bay, where they can connect to Mill Bay and the Cowichan Valley wine country that is such a draw for cyclists – another bike and boat connection. GVCC members and other advocates have long been needling BC Ferries to provide something better than a corner of the vessel to store their bikes. While the routine is familiar enough and often adequate, the rolling and rocking of the ships can sometimes tip a bike and expose it to damage. Many have longed for a better system to keep their bikes secure during a ferry voyage. Perhaps just as important, if not more so, has been the efforts cyclists have made to save the important multimodal links that connect cyclists to their destinations. The first hint that the Mill Bay Ferry route might be scuttled came back in the late 90s and our collective response was immediate. Along with other community voices, cyclists rallied to show support for the ferry and made sure this key connection for cyclists (and key alternative to the Malahat) was preserved. The route has a new vessel, but it steams along because cyclists were there to make sure this very critical multimodal connection stayed afloat. Fast forward to 2004 and nearly 600 delegates, and perhaps a couple hundred other visitors, descended on Vancouver Island for the Pro Walk / Pro Bike conference. We used that as an opportunity to nudge BC Ferries a little further and they subsequently sponsored a “bikes on boats” design competition. Eventually, the project established a first stage pilot with Sportworks, who supply bike racks for buses across North America. Two prototypes, a four-bike and a two-bike rack sit on the car deck of the Spirit of Vancouver Island and are well used by many cyclists who travel between the Island and the mainland.

a prototype design by john (photo: John Luton)

I followed up with a consulting contract with BC Ferries, exploring the major vessels in their fleet, to determine how systems might be added to the diverse and unique ships that serve many coastal communities. They didn’t follow through with that retrofit program, but new ferries are now equipped with basic bike racks where you can keep your bike safely stable on board.

John is Executive Director of Capital Bike and Walk, which provides consulting services on infrastructure and services for cycling and walking and coordinates the Vancouver Island Cycle Tourism Alliance. He is a former president of the GVCC.

14 Cycle Therapy sping 2014

by Simon Wigzell

riders on the three ferries odyssea (photo: Roy Nikaido)

Victoria Cycling Adventures

Just over a year ago, we formed Victoria Cycling Adventures Club (VCAC). VCAC began as the GVCC’s weekly recreational rides, but we found that we had to move to a Meetup.com platform in order to further grow. Since that time, we’ve grown to include approximately 400 members. VCAC is run by volunteers interested in exploring the area we live in by bicycle with other like-minded people.

from the urban farm tour (photo: Jason Weedmark)

We currently hold at least one ride every weekend (alternating Saturdays and Sundays) and a Wednesday afternoon ride. These rides will usually have a “Smell the Roses” (STR) ride running concurrently for those interested in a gentler pace. The main weekend ride can be anything from a 10 km tour of Victoria’s Breweries and Brew Pubs to the 120 km Three Ferries Odyssea, though most rides are in the 40 – 60 km range. We generally take a circle route, to keep it interesting, with a picnic lunch at a scenic destination. Then we’ll often a stop at a pub after the ride for a ‘debriefing’. We have a few longer trips planned this summer, including a visit to the Kinsol Trestle (with optional swim), tours and tastings to the Cowichan and Saanich wine country and overnight bike-camping trips to the the Gulf Islands. We’ve had a few very well attended themed rides: the Victoria Geology Tour and Victoria Chinese History Tour that featured stops and presentations at points of interest. In early June, we’ll host the Giro d’Italia which features Italian food, history and culture. We also have plans for a regular evening ride in the warmer (and brighter) months, probably on a Tuesday or Thursday.

If there is sufficient demand, we will expand the weekend ride to repeat on both Saturday and Sunday. We will break up rides into smaller groups as necessary, so that no group is larger than 20 people, as that can become unwieldy. Due to the anticipated increase in the number of our weekly rides, we are looking for volunteer ride team members (leaders, sweeps and marshals). There is a $1 charge per person per ride as necessary to purchase equipment and supplies. We now possess three pairs of walkie-talkies to keep the ride leaders and sweeps in contact and a PA system (for those themed rides requiring a presentation) and a supply of reflective safety vests generously donated to us by Fairfield Cycles. We place a strong emphasis on safety – you will be required to complete an online safety tutorial/ quiz before your first ride. We hope to provide safe riding courses for our members in the future. Visit our website at vcac.net to see what we’re all about. There is a link at the bottom of every page that will take you to the VCA Meetup Group where you can see our upcoming schedule and RSVP to a ride. Membership in the VCAC Society is $5 a year which covers liability insurance for all members. Join on the vcac.net website. Membership in Meetup.com is free. Join us soon to explore this fantastic city and the place that we call home! Simon has been developing and leading organized rides for the last four years, initially with the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition and for the last two years with meetup.com. He is most recently a member of the Victoria Emergency Cyclists Response Team. Cycle Therapy spring 2014 15

The Multimodal Tourist

by Eunice Martel

clockwise from bottom: fisgard lighhouse / fort rodd hill (photo: Eunice Martel); the harbour authority invites us to slow down (EM); east sooke regional park (Jason Weedmark); abkhazi garden (JW)

Every year, Tourism Victoria puts on an event for its locals called “Be a Tourist in Your Hometown”. It is a weekend packed with deals on prized tourist destinations. This spring, we decided to take advantage by visiting Fort Rodd Hill, the Butterfly Gardens, and taking a tour bus around our historical hometown. Since most of the action started downtown, we chose to arrive by bicycle and parked right next to the Visitor Centre. We then walked across the street to the bus ticket distributor’s location, but as the bus we wanted to take was full and there was a three hour wait for the next one, we took advantage of the wait by popping in to the Legislative Buildings. (Did you know they allow self-guided visits free of charge year-round?). We were tempted by the 45-minute IMAX feature about penguins, but decided to walk to lunch instead. As there are so many restaurants from several cuisines, it was a tough choice to make. After lunch, we meandered down Wharf Street to stow our leftovers in our bike panniers and hopped on the tour bus. By using slower modes of transportation, we discover sweet gems that are right in front of us. I won’t spoil it for you, though. I encourage you to jump off your bike, get out of the bus a few stops early, and walk a bit more than you did last summer. You’ll see your hometown in a whole new light. More info: tourismvictoria.com harbourliving.ca Eunice likes to ride her bicycle, going from playground to playground with her kids. She writes of her adventures at growingupbike.com

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l l

Arbutus Cove Guest House The perfect overnight bike getaway from Victoria and surrounding communities. Arbutus Cove is a beautiful waterfront boutique guest house located on the Galloping Goose trail 37 kilometers from Victoria on the Sooke Basin, a 3 hour ride. 3 private deluxe rooms, each with their own entrances, queen beds and full bathrooms share a huge waterfront deck with hot tub await the cycling visitor. A 15 minute walk takes you to the 17 Mile Pub for supper and a breakfast is served before your departure. June 15 - Sept. 14 $150 ( for 2) Sept. 15 - June 14 $125 (for 2) Reservations:

arbutuscoveguesthouse.com

N E W NA ME , SA ME LOC ATION . 1419 BROAD STREET, VICTORIA, BC COME SEE WHAT WE'RE UP TO...

Cycle Therapy spring 2014 17

Celebrating 20 Years of Biking to Work! by Theresa Gulliver

it naturally finds its way into their daily commuting needs, whether that’s to work, for errands, to social events, or taking the kids to school. Where did it all start? A Celebration Station at the Switch Bridge (photo: Bike to Work Week)

In 1995, a core group of commuter cyclists wanted to do something to raise the profile of cycling to work in Victoria. From the outset, they felt that commuting by bike was intrinsically attractive to those already doing it and wanted to interest more people in the activity, and so began Bike to Work Week. Greater Victoria Bike to Work Week is celebrating its 20th anniversary and we invite you to join the fun! From May 26 – June 1, new and veteran cyclists will demonstrate their commitment to taking two wheels instead of four on their daily commute. This event has grown to be one of the regions most supported, recognizable, and free community events, attracting nearly 7,000 commuter cyclists each year - including 12,000 first-time cyclists since inception. Have you ever participated? If not, this is the year to start! If you have, bring others on board! Bike to Work Week encourages individuals to become a cycle commuter for one week, with the hope of breaking down any perceived barriers. When people try cycle commuting and enjoy themselves,

18 Cycle Therapy sping 2014

Bike to Work Week began in Victoria 20 years ago and this year with nearly 50 teams and 500 participants. The event has grown to be one of the regions most supported, recognizable free community events – attracting nearly 7,000 commuter cyclists each year; including 12,000 first-time cyclists since inception.

How can the Workplace Encourage Cycling? by Sarah Rose Robert After the 1997 campaign, the non-profit Greater Victoria Bike to Work Society was formed. The Society decided to keep a tightly themed campaign focusing on commuter cycling, with team formation in the workplace as the organizing principle. The Greater Victoria event has grown substantially, from approximately 50 teams and 500 participants in 1995 to 660 teams and nearly 7,000 participants in 2013. Peppered with awesome events, prizes, and community support, the 2014 Bike to Work Week event will feature 20 celebration stations throughout Greater Victoria, the popular ‘Commuter Challenge’ race, and a closing celebratory concert at Centennial Square Sat May 31st!

“People who cycle to work are healthier, more productive, take fewer sick days, and are less likely to change jobs.” Bike To Work, Metro Vancouver

With support from most Greater Victoria municipalities, Bike to Work Week encourages multimodal transport, such as park and rides and using bike racks on BC Transit buses when travelling long distances. When it’s your first time getting back on the old two-wheeler, why not give yourself a break? Cycling a portion of your commute can certainly lead to longer-term success.

The Commuter Challenge is a bike versus car friendly ‘race’ held one week before Bike to Work Week. Following the rules of the road, teams plan their own starting point and end in downtown Victoria. This highlight event demonstrates that cycling is convenient and comparable (or even quicker) in time to driving. To aid cyclist’s safety, the Greater Victoria Bike to Work Society offers a suite of like skills courses for beginners and experienced riders. For the first time you can register for a course in your own community! Get ready to have fun and show your support in Canada’s cycling capital! You can register for the Commuter Challenge, Bike to Work Week and Bike Skills Courses on our website. Stay up to date with event information: facebook.com/BiketoWorkVictoria biketoworkvictoria.ca

Biking gives a sense of freedom, fun, and exhilaration. With the right infrastructure on the roads and in the workplace, it can be a healthy, inexpensive, and efficient way to get to work. And employers benefit too. According to Bike to Work Metro Vancouver, people who cycle to work are healthier, more productive, take fewer sick days, and are less likely to change jobs. The City of Victoria will be rolling out participation for its new Bicycle Master Plan in the spring of 2014. The goal of the plan is to identify key areas to improve connectivity and safety for cyclists. With public engagement kiosks starting in February and workshops soon after, now is a good time for Victorians to pause and examine what businesses and workplaces can do to get on board and even pave the way. It is more than the roads, bike lanes, and cycling corridors that affect peoples’ ability to bike to work. Some key infrastructure in the workplace can really help cycle commuters: • Secure and convenient bike parking

• On-site showers for the post-commute refresher • Change rooms for those who need to swap clothes • Access to equipment such as pumps & tools for quick on-the-go repairs • An incentive program to motivate employees, especially non-cyclists • An encouraging atmosphere and a network of supportive co-workers What would you need from your workplace to start biking more often? What would a safe, efficient and engaging cycle network look like in Victoria? Make sure you get your perspective included in the city’s new Bicycle Master Plan. Let’s make it easier for everyone to start reaping the benefits of biking to work. Sarah is urban explorer with Rethink Urban (rethinkurban.com), and an everyday cyclist. The City of Victoria’s Update to the Bicycle Master Plan can be found at: victoria.ca/EN/main/departments/engineering/transportation-planning/update-to-the-bicycle-master-plan.html Cycle Therapy spring 2014 19

Postural Improvement Tips for Cyclists Part 7 - The Deadlift

I’ll make a bold statement here: everyone should regularly do some form of the deadlift. It is one of the most basic and functional exercises that humans do. It is probably the most effective exercise for strengthening the whole body (including the grip, shoulder girdle, torso, butt and legs) and it is a great antidote to the common syndromes of excess sitting and poor posture. As great as cycling is, it’s a seated activity so anyone that cycles regularly and sits at a desk will over time become prone to poor posture. The deadlift helps to strengthen the muscles that help you to “rediscover” a better posture. Don’t let the intimidating name put you off this exercise. I always say that this movement should really be renamed the “healthlift”. The other concern I often hear from people when they see the lift is “won’t that hurt my back?”. My usual response is that you are more likely to hurt your back eventually if you DON’T learn how to lift respectably heavy objects off the ground in a safe manner. Start with easier weights that allow good form to be learned (see below) and progress sensibly from there. The deadlift can, and ideally should be, done with different objects like a straight bar or separate weights such as dumbbells or kettlebells. Loaded shopping bags and/ or baskets work nicely too! (In case you didn’t get it, that was a subtle hint to carry your groceries and not automatically use a trolley or, worse still, one of those silly wheeling baskets). If lifting separate objects in each hand, they don’t have to be equal weight…welcome to “real life” weight training!

by Tony Webster

The classic two-leg deadlift involves pushing back (“hinging”) into the hips while keeping your back straight. In a classic deadlift, the hips should be above the knees and the neck and back should ideally be in the same position as in a nice standing posture (picture 1). Imagine trying to create maximum “length” between the top of the head and your butt. This is a strong safe-start position. If you “round” your back when in this start position, change the height of the weights or bend the knees a little more to ensure the back is straight. Do NOT lift anything heavy with a rounded back!! When you lift the object, keep it close to your body and keep the back long and straight. You should find that the weight comes off the floor with straightening of the knees and then when your hands are at knee level, you simply Picture 2 stand up straight and squeeze the butt cheeks (picture 2). When lowering the weight to the floor, simply push back into the hips with a straight back and when your hands are at about knee level, bend the knees until the weight gently touches down. I repeat: no back rounding! Nothing beats learning this move with the hands-on assistance of an expert, so go and get some coaching from a knowledgeable fitness trainer. You can thank me later for saving your back and adding life to your years!

Picture 1

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Tony Webster sails by the Colwood crawlers with great glee every day on his bike. He is an instructor in the Centre for Sport and Exercise Education at Camosun College, housed in the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence. You can reach him at webstert@camosun.bc.ca or at 250220-2558.

graphic CRD

Guide Your Ride Travelling around the Victoria region by bicycle is about to get easier with the upcoming CRD Bicycle Riders’ Map. Aimed at encouraging people to pick up a bike and ride to work, the grocery store, or to pick up their kids from school, the new map uses a comfort level index to gauge just how easy that journey will be. Covering the CRD from Sidney to Sooke and beyond, and printed using the easy-to-use, pocket-sized Z-fold format, the new map will be available for Bike to Work Week in 2014.

Encouraging new riders Most of us enjoy riding on pathways, quiet residential streets, or separated bicycle lanes more than on busy streets. For many of the existing bicycle riders in the CRD, the bike lanes and existing residential streets are good enough. But for others, the type of infrastructure available determines whether they will ride at all. This is confirmed by researchers from Portland State University, UBC and SFU whenever they ask potential cyclists, who self-identify as being “Interested but Concerned”, where they would feel comfortable riding. The vast majority of the population falls into this category - studies have found that only about 2% of the population identify as being “Strong and Fearless”, and are therefore undeterred by motor vehicles. If we want more people making more trips by bicycle, we need to build highly comfortable facilities and also create tools, like maps, to help potential bicycle riders find suitable streets and trails.

by Jennifer Black & Corey Burger Pick your comfort level The new CRD map aims to show the most comfortable streets and trails to ride on. This will help people riding a bike to choose their routes based on where they feel at ease riding. We have integrated a number of factors – road type, number of lanes, speed limit, and bikeway type to categorize each bike route across the region into a “comfort index” from 1 to 4. This will allow riders to plan their routes and weigh the potential trade-offs of a more comfortable route versus a flatter or more direct route, for example. The map will also highlight areas where a little more care and attention should be exercised, especially where a quieter street or trail crosses a busier section of roadway. We hope the map will encourage riders to try new adventures from the seat of a bicycle and explore new routes across the region and beyond. The map will help in planning bus-bike trips and bike-ferry trips with helpful information on bike storage locations, taking bicycles on ferries, and boarding public transit with a bicycle. We will be distributing the maps over the summer at festivals and events, as well as through a number of organizations - including the GVCC! We hope the map will help you get the most out of continuing to explore the region on two wheels. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Black, Active Transportation Program Manager jblack@crd.bc.ca or Corey Burger at cburger@crd.bc.ca Cycle Therapy spring 2014 21

Bike by Plane

by Ed Janicki

cost and doubts about the level of protection. After several trips, I can say the plastic corrugated Crateworks box lives up to my expectations. I know it is quite protective because I have dropped it myself, and have also witnessed it being thrown around in the airport. Regardless, the bike inside remained completely undisturbed. Upon arrival, they can be folded up or laid flat for storage inside a rental car.

The Crate-Works box as it appears standing up. (photo: Ed Janicki)

Before taking a bike on an airplane for the first time, I considered the many bike transport cases available on the Internet. I also spoke to other riders and bike shops for their opinions. In the end, I settled on an option that readers can readily view at crateworks. com. My reason for making this choice came down to durability of the case, degree of bike protection, price, weight, storability, and ease of use. Cratework boxes look like regular boxes from the outside, but are made with either extra strong cardboard or the somewhat more expensive corrugated plastic version that I purchased.

The Crateworks website includes pictures of how the bike and wheels should look when packed. However, on my first trip, I inadvertently discovered that this is not the only way a bike can be packed in the box. One of the supposedly essential components of dis-assembly is removal of the pedals. On that first trip, I was simply unable to loosen my frozen-on pedals, so I improvised a way of packing with the pedals still on. It worked fine. There

Many readers probably have had success using free discard cardboard bike boxes from bike shops. They are not only free, but also offer reasonably good protection. They can also be conveniently discarded (recycled I hope) at the destination. However, I decided against this choice as they can fall apart in the rain, do not offer guaranteed protection, and can require a fair bit of bike disassembly / reassembly, which is something not to be looked forward to by the less mechanically inclined. I never seriously considered hard shell cases, such those made by Thule, because they are expensive, heavy, and pose a storage problem while on the trip and upon return. However, if protection for your $12,000 Colnago is your top priority, they are probably the best choice.

The box as it appears lying on its side with bike inside. This is not the recommended way of packing as the wheels are not separated from the frame and the pedals have not been removed. This works for those with an aversion to removing the pedals. Plenty of room remains to fit bike clothes, which act to supplement internal velcro straps in keeping the bike from shifting around. (photo: Ed Janicki)

An option I seriously considered was a soft-shelled bike bag, such as those made by EVOC. With these, the bike stands elegantly supported by its fork on a built-in metal frame. They are comparatively light and come with wheels to make navigating busy airports a little easier. And because they are somewhat compressible, they can be relatively easy to store. However two main factors kept me from this choice (although I might reconsider in the future):

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are enough straps and Velcro to permit a fair amount of flexibility in packing methodology. This is a major virtue for me - the less that needs to be taken apart and put back together, the better. Ed has been a recreational cyclist/bike commuter for decades, and a member of the GVCC more than six years.

Cyclists Assist in Disaster A magnitude 6.7 earthquake has occurred under the Sooke Hills causing damage throughout the South Island. The transportation system is heavily disrupted. Some roads have buckled, power lines have come down, bridges and overpasses have been closed as a precaution, and walls to some buildings have collapsed out into the street. Traffic is at a standstill due to these interruptions to the road network. In the days that follow, fuel is rationed as re-supply to the Island is difficult. Movement throughout much of the region has slowed. Is the above scenario possible? Yes - Victoria has a 1 in 3 probability of a damaging earthquake occurring in the next fifty years. Earthquakes, major weather events, and even human-caused emergency events can lead to disruptions to the transportation system, impeding or causing delays in travel. The Victoria Emergency Management Agency (VEMA) has begun to include people with bicycles as part of its emergency planning for transportation disruptions. A new volunteer-based team is forming within VEMA. Approximately 40 people have expressed interest in joining this new volunteer group. The group, tentatively called the Cyclist Response Team, will meet and train monthly. Training will include a combination of cycle-specific and emergency preparedness training. This training will include basic bike skills, how to carry a load, use of trailers, haz-

Winners of the Tour de Disaster with Rob Johns (photo: Ryan Mijker)

by Rob Johns

ard awareness, first aid, hasty search skills, basic damage assessment, and incident command system training. As part of VEMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to raise awareness about the important role that cyclists can play in assisting the community in times of need, the second annual Tour de Disaster emergency exercise and event will occur on July 26th, 2014. This event will see people with bicycles work their way through a series of challenges that simulate some of the problems they could face in an earthquake. They will move information and materials throughout the city in a friendly competition that will showcase the value of cyclists during large emergencies and disasters. Volunteers from within VEMA will conduct a simultaneous exercise in support of this event. The first event in 2013 was a success and eventually led to the creation of the new Cyclist Response Team. Visit the VEMA website at PrepareVictoria.ca for more information on how to get involved in the new Cyclist Response Team or to sign up for the Tour Disaster event. As well, VEMA offers emergency preparedness information sessions throughout the year. Attend one of these workshops to learn how to be better prepared. Check the website for the list of upcoming workshops. Rob Johns is the Emergency Coordinator for the City of Victoria.

Cycle Therapy spring 2014 23

Cycle Therapy is available in these locations Munro’s Books - Government St; Bolen Books - Hillside; SubText - UVIC; Open Space - LoFo; James Bay Coffee & Books - 5 Corners in James Bay; Solstice Cafe - Pandora; Bean Around The World - Fisgard; Cornerstone Cafe - Fernwood; Cafe Fantastico - Kings Rd; Fairfield Market - 5 Corners in Fairfield; McCrea’s Restaurant - Shelbourne; YM/YW - Downtown; Spiral Cafe - Vic West; Seed of Life - Government St; Habit Coffee + Culture - Pandora; Bicycleitis - Bay Street; Brentwood Cycle & Sports - Brentwood Bay; Capital City Cycles - Broad Street; Coastal Cycle and Watersports - View Royal; Cycles West - Burnside near Tillicum; Fairfield Bicycle Shop - 5 Corners in Fairfield; Fort Street Cycle - near Fort and Cook; Goldstream Ave Bicycles - Langford; Mac’s Cycle Centre - Shelbourne and Cedar Hill X; Marty’s Mountain Cycle - Esquimalt & Admirals; Munro’s Books - Government St; Bolen Books - Hillside; SubText - UVIC; Open Space - LoFo; James Bay Coffee & Books - 5 Corners in James Bay; Solstice Cafe - Pandora; Bean Around The World - Fisgard; Cornerstone Cafe - Fernwood; Cafe Fantastico - Kings Rd; Fairfield Market - 5 Corners in Fairfield; McCrea’s Restaurant - Shelbourne; YM/YW - Downtown; Spiral Cafe - Vic West; Seed of Life - Government St; Habit Coffee + Culture - Pandora; Bicycleitis - Bay Street; Brentwood Cycle & Sports - Brentwood Bay; Capital City Cycles - Broad Street; Coastal Cycle and Watersports - View Royal; Cycles West - Burnside near Tillicum; Fairfield Bicycle Shop - 5 Corners in Fairfield; Fort Street Cycle - near Fort and Cook; Goldstream Ave Bicycles - Langford; Mac’s Cycle Centre - Shelbourne and Cedar Hill X; Marty’s Mountain Cycle - Esquimalt & Admirals; Mountain Equipment Co-op - Downtown; North Park Bicycle Shop - Quadra & North Park; Oak Bay Bicycles - Oak Bay & Foul Bay - Kelly Road in Langford; Outpost Bikes - Sooke Rd @ Happy Valley Rd; Performance Bicycles - Quadra @ Reynolds; PM Bikes - Goldstream & Peatt; Recyclistas - North end of Switch Bridge on The Goose; Russ Hay’s The Bicycle Shop - Douglas & Hillside; Russ Hay’s The Bicycle Shop - Bevan & Second in Sidney; Selkirk Station Bicycle & Kayak - in the Railyards off the Goose; Sooke Cycle and Surf - Sooke & Otter Pt; Sports Traders - Irontown; Straight Up Cycles - Quadra & Tolmie; Trek Bicycle Shop - near Spinnaker’s; GVPL - all branches; Sidney Public Library; Bill Hartley Insurance - Douglas & Bay; Saanich Commonwealth Pool - Elk Lake Drive; Panorama Rec Centre - North Saanich

Help us advocate — Join the GVCC!

Want better bike lanes? Want our region to benefit from cycle tourism? Want more sustainable transport? Your membership directly supports GVCC advocacy efforts for cycling in our community.

Rent a GVCC

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Become a member today at gvcc.bc.ca/membership 20$/yr adult; $10/yr student, senior, or low income $35 household; corporate $80/yr; sponsor $100/yr; lifetime $300

2014 Rides Calendar jun sunday 12 jul saturday 26 jul saturday 29 Scenic Murals Tour Magical Historical Tour AIBC/GVCC Come take a tour to see some scenic murals around Victoria. The ride begins at the fountain at Centennial Square at 10 am and ends there at around 2 pm The ride is approximately 20 easy kilometres. Be sure to bring a lunch for the lunch stop!

Come along on one of our most popular bicycle rides lead by renowned, local historian John Adams and experience a spellbinding look at Victoria’s past on two wheels. The ride begins at the fountain at Centennial Square at 10am and ends there at around 2 pm. The ride is approximately 20 easy kilometres. Be sure to bring a lunch!

aug sunday 17 Heritage Ride

sep sunday 25 oct saturday 7 Victoria’s Secrets Tour Spooks ‘n Spokes Ride

Tour heritage houses and buildings with commentary about the properties provided by the Hallmark Heritage Society. The ride begins at the The Belfry Theatre,1291 Gladstone at 10 am and ends there at around 2 pm. The ride is approximately 20 easy kilometres within the Fernwood area. Be sure to bring a lunch!

Find out some of Victoria’s cycling jewels and secrets; those places where bikes can go but cars cannot! The ride begins at the fountain at Centennial Square at 10am and ends at about 1pm. Be sure to bring a snack for the rest stop! The ride is approximately 15 easy kilometres.

13 dec

saturday

Christmas Lights Ride

A perennial family favourite! Join us on a new night route, viewing colourful award-winning Christmas lights displays in the Oaklands/Hillside area. The ride begins and ends at Oaklands Community Centre, 2827 Belmont Ave, with free refreshments and door prizes following the ride! Registration begins at 6pm The ride is approximately 20 kilometres and starts at 6:30 p.m. and returns to the Recreation Centre at 8:30 p.m. for refreshments. Decorating your bike is encouraged. See note to the right regarding night rides.

Architectural Tour

Come and learn about architecture in our city in a tour lead by architects and designers. The ride begins at the fountain at Centennial Square at 10 am and ends at the same location at about 2 pm. Be sure to bring a lunch! The ride is approximately 20 easy kilometres

One of the most popular rides we offer! Come join in on this easy 15km night ride and learn about the spirits who live in some of the finest homes and castles of Victoria. The ride departs from the fountain at Centennial Square at 6:30 pm and ends there at about 9 pm. Costumes and decorated bicycles are encouraged. See note below regarding night rides.

Participants are required to wear helmets and bicycles must be in good mechanical condition. All Night Rides require functioning front and rear lights. There will be rest stops but we recommend that you bring water and food. ALL THEME RIDES ARE BY DONATION (suggested donation $5)

gvcc.bc.ca

For further information, view our website.

All dates, times and routes are subject to change.