No. 33 (BC insert)

Page 1

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cycling training for

the school community by talia fanning

ctsc provides classroom as well as on street bike training for the school community. photo by arthur orsini.

marg kalaski is a teacher with a problem. The

school where she works, and the Vancouver School Board as a whole, have made environmental commitments that include encouraging teachers to bike to work but, while the teachers are keen, they need help with the basics. “It’s terribly important to understand that we don’t have a clue about even what kinds of bikes are available, and where to purchase bikes. I literally don’t have a clue.” And that is a problem that Arthur Orsini wants to help them solve. Orsini is the Program Director of Cycling Training for the School Community (CTSC), a program he co-designed with Cara Fisher which focuses on bringing cycling to the schools, via the teachers. Offered through the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition, CTSC courses are designed with the unique needs of teachers and school staff in mind. They combine commuter cycling training for teachers with bike education strategies for their students. “We all understand the benefits cycling offers for issues like health, fitness, and reduced

teacher marg kalaski

greenhouse gas emissions, but it’s not easy to just start cycling. All new cyclists have questions, so this program is in place specifically to help teachers and school staff bring cycling into their lives and into the classroom.” Organizing the courses on paid professional development days recognizes the value of teachers as role models, who want to learn these skills. Participants learn about bike routes, equipment, and safe, confident cycling – skills any bike commuter should know. Then, to bring that knowledge to students, a second, shorter session focuses on integrating active transportation ideas in the classroom. Which is just what Kalaski is hoping for. “Something that I would ultimately like to do is bike to work, and use local bike routes,” she says. “This is really about education for us.” For more information about CTSC courses, please contact CTSC Program Director Arthur Orsini at schools@vacc.bc.ca, or visit www.vacc.bc.ca/schools.

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in this issue’s bc section 3 5 7 8 9 11 12

ctsc the advocate cargo bike co-op messenger’s morning legal brief bike to work family bicycalendar

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the advocate john luton

habit-forming

parking

shane devereaux runs Habit Coffee and Culture, a busy coffee shop

at the edge of Chinatown in downtown Victoria. He rides his bike to work and many of his customers do too. With the price of gas evolving upwards, his clientele is content to spend their discretionary income on high quality coffee rather than high octane. Frustrated by the lack of parking in front of his shop, Devereaux targeted on-street car parking for conversion to bike racks. He’d seen it done elsewhere, notably in front of Stumptown, a similarly funky coffee shop in Portland, Oregon. Getting the city onside and easing business concerns demanded an organized approach. Devereaux approached the city and their Cycling Advisory Committee that tackled design and cost issues, and Devereaux got to work demonstrating support from customers and neighbouring businesses. The city has been receptive to requests for more bike parking and had recently unveiled a new weather-protected bike parking cluster in front of Victoria’s Mountain Equipment Co-op outlet, just around the corner from Habit. MEC contributed half of the $20,000 cost, which included an off-the-shelf Pattison bus shelter to protect bikes from the elements. Two parking spaces were reclaimed for the project. As a small coffee shop owner, the price tag attached to the MEC shelter was out of reach for Devereaux. Undeterred, he made sure the city understood how important the project would be to his business. Neighbouring businesses signed his petition, along with more than 1,500 customers. Working with the cycling committee and armed with a strong show of support, the Habit campaign convinced the city to fund the bike corral from their bicycle plan budget and limit Devereaux’s costs to the racks alone, a much more manageable investment for him and his business neighbours. In the end, they’ll put up $1,000 while the city spends several thousand more to build the corral. The racks they’ll get will be a first too. Since the late 1990s the city has adopted an inverted “U” design popular across North America. The Habit racks will incorporate a new Chinatown theme. The success enjoyed by Habit may be the start of something bigger; bike parking demand often exceeds the existing supply of good racks. Parking meters, trees, and lamp posts are festooned with bikes. Devereaux still wants the city to dramatically expand the supply of good bike parking options. Signature projects like Habit and the MEC shelter are

BIKE ACCIDENT?

showcasing solutions, but inadequate parking can still be found all over the city, and getting one of the standard racks installed can still be frustratingly slow. With bike traffic growing fast in the capital, Devereaux may have a new campaign to focus on.

photo by john luton

“Bike parking demand often exceeds the existing supply of good racks.”

A similar use of space: a temporary bike corral in front of Stumptown Coffee Roasters on Belmont Avenue, SE Portland. The bike parking in front of Habit will also include an extended sidewalk for extra protection, and signage in English and Mandarin.

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Bike to Work Week Photo Contest

Win a fully-lo ade Corsa City B d ike from N orco To enter the contest, visit

www.thetyee.ca www.vacc.bc.ca/biketowork/prizes or www.momentumplanet.com All you have to do to enter is submit a photo of yourself on your bike commute plus a 50-word caption describing “The best part of riding to work.” Photos and captions will be judged for their composition, overall quality, and creativity. Extra points if the photo illustrates your favourite part of riding to work. Prizes will be awarded for the top three entries. The grand prize is a Corsa city bike from Norco complete with lights, fenders, rack, Axiom panniers, basket, and helmet.

Contest closes June 6, 2008

All entrants will be subscribed to The Tyee’s weekly e-newsletter, and 20 random entrants will receive a subscription to momentum magazine Winning images will be published in momentum’s July/August issue. Contest is open to all readers in BC.

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and follow the links for contest details.

2

rebate’ cheque in the mail, ostensibly to allow them to make lifestyle changes to reduce their own carbon footprint. As many have pointed out, the actual impact of all those little $100 cheques scattered to the winds is pretty trivial compared with the impact the same money could have with collective action. With this in mind, we’ve set up a bank account where people can put their ‘green rebate’ toward just this type of collective action – buying cargo bikes for the community to share. [Donations may be deposited to the Isobel Kiborn Legacy Project, Vancity Account #400390, Branch 9, Plan 24 Savings.]

by zoey peterson this last february, our community lost an

what’s next

activist and cherished friend – Isobel Kiborn. Since her sudden passing, a group of Isobel’s friends have been looking for a fitting way to pay tribute to her spirit of environmental activism, cooperative living, and community building. And thus the Cargo Bike Co-op was born.

when you didn’t need it? Well, that’s where the cargo bike co-op comes in. The plan is to raise money to buy a small fleet of cargo bikes, cargo trikes, and trailers, and then make them available for co-op members to borrow whenever they need them. It’s that simple; grassroots, non-profit, self-propelled.

the plan

raising the money

Have you ever had to transport something that was too big to carry on your bike? Maybe you’ve thought about buying a trailer or a cargo bike, but wondered if it made sense to have one sitting around all those days

The co-op organizers, a group of about nine good friends of Isobel’s, have only just begun raising money, but they do have a strategy in mind. In July, every British Columbia taxpayer will receive a $100 ‘green

We’ve Moved!

This project is still very fresh and there is much to figure out, from the type of bikes to be purchased and where they will be stationed, to how scheduling will work, and what opportunities exist to work with other neighbourhood co-ops and organizations. The organizers have commitment and a lot of ideas, but they’re asking for public input and feedback. If you’re interested in having access to cargo bikes, take a few minutes to fill out the online survey at the website below. There’s also a blog where you can follow the Cargo Bike Co-op’s progress, and a mailing list for important updates. Stay tuned! www.cargobikecoop.org

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s ’ r e g n e s s e a m m or n i n g

by tony buttner

it’s 8:20 am and I’m hammering over the Burrard Street Bridge. I’m late for work. I

pass the commuters like mile markers, well in excess of the posted 15 kilmetres per hour. My legs ache from the day before and I’ve not had a coffee yet. I’m cranky and I try to concentrate on the path directly ahead of me. The crest seems unbearably far away. As I crest I call in my position. I strain to hear my dispatcher over the cold wind. I 10-4 three trips coming out of Yaletown, and as I let go of the speaker button I feel my front end slump as the tire releases all its air. I ride the rim to Pacific and Seymour. It starts to rain. I start hoofing it to Simon’s Bike Shop on Robson and Seymour before I’m seduced by a Starbucks. I get going again with a coffee in one hand and my bike in the other. I double time it to Simon’s and feel extremely grateful that it’s open early. I get back on the road and it’s 9:47 am. Where the hell did the time go? I feel a strain in my chest. I hammer to Yaletown to pick up my work, following the fine mist that cars kick up like comets when it rains. As soon as my foot hits the ground I’m tying up to whatever’s available – sign posts, parking meters, other bicycles – and the occassional bike rack. I run up the stairs and through our client’s door as if on a police raid. The receptionist barely has time to react to me before I’ve snagged the envelope and marked her logbook with a T that looks more like an X. Then I’m gone. I get paid by the job and every second counts. I get anywhere from $3 to $6 per envelope, depending on the urgency, sometimes more. On a good day I can do 40 to 60, though not every day is good. I’m chasing time for money all day. There is no good reason to blow lights and cut through traffic unless you’re getting paid. Then it’s almost an art. I cling to life by my fingertips. Only the moment matters. The bumps on the road are echoed through the shudders of my bicycle. I weave, constantly passing traffic, always on the prowl for a gap to squeeze through. Constant motion gives me life, like the predator shark. The rain picks up now, only a few degrees shy of snow. The wind blasts it into my face like needles. I scowl. I run a light to get the drop on Seymour traffic and almost get hit by a car. I missed him in my peripheral vision, and luckily he missed me. I race to Georgia Street and slide into the crosswalk, dismounting as I cross the line. I tie up again outside the Scotia Tower and in no time I’m shoulder to shoulder with pristine suits in the elevator. I’m soaked and water drips where I stand. The suits think I’m crazy and we exchange looks of sympathy. The receptionist is happy to see me. She tries to make small talk as I hand her my manifest. Yup, it’s still raining. Have a nice day. In a blink I’m gone. I grab my ride and launch into Georgia Street traffic, weaving through the oncoming traffic and catching a gap westbound. I tear around the corner onto Burrard and catch some good speed from the hill. Suddenly, some jaywalker steps out from in front of a bus without looking and I slam on the brakes. I slide for an eternity and stop an inch short of his kneecaps. He yells at me to be more careful before running out and cutting off more traffic. I want to tell him about how I saw some guy’s brain splattered around the same spot where he stood because he did the exact same thing but was unfortunate enough to have a bus greet him instead of me. I want to smack him. Forget it. I’m out on bail. It’s only 10:13‌ Tony adds: I’m not as reckless as I sound, BTW. I just wanted to get across that even experts have their lapses and that it’s not all sunshine and girls. This is my 13th year as a courier. – Ed.

legal brief david hay

lawyers bike to work

for access justice

if you’ve been injured in a bike accident involving a motor vehicle, your

challenges can be significant. In serious cases, not only must you cope with acute trauma and associated disability, you must also face a prospect of doing battle with an insurance company whose bias, in my respectful view, is systematically stacked against the cyclist. Fortunately, in these cases, which invariably require representation, most lawyers will act on a contingent fee basis. That is, the cyclist only pays a fee based on the recovery of compensation. In addition, lawyers like me will finance the expenses of the exercise (the bulk of which are medical/legal reports) until its conclusion. However, there are many serious legal problems requiring counsel which do not lend themselves to a contingency fee arrangement. The increased complexity and ever-quickening pace of change in the law means that the need for legal counsel has increased dramatically over the last 20 years. However, severe provincial government cutbacks to the Legal Services Society has dramatically decreased the ability of the vast majority of low-income British Columbians with legal problems to obtain help from Legal Aid. It is critical to our system of justice, and the perception of justice in society, that all citizens have effective access to justice in the sense that they can be properly advised and have proper access to the courts. Even in cases involving relatively minor disputes, members of a civilized community must feel confident that these disputes can be resolved fairly and effectively.

Western Canada Society to Access Justice is a non-profit society whose directors are volunteer lawyers dedicated to justice for those who cannot afford it. Its stated mission is to “provide first-class free legal assistance to all persons who cannot obtain legal aid or afford a lawyer.� To this end, the society has developed pro bono clinics across Western Canada and presently operates over 60 free clinics in British Columbia alone. On July 31, 2007, Dugald Christie, a lawyer, political activist, and the progenitor of Access Justice, was killed while on his bicycle by a van on a ride across Canada in support of his cause. To remember Dugald, and supplement my firm’s sponsorship of Bike to Work Week this year, I and some of the directors of Access Justice are organizing a Lawyers Bike to Work Week Ride. The ride will take place at 9 a.m. on May 29, 2008. The route will begin at the north plaza of Library Square and end at the steps of the Court House on Nelson and Hornby Streets. The Law Society has given us permission to ride in our gowns. The marriage of Access Justice and Bike to Work Week was to me a perfect union. I am happy to preside over the wedding. The pursuit of greater openness, transparency and accountability with a desire to boost public confidence in the justice system is something all cyclists can embrace, including those committed to social and environmental change. Cyclists need the law, and the law needs cyclists. I hope all my readers will support the principles for which Access Justice stands. In terms of Bike to Work Week and Access Justice, I hope this is the beginning of a great alliance.

“The pursuit of greater openness‌ with a desire to boost public confidence in the justice system is something all cyclists‌ can embrace.â€?

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bike to work

it’s a family affair by darlene oman my husband chris and I have been biking to

work since the early 1990s when we both lived in downtown Toronto. A move to Victoria in the late 90s certainly wasn’t going to stop the cycle-towork routine for us. In fact, we could now make it a year-round habit with the milder climate Victoria offers. Again, we lived close to downtown and had just a short bike ride to get to our offices. In 2002 we got married and decided it was time to look for a home to call our own. We soon discovered a new housing development in the

middle of Greater Victoria that suited our taste and budget. It was quite a bit farther from downtown, so the first thing we did was ride our bikes there

neighbourhood. When I returned to work, Piper started daycare downtown – cycling to work was a key factor in choosing a daycare – and the daily trailer pull began. We would take turns pulling her, with me normally taking the morning ride downtown and Chris struggling with the uphill ride home. A 25-minute commute stretched to about 30 minutes with the added weight, but it was still respectable. For a year and a half, the three of us happily pedaled the Goose almost every weekday. Then the news came that our family was growing again. Out came the JC Higgins and Chris had to take over the daily trailer pull himself. We couldn’t ask Piper

photos by chris oman

after work one day to test out the commute. The ability to cycle to work was the number one priority in a home for us. It turned out to be a very reasonable 25 minutes, mostly on Victoria’s trafficfree Galloping Goose cycling trail. After a meeting with the developer and the bank, the house was soon ours. The garage was quickly taken over by our stable of bikes (then six and growing). That was in early 2003. About six months later we learned our family was going to expand, but we were determined not to give up our daily bike commute. As I grew larger, I hung up my crosscountry mountain bike/converted commuter and pulled out my classic 1961 JC Higgins cruiser bike. The upright position let me ride comfortably until I was just a few weeks from my delivery date. In June 2004, our daughter Piper was born. Just a few months into the pregnancy, we had purchased a used Burley child trailer from a friend. Within a month of her birth, Piper was comfortably strapped into her car seat in the trailer and heading out for pleasure rides in the

to give up her much-loved Burley, so shortly after Matthew was born in December 2006, a sleek Chariot trailer joined the corral of bikes and accessories that live in our garage (eight now, plus two trailers). Since last November, the four of us have made the daily commute to work/daycare, with Chris and I each pulling a trailer. It now takes about an hour to get home, including daycare pick-up and then pulling our steadily growing children uphill the 10-kilometre route home. But we wouldn’t trade it for anything. The constant riding and exposure to bicycles has instilled a love of bikes in both of our children. Piper can now ride her own two wheeler and has never had training wheels. Although Matthew still isn’t very steady on his feet, he is always trying to climb aboard the little runbike Piper learned on and will soon be pedaling himself around the neighborhood too. Most weekdays, year-round, rain or shine, the four of us can be spotted on our family commute down the Galloping Goose trail. Listen closely and you will hear Piper singing in her trailer, entertaining all the other riders we pass by. vancouver

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bicycalendar may

Sunday May 4, 10:30am–1:30pm

Saturday May 17, 9am

130 West Broadway (rooftop), Vancouver Recycle your old gear. Great Gear Swap prices! Bring in used recreation gear on Friday and Saturday before the swap. Cash sales only; MEC membership required. Chris Sturgeon, 604-872-7858, ext. 273 vangearswap@mec.ca

North Vancouver Designed for riders of all abilities, the JHRides Epic Road Challenge covers a short, medium, and long course. These fully supported rides are designed to be both challenging and fun! $45 (includes event insurance). Contact jhrides@gmail.com www.johnhenrybikes.com/events.asp

mec’s spring gear swap

Sunday, May 11

may mothers ride

Vancouver This ride is free and open to all mothers and children of mothers! Meet at 11 am at Jett Grrl Bike Studio 243A Union Street for a leisurely & scenic hourlong group ride on the street and seawall, ending at Radha Eatery at 728 Main Street for a vegan buffet and live music. For ride info contact Amy at 604-669-9850 Radha is also open to the public (reservations encouraged: 604-605-0011) www.radhavancouver.org. Saturday May 12, 9am–12pm

john henry rides stp/century clinics

North Vancouver JHRides Century Clinics are designed to give riders of all abilities the tools to successfully complete one of the most fulfilling rides of your life! $140 (includes insurance). Contact jhrides@gmail.com www.johnhenrybikes.com/events.asp Thursday May 15, 7pm

cycling for everyone: lessons for vancouver from the netherlands, denmark and germany Segal Graduate School of Business Building, Vancouver Professor John Pucher of Rutgers University discusses methods used to promote cycling that have worked in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany. Free admission; reservations required. Contact cstudies@sfu.ca; 778-782-5100 www.sfu.ca/city

commuter cycling skills courses

Scared of traffic? This one-day class will give you the skills and confidence you need to ride your bike safely. Call 604-878-8222 www.vacc.bc.ca/bikeskills

dates/locations for may: Saturday May 3, 9pm–5pm

new westminster

Sunday May 4, 9pm–5pm

burnaby

Saturday May 10, 9pm–5pm

north vancouver

Saturday May 10, 9pm–5pm

ubc

Saturday May 17, 9pm–5pm

richmond

Saturday May 24, 9pm–5pm

port moody

john henry rides epic road challenges

Sunday May 18, 10am

ladner to point roberts ride, 60 km

Ride starts from Ladner Marine Park, south following River Road to the Tsawwassen First Nation reserve and across the border into Point Roberts. Pitstop at a waterfront bistro. Tour continues to Boundary Bay, north into Beach Grove and back into Ladner. Contact Chris Siggers, 604-291-1018; cell: 778-6863125; csiggers@telus.net Sunday May 25, 10am

mission to cascade falls tour, 50 km

Ride starts from the Mission McDonald’s parking lot (Lougheed Hwy), east through Mission about 10 km to Sylvester Road, north about 15 km to Cascade Falls. Bring a picnic lunch. Contact Chris Siggers at 604-291-1018; cell: 778-686-3125; csiggers@telus.net Monday May 26 to Sunday June 1

bike to work week

Lower Mainland (Vancouver to Abbotsford) Commuter stations, gathering places for cyclists with free food, drinks, and bike mechanics. Prize draws will be held throughout the week. Register your workplace online. It’s free! www.vacc.bc.ca/biketowork Tuesday May 27 to Sunday June 1

doxa documentary film festival

Vancouver DOXA 2008 features films from around town and around the world. Tickets go on sale April 30. For more info visit www.doxafestival.ca Wednesday May 28, 9pm (tentative)

doxa screening: “the long road north”

Vancouver Come out to see screening of the film “The Long Road North” at the DOXA Documentary Film Festival. For more info visit www.doxafestival.ca Thursday May 29, 9am

lawyers bike to work for access to justice

Vancouver David Hay, lawyers, and friends will ride from the North Plaza of Library Square to the Law Courts in downtown Vancouver to promote awareness of the need for justice for all. Contact David Hay at dhay@rbs.ca Friday May 30, 6pm

global agents for change

Vancouver Art Gallery Join a fun family pledge ride to Commercial Drive, and, for the adventurous, on to White Rock. Proceeds will go toward microcredit loans for entrepreneurs in the developing world. Contact Tina Pardiwala at events@agentsofchange.ca; 604-762-0978

Sunday May 25, 9pm–5pm

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photos by amy walker

wrap-up bbq bike to work week

friday, may 30

4 – 6pm science world gazebo, vancouver Bring $50 and get: · 1-year membership to the VACC · 1-year subscription to momentum magazine · Bike to Work longsleeved shirt Presented by

www.vacc.bc.ca/biketowork

bicycle ride led by local historian John Adams. Experience a spellbinding look at Victoria’s past. Contact Jane van Hoorn at 250-952-8417; 250-592-3631; jane.vanhoorn@gov.bc.ca

ood Free f es Priz

Sunday June 15, 10am

burnaby to ubc tour, 70 km

From Moscrop Secondary School (Willingdon & Moscrop, Burnaby), north to the Adanac bike route, west to Science World, Seaside route, pitstop at Starbucks in Kits, then out to UBC, returning along Marine Drive to 41st Avenue. From there, the Midtown/Ridgeway route, pitstop at Starbucks in Kerrisdale, east to Central Park along the Ridgeway route back to the start. Contact Chris Siggers, 604-291-1018; cell: 778-686-3125; csiggers@telus.net

Sponsored by M&M Meat Shops

june Sunday June 1, 9:30am–2:30pm island city, by bike, Richmond The 8th annual tour starting at Sea Island School. Bicycle safety check: 9:30am; long ride departs (2025 km): 11am; short ride departs (8-10 km): 11:30am; refreshments & raffle prize draw: 12pm-2:30pm. Contact 604-276-4035 www.richmond.ca/cycling Sunday June 1, 10am–5pm

vancouver heritage house tour

The 6th annual Heritage House Tour is a self-guided tour of 10 unique heritage homes. Visitors navigate the tour using a 30-page guidebook detailing the history of each house. Cyclists save on ticket price. 604-264-9642 Buy tickets online at www.vancouverheritagefoundation.org

commuter challenge, Metro Vancouver

Sign your organization up for a friendly, nation-wide competition to reduce GHG emissions by taking an alternative form of transportation to work. To register contact Cameron Reed at cam@best.bc.ca; 604-669-2860 Monday June 2 to Sunday June 8

bike to work week: celebrating commuter cycling in greater victoria This year’s focus will be on safety and visibility. Free bike skills and safety courses available, as well as a new introductory skills course for beginners or people who are just getting back into cycling. Contact Ronya Lake; 250-920-5775; 250-415-5773; ronya@biketowork.ca; www.biketowork.ca

Monday June 2, Rider check-in: 7:30am; Start: 9am sears national kids cancer ride, 25 km Sears, Pacific Centre, Vancouver The event will mark the beginning of a 7,600 km trek organized by the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation. Register for the community ride at www.SearsNationalKidsCancerRide.com Tuesday June 3, 3:15pm–5:15pm

griffiths overpass and south spur urban trail grand opening, Burnaby

A ceremony will be held celebrating the construction of the new South Spur Urban Trail, which includes the new Griffiths overpass. Participants will have the opportunity to view the newly reinstalled Stream of Dreams fish mural on TransLink’s railway trestle bridge. Free refreshments provided. Call 604-294-7216.

Sunday June 15, 12pm–6pm

car-free vancouver day

Thursday June 5, 5:30pm–8pm

Cloverdale Recreation Centre, 6220-184th Street A great family event. Obstacle course and bike demonstration, plus safety information. Activities include face painting, crafts and bicycle decorating. Bring your tricycle, bicycle or scooter. Prizes to be won. Call 604-502-6420

Six Vancouver locations Play in the street, meet neighbours, enjoy music, performance and spontaneous fun. Born on Commercial Drive in 2005, the mother of all street parties expands this year to six locations: Cambie Street, Commercial Drive, Kitsilano, Main Street, Marpole & the West End (Denman Street). www.carfreevancouver.org

Thursday June 5, 1pm–4pm

Fri June 20, 4:30pm–6:30pm, Sat June 21, 9:30am–11am

Florence Nightingale Elementary School, Vancouver Now in its 4th year, Pedalheads’ Every Kid Needs a Bike program has given out hundreds of bikes to kids in need. Free safety and skills course for kids. Donate used bikes at 2740 Guelph Street between 1-4pm. Call 604-874-6464 www.pedalheads.ca

Vancouver The WPG Fiesta is a community event for families, friends and all members of the community. Decorate your child’s bike and see them ride in a parade with the Pedalheads Patrol. Prizes for all entries, and grand prizes for the craziest bike and the best overall bike. www.pedalheads.ca

cloverdale bike and safety fair

pedalheads cycling skill and safety

Saturday June 7 and Sunday June 8

rona ms bike tour: fraser valley grape escape An all-inclusive 2-day wine tour to help end MS! Open to casual riders and cycling enthusiasts. We will provide tour leaders, scenic routes, food, entertainment and fun. Raise money to support MS services and research. Call 1-800-268-7582 www.msbiketours.com

Sunday June 8, Sunday 15, and Sunday June 22 tour de blintz, 40–75 km Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver A series of guided tours of participating Jewish restaurants, bakeries and delis in Metro Vancouver, highlighting regional cuisine, culinary traditions and histories. Co-presented by the Jewish Museum & Archives of BC and the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition. For costs, registration and information, contact Greg Robinson grobinson@jewishmuseum.ca; 604-638-7288 www.jewishmuseum.ca Sunday June 8, 10am–4:30pm

pedalheads teddy bear picnic

Town Centre, 2929 Barnet Highway, Coquitlam Join us at the 19th Annual Teddy Bear Picnic and Parade. Kids are welcome to participate and can ride in the parade with the Pedalheads Patrol. www.pedalheads.ca Sunday June 9, 10am

“magical” historical sites tour, 20 km

GVCC office, #12 Centennial Square, Victoria Join the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition and celebrate the end of Bike to Work Week with a

vancouver

victoria

west point grey fiesta

Friday June 20-25

bikeosphere art show

Vancouver Opening night party Friday, June 20 7pm-late. An art show exploring the Bikeosphere: the world we live in when we ride our bikes to get around. Ayden Gallery www.aydengallery.com Saturday June 21, 10am–11:30am

my first mountain bike race, Surrey

Our annual beginner mountain bike race kicks off the Bike Fest. All ages are welcome. Sponsored by South Surrey Cycles. Call Barry at 604-531-5004 www.sorcebikeclub.org Saturday June 21, 10am–3pm

surrey bike fest 2008

SORCE brings you this 7th annual community festival as part of Bike Month, featuring pro riders, jumpers and lots more. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the South Surrey Bike Park. Free family fun! Call Jim at 604-538-5716 www.sorcebikeclub.org Saturday June 21, 4pm–5:30pm

the junkyard jam movie premiere and amateur bike video contest

Surrey This is the first annual amateur video contest. Will feature the premiere of Seasons by the Collective. Prizes for the best video; lots of cool swag. Sponsored by Peninsula Cycles. Call Simon at 604536-7129 www.sorcebikeclub.org

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bike shorts by alistair barrett movie night

Wednesday June 25, 7:30am–9am

b.e.s.t. pancake breakfast

Granville Plaza, 200 Granville Street, Vancouver Wrap up Bike Month with free pancakes, fairtrade coffee and juice for all those who commute by biking, walking, carpooling or transit. Entertainment and familiar faces flipping your flapjacks. Call 604.669.2860 www.best.bc.ca Thursday June 26, 6:30pm–9pm

bike shorts

Ridge Theatre, Arbutus & 16th Ave, Vancouver A one-night-only bicycle inspired short film festival. Free, secure bike parking available. Visit www.bikeshorts.ca for further information. Saturday June 28, 12:30pm

vancouver’s first ever bent ride!

Grandview Park on Commercial Drive (at Charles) ride to Jericho Beach for a picnic. Cyclists with a curiosity for going bent are welcome. Bring a picnic lunch. Contact Farah Nazarali at farah@thesmilingyogi.com Saturday June 28, 9am–12 pm

john henry rides stp/century clinics

North Vancouver JHRides Century Clinics are designed to give riders of all abilities the tools to successfully complete one of the most fulfilling rides of your life! Cost is $140.00 (includes insurance). Contact jhrides@gmail.com www.johnhenrybikes.com/events.asp Saturday June 28 to Friday July 4

bc bike race

Victoria A seven-day epic mountain bike race from Victoria to Whistler. www.bcbikerace.com Sunday June 29, 9am–3pm

7th annual vintage bicycle show and swap Cambrian Hall, 215 E. 17th Ave (off Main St.), Vancouver Unique vintage and antique bicycles and hard to find parts on display and for sale. Vintage balloon tire cruisers, vintage BMX, vintage track bicycles. Admission $2. Cheap vendor space available. Contact Dave 604-779-7170

commuter cycling skills courses

Scared of traffic? This one-day class will give you the skills and confidence you need to ride your bike safely. Call 604-878-8222 www.vacc.bc.ca/bikeskills

dates/locations for june: Saturday June 7, 9am–5pm

coquitlam

Sunday June 15, 9am–5pm

vancouver

Saturday June 21, 9am–5pm

new westminster

Sunday June 22, 9am–5pm

vancouver

Saturday June 28, 9am–5pm

vancouver

an evening of bike-inspired cinema has long

been a staple of Vancouver’s Bike Month. Over the years a succession of local movie houses have played host to the event. This year, Bike Shorts heads for the big time with a gala evening at the Ridge Theatre in Kitsilano. The 2008 edition aims to be a major social event; a chance for the community to get together, swap stories and dish out awards. Incoming director Dustin Anderson says, “We want to give the cycling community an event where we can get together, celebrate the bicycle in all its forms, and honour the people who work hard to improve cycling facilities in our city.”

july

This year’s program will have more local content and a varied program featuring something for all tastes. Anderson is a recumbent fan, so figure on him fitting a movie about ‘bent culture in there somewhere. “There are so many great films being made about bikes and cycling right now,” Anderson says. “Cutting the content down to a reasonable screening time is going to be hard.” How hard? See for yourself on June 26, 2008, from 6:30 pm to 9 pm at the Ridge Theatre at Arbutus and 16th Ave in Vancouver, BC. This event has always sold out in the past, so be sure to pick up tickets beforehand at a variety of local cycling outlets. Free, secure bike parking will be available and everyone is encouraged to ride to the show.

Tuesday July 1, 10am

Saturday July 19

Starts from Moscrop Secondary School (Willingdon & Moscrop), along Deer Lake Pkwy to Norland, north to Central Valley Greenway, east into Coquitlam, via United Blvd past the Pitt River Bridge to Coquitlam Centre into Belcarra Park. Pitstop at the park concession, along the Inlet trail into Port Moody via Barnet Hwy. Pitstop at the Mountain Shadows pub before completing the loop to the start. Contact Chris Siggers, 604-291-1018; cell: 778686-3125; csiggers@telus.net

Inter River Park, North Vancouver Help build a trail to honour Richard Juryn. Sponsors & volunteers needed. Rakes, shovels and wheelbarrows needed. Contact Robin Harvey at robin@nsmba.bc.ca; 778-837-7637 www. richardjuryntrails.com

burnaby to belcarra tour, 65 km

Friday July 4 to Sunday July 6

loeka clothing & betty go hard women’s adventure

Sun Peaks Resort, Kamloops 2nd Annual Women’s Biking Weekend. Come out to ride, meet new people and have a lot of fun. The weekend is geared towards downhill mountain biking of all levels. Contact Coreena Fletcher at coreena@loeka.com www.loeka.com Friday July 11 to Sunday July 13

tour de delta

Friday: 3 km Brenco TT; Saturday: Lehigh Cement Criterium; Sunday: White Spot Road Race–140 km men, 85 km women. Men: Professional 1 and 2; Women: Open. Cash Prize of $25,000. Opening weekend of BC Superweek. Eight races in 10 days! Contact Laurie Collicutt 604-946-3304 www.bcsuperweek.com Sunday July 13, 10am

port coquitlam butterfly loop ride

Tour starts from the Citadel Landing lot (southwest corner of Shaughnessey and Hwy 7B, Mary Hill Bypass) following the Traboulay trail northeast to the Pitt River Bridge, east into Maple Ridge. Pitstop at Starbucks at West Gate mall. East along Dewdney Trunk to Laity, north to pickup the dyke trail along the Alouette River, back to the Pitt River crossing, north around to Lions Park. Luncheon at the mall, and then back to the beginning along Coquitlam River. Contact Chris Siggers, 604-291-1018; cell: 778686-3125; csiggers@telus.net

nsmba richard juryn memorial trail day

Saturday July 19 and Sunday July 20

women’s getaway riding weekend at silverstar

Silverstar Resort, Vernon Join the Loeka Clothing and Betty Go Hard riders at Silverstar for a weekend of riding. This is a casual weekend for women to meet other riders at their level and have some fun on the trails. Contact Coreena Fletcher at coreena@loeka.com www. loeka.com

commuter cycling skills courses

Scared of traffic? This one-day class will give you the skills and confidence you need to ride your bike safely. Call 604-878-8222 www.vacc.bc.ca/bikeskills

dates/locations for july: Saturday July 5, 9am–5pm

burnaby

Saturday July 12, 9am–5pm

vancouver

Saturday July 12, 9am–5pm

richmond

recurring Last Friday of every month, 5:30pm

critical mass

Vancouver Art Gallery, Georgia Street Second and Fourth Thursdays every month, 11:45pm

midnight mass

Grandview Park, Commercial Drive, Vancouver

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vancouver

victoria

dutch bikes cargo bikes commuters road bikes

city bikes folding bikes fixies and lots more!

raincitybikes 2518 Manitoba St. (@ Broadway)

604.879.4455 raincitybikes.com

documentary film festival

presents the world premiere of

Long Road noRth Directed by Ian Hinkle & Gwendal Castellan Produced by Tania Lo

the plan: to cycle halfway across the planet.

Wednesday May 28th | 9 pm Pacific CinÊmathèque, 1131 Howe Street Tickets and information: www.doxafestival.ca vancouver

victoria

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phone 604.682.3664

fax 604.688.3830

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