GET OUT. GET NOTICED. YOUR BIKE IS MORE THAN A GREAT WAY TO GET AROUND.
Cycling is a great mode of transportation. With plenty of fun routes to choose from, get your Regional bike map and get riding. Visit www.translink.bc.ca/bikes for a retailer nearest you.
by Ron van der Eerden
in this issue’s bc section legal brief the advocate: bicycle parking biker profile: jodi day mountain bike collector ramparts of the burrard bridge tyee contest winners gateway bicycalendar
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Bike To Work Week in Vancouver. Photo by David Niddrie
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legal
brief
david hay
bicyclist injuries and the
cycling environment
over the course of the next year you may hear about something relating
to a study on bicyclist injuries and cycling environments being conducted through Lower Mainland hospitals. The study kicked off on June 1, 2008. I was asked to participate on the steering committee and I am happy to say that this unique research project is now officially underway. Underlying the project is the concern that in North America cycling is more dangerous than it should be. Cyclists in North America are at twice the risk of fatality as their counterparts in Europe, and eight times the risk for serious injury. When compared to The Netherlands, cyclists here are three times more likely to be killed and 30 times more likely to sustain serious injuries. Naturally, the purpose of the study is to reduce the risk of injury by first understanding what increases it. Factors influencing cycling injuries include the social environment, the physical environment, personal characteristics of a bicycle rider, and the nature of vehicles involved in interactions with cyclists. The study, called Bicyclist Injuries and the Cyclist Environment (BICE), will use as its primary consideration the “built environment,” that is, the physical characteristics of the route on which the cyclist was injured. The study’s methodology will include the use of a comprehensive interview form completed after admission to hospital. The results are then imported into a
matrix which examines the various factors relating to injury in three phases; pre-event, event, and post-event. By analyzing available data the investigators hope to gain a better understanding of injury risk and, therefore, injury prevention. From my perspective, improving the safety of cycling is a gift that keeps giving. Many cyclists are afraid to commute to work or even ride recreationally on a city street. Risk reduction leads to more cyclists, which in turn leads to greater risk reduction through “safety in numbers” and conditioning of motorists to expect cyclists and respond accordingly. In addition, once the number of cyclists increases, so does the social “clout” of cyclists and the ability to motivate legislators to enact more cycling-friendly laws and provincial and local governments to assist in the development of more cycling-friendly infrastructure. Cycling is safer elsewhere, so we ought to be optimistic that it can be improved here in British Columbia. BICE’s analysis of infrastructure will no doubt bring further pressure on decision makers to make the necessary choices to reduce the frequency and severity of bike injuries. I was recently reminded at the Bike to Week wrap-up party that investment in cycling in infrastructure is a financial no-brainer in terms of return on investment. I am hoping the BICE study will yield compelling results and keep the wheels of change turning in the right direction.
“Cycling is safer elsewhere, so we ought to be optimistic it can be improved here in British Columbia. “
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bicycle p arking
the
advocate john luton
and public art
photos by john luton a bicycle in motion is mobile art of human form
and elegant machine. It is always beautiful to behold. Bicycles at rest may likewise be objects of beauty and we should be no less concerned about the aesthetic qualities of where they sit. Lately, city planners and bike rack manufacturers have given some thought to the role art plays in the design of technology and public spaces where bicycles congregate. The results are mixed, but a growing demand for more and better bicycle parking presents opportunities to celebrate the bicycle’s presence in the public realm. Cities usually pay attention to the design of public spaces and, where they can, to the private domain as well. They prescribe developers the form and function of buildings; they go to great length and expense to design and build sidewalks, streets, squares, and parks to entice and embrace their pedestrian citizens. In cities and towns across the continent, the challenge of providing more effective bike parking has spawned similar efforts to sculpt racks that are both fun and functional. DERO, a manufacturer based in Minneapolis, probably has by far the most eclectic selection. A few of their variations on “bike” bike racks have popped up in Victoria and some of their other funky designs can be seen in cities like Portland, where bicycle culture is thriving. A rack designed as a steaming cup of coffee sits in front of a café and other models are available that look like martini glasses. Powell’s Books – a Portland institution in its own right – has its own design with book titles
missoula bike bike rack
north vancouver
vancouver, washington bike rack and pump
portland bike oasis
carved out of their rack (unfortunately the design and orientation of the racks are not particularly functional). In Vancouver, Washington, the more square-ish “staple” rack, which mimics the functionality of the inverted “U,” has been rendered with a bike stencil and at some locations, a foot pump for those suffering deflation. Louisville, Kentucky, the city of Windsor, and Regina’s library; all have held design competitions to produce works of art doubling as bicycle parking. A quick look at the web finds some interesting pieces in Philadelphia. Seattle has some fine examples of
thoughtful and attractive designs. In San Francisco “Guns into Art” melted 75 handguns to make a beautiful rack that sits in front of city hall. There are still far too many examples of concrete “wheel benders” and other well-intentioned efforts that fall far short of the functional requirements necessary for a good bike rack, to say nothing of their artistic presence in the public realm. The emergence of more and more bike racks as art is nevertheless encouraging. All bikes come to a stop, sooner or later, at least for a time. Settling into an art piece makes a positive statement about the place bikes hold in our cities and in our transportation culture. www.meltguns.com
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victoria’s stencil rack
the eye portland
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hitching post seattle
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photo by jesse savath
biker profile jodi day, 26 interactive designer west end, vancouver
Rides: Chrome Bianchi I bought it a year ago and have been upgrading it piece by piece. It just keeps getting better. How long have you been riding? I’ve had bikes forever but as an everyday form of transportation (and fun), about two years.
Wine with balls!
What’s your favourite thing about riding your bike? Everything! Freedom.
What’s your least favourite thing? Angry drivers. Do you ever sing when you ride? All the time. Do you bike in the rain? Of course. Anything else you’d like to add? Sometimes people get bummed on biking being trendy or whatever. I think the more people on bikes the better.
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the mountain bike
collector
“I’m old school because I believe that in order to go down a mountain you need to ride up it.”
text & photo by craig sinclair
jim neilson doesn’t have the use of his legs, and though he can still
use his arms somewhat, he is considered a quadriplegic. Jim is a collector of bicycles. It’s an odd notion, collecting something that you can’t enjoy in the manner it was intended. Jim hasn’t always been in a wheelchair; there was a time when he was quite an avid mountain biker. He witnessed the evolution of the sport as it moved from an underground and isolated movement to a healthy lifestyle that went beyond the simple riding of bikes on dirt. Perhaps it’s that same energy that drives Jim to seek out and add to his collection of vintage and classic mountain bikes. He focuses on older bikes because, “I can relate better to the old stuff because I never got to ride anything with disc brakes or full suspension.” The idea of collecting bicycles happened quite by accident. At a time when so much of Jim’s life had changed due to a fluke accident involving a defective motorcycle throttle and a parked car, he was faced with casting off his prized Offroad Toad bicycle as a pointless reminder of a different time in his life. But he couldn’t. There was simply too much respect for the freedom and happiness that bike represented. Jim is a collector by nature. A visit to his Port Coquitlam home shows his passion as a collector. Jim also collects Coca-Cola memorabilia and the walls are covered with vintage posters, signs, and all manner of memorabilia. Sitting amongst all of this is an early Dekerf hardtail that has just been refurbished with a fresh coat of trademark Tangerine orange paint and new decals. Then Jim will take you out to his garage or into his office where you will notice the bits and pieces of mountain bike history stowed on shelves, in boxes, and built up into an eclectic collection of bikes. While his collection isn’t exclusively west coast bikes (there are two early 1980s Stumpjumpers in the collection and Jim suggests there will always be room for a Team Chance even though they were made in the east), geographical origins definitely drive the selection. Jim realized early that there were many people who had prime examples of quality mountain bike history downgraded into obsolescence by newer bicycles. These early mountain bikes were stored in garages and basements throughout the Lower Mainland. The bikes were too good to throw out but at the same time had been usurped by newer, bigger, better technologies. “Too good to throw out but not good enough to ride,” is how Jim describes them. People would hear about Jim and his fascination with west coast bikes and offer him their old bikes, happy to see them go somewhere they would be appreciated and become a part of something bigger. “BC has so much to do with where mountain biking is today. Sloping
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top tubes, free riding, Dekerf, Offroad Toad, Kona; leaders of the industry, all here in BC,” says Jim. And the vintage bikes suit Jim’s philosophy, too. “I’m old school because I believe that in order to go down a mountain you need to ride up it.” He collects forks too, like Tange Switchblades, Brodie Gatorblades, and Syncros forks, and he has a whole board adorned with half a dozen Brodie fork prototypes. Though he’s unsure what he’ll do with his collection, which currently stands at about 22 bikes in various degrees of completeness, he imagines displaying them in a bike-themed coffee shop or restaurant where others can share his passion. A place where “kids with $4,000 worth of downhill rigs and $500 worth of body armour, and have no idea, can see them and they’ll say ‘Holy Cow, people used to actually ride that stuff?’ They’ll understand how and why things are the way they are now. They’ll understand the evolution of mountain bikes.” He’s also not done collecting bikes. “I want to collect the whole early 1990s Rocky Mountain line. I have quite a few of them already.” One of the biggest challenges Jim faces is fixing the bikes once he has them. With very limited use of his hands and arms, he is dependent on others to fix and put these bikes together for him. Still, his collection continues to grow day by day and become more varied with unique treasures from western Canada’s rich mountain biking heritage.
columbia
Cyclists: 110% increase from 1996 – 2001* Traffic volume is limted by the intersections, not the bridge lanes*
The Lions Gate Bridge carries more traffic in half the number of lanes*
Pedestrians: 350% increase from 1996 – 2001*
Traffic volume is falling: 5% decline from 1996 – 2004*
Public transit riders: 40% increase from 1996 – 2004*
by terry lowe
photos by ben johnson the burrard bridge is a stately 1932 Art Deco structure that carries
six lanes of traffic to and from downtown Vancouver. For the last two decades of its 76-year existence, cyclists have been seeking some space on this bridge, so far with little success. So little, in fact, that to cyclists the bridge has become a lovely and useless monument to political inertia. A quick review of the facts: In 1996, responding to advocates’ lobbying, the city began a trial reallocation of one lane for cyclists. This was cancelled after one week, due to poor planning and implementation, which resulted in motorists’ outrage. In 2001, after five years of lobbying and consultation with 34 community groups, whose recommendations included bike lanes on the bridge (or at least another trial thereof), Council instead voted to paint a stripe down the middle of the bridge’s sidewalks, dividing them into imaginary narrow “lanes” accommodating pedestrians and cyclists adjacent to one another. At the same meeting, council voted against installing guardrails between the sidewalks and the car traffic. In 2004, a cyclist was knocked off that sidewalk and suffered horrific injuries when run over by a car. She sued the city, and eventually settled out of court for an undisclosed sum. This was national news briefly, and in mid-2005, the city resolved to reallocate the two curb-side lanes for cyclists in another trial. “Finally!” we all thought. “About time,” too. Nothing came of that, because a civic election followed a few months later, and the new city council vetoed the plan immediately. In 2006, Council commissioned a plan to widen the sidewalks. This proved contentious, since the bridge is designated and protected as heritage architecture, and such construction would alter that. It also did not address the concerns of the Squamish First Nation, who claim the land beneath one end of the bridge as their own. It was also expensive, coming in at a cost of about $40 million. Groups of stakeholders, first asked for feedback some 15 years earlier, began bailing out around then, exasperated as years passed with nothing happening on the ground. In early 2007, six such groups withdrew completely, writing to mayor and council:
“The constant delays of this project is unacceptable to us and we feel very strongly that not only has our volunteer time been wasted, but our participation has been used to give the false impression to the public that city council takes pedestrian and cycling issues seriously within the public realm.” Despite that, the sidewalk-widening plan has endured in modified form for the last two years, and its cost has risen to $57 million, according to a 2008 report. Recently, it has been pointed out that what that money really does is preserve, at great public expense, the six lanes of car traffic, while ignoring the far cheaper options that easily accommodate both cyclists and pedestrians safely. This plan is preposterous. No one, apart from the consultants who wrote that report, supports this option. It is doubtful that even City Council supports it. With this last trompe l’oeil, all possible engineering options have been examined, most have been rejected, and the conclusion favoured by the community stakeholders – reallocate two lanes for bikes, and keep the sidewalks as they are for pedestrians – has been brushed aside by political disregard, stonewalling, and bafflegab. The City of Vancouver “has set a list of transportation priorities in the following order: pedestrian, bicycle, transit, movement of goods, and private automobile.” City planners project up to a 28 per cent increase in trips to the downtown core by 2031, with “no growth in vehicle trips commuting into downtown; all new trips are projected to only be through walking, cycling, and transit.” They also note that such increases “indicate the importance of the infrastructure required to support these modes.” The advocacy groups agree that lane reallocation for cyclists is the cheapest, easiest, and most sensible way for the city to meet its own guidelines. City planners recognize the need to support methods of travel that are not dependent on the private automobile. The only ones missing from this conversation are the politicians. The current politicians, at least; there’s another election on the horizon, and the Burrard Bridge is looming as an issue. The Burrard Bridge Voters has created a petition in support of lane reallocation. For more information or to sign the petition, call Amy at 604-255-9689.
*Data courtesy of the West End Residents Association www.wera.bc.ca
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what should the city do about the burrard bridge? ross Put in a cycle bridge. Off the side, maybe cantilevered off the bridge, or maybe Granville would be better because it’s more level.
gilles like the idea of closing some of the lanes
so the bikes can actually get on the road and we don’t have the congestion we have with the bikes and the pedestrians on the sidewalk, as opposed to widening it.
sean I think putting a span underneath the
bridge is a good idea. As far as widening it, I’m not sure about that.
lee Ideally separate the pedestrians and the
ron I think they should dedicate lanes on the bridge.
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cyclists. I know a lot of people who bike over this bridge every day and it’s tough for both the pedestrians and the bikes. I think there’s probably too much traffic to cut out a lane in all fairness to cars we all have to mix together here. As far as the other options I don’t really know enough details.
bike to work week
photo contest 1st place:
carol carsco
Tranquility I see and feel the world differently through my bike. Crossing the Lions Gate Bridge on the way home from work, I stop for a moment. The sun glistens on the water and warms my face. The bike is old and covered with city grime, but to me, it is a thing of beauty. Through its frame, and the railings of the bridge, I take in the day and am awed by my privileged view.
2nd place:
alison dendoff Photo by Shannon LaFontaine Downhill Speed Demon My absolute favourite part of my ride to and from work is going down those hills! The one thing many people don’t know about me is my need for
speed. Whizzing down those slopes with the wind in my face is enough to recharge me after any hard day.
BIKE ACCIDENT?
third place:
Dressy Biking After seeing pictures of Amsterdam with many ties and skirts on bikes, we decided to better the world by doing our volunteer work on bike too. A big smile for biking! Helmet strap would be done-up when in motion. Briefcase bungee-corded to the rack. Dress shoes don’t mix well with clips.
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photo: wilderness committee archive.
car free commercial drive festival – launched in 2005 as a neighbourhood celebration against the gateway project, has grown to include four neighbourhoods, attracting 125,000 people in 2008. photo by ben johnson.
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gateway by jodi peters
a lesson on how to destroy a livable region
the livability of a region is tied to many factors
However, rapid transit improvements could begin China. Its port is already connected to national rail that make cycling in it either a pleasure or a chore; now, and cycling alongside four- to eight-lane links and its expansion comes with a much smaller among them are: air quality, green spaces, and highways while breathing in carcinogenic diesel environmental price tag, making it the better choice traffic. The world class livability of Metro Vancouver particulate is no one’s idea of a sustainable commute. for handling increases in trade with the Pacific Rim. is currently facing an unprecedented threat. Beyond congestion issues, the creation of the Alternative approaches to address congestion Gateway, the largest transportation project South Fraser Perimeter Road is driven already exist, and have existed for over a decade. in the history of the province, is the BC by the expected increase in The Livable Region Strategic Plan, drawn up in government’s response to growing container truck traffic from 1996 and ratified by all municipalities in Metro “without any further congestion on major arteries the expanding Deltaport. Vancouver, offers a holistic set of four principles in the region. Some of its The Perimeter Road is an for urban planning, including protecting the “green expansion at Deltaport there strategies include widening 80km/h, four-lane highway zone” and increasing transportation choice. In will be a west coast port Highway 1; twinning the Port that cuts through two 2006 Metro Vancouver (then the GVRD) voted to capacity of 11 - 12 million TEUs Mann Bridge; and creating neighbourhoods, passes “strongly oppose” the highway expansion and the a new freeway, the Delta elementary schools, twinning of the Port Mann Bridge on the grounds (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units, South Fraser Perimeter eats up agricultural land, that these were in opposition to the LRSP. or containers), which exceeds road, to link up with the and compromises the The Gateway project is poised the demand projected by the expanding Deltaport. already threatened to spend billions of dollars However, a large body Burn’s Bog. This to ensure that our region Provincial Government of 5 - 7 of evidence demonstrates plan has spent spends the next decade million TEUs by 2020.” that the Gateway solution nearly two years ensnared in construction, “Prince Rupert has a – Against Port Expansion will fail to reduce any longmired in the habitat destruction, natural deep sea harbour term congestion in the region, environmental loss of agricultural and a two-day shorter sailing and will likely degrade or destroy assessment process land, and of course, our air quality, natural wildlife habitats, due to the number of congestion. Ultimately, time from China. Its port is and the future sustainability of our region. concerns it raises. All this to the responsibility for already connected to national Here’s how: accommodate an equally calling the government rail links and its expansion Environment Canada’s assessment of the destructive port expansion to account for this project Port Mann Bridge/Highway 1 expansion states that may not be necessary. lies with the residents of comes with a much smaller “A review of the sizeable scientific literature “Against Port Expansion,” the region. As cyclists we will environmental price tag.” suggests that new highway capacity generally… a coalition of residents, be among the first to notice enables car-dependent lifestyles and decisions, environmentalists, and decreases in air quality and green and induces traffic for vehicle trips that would industry professionals, points spaces if this project goes ahead. otherwise not occur.” Any benefit from a shortout that “without any further Information is key to this battle. And with term reduction in congestion is rapidly eaten up expansion at Deltaport there will be an election around the corner, a letter to your as development shifts in response to more room a west coast port capacity of 11 - 12 million TEUs MLA or your local paper will carry a lot of weight. on the highway, and the congestion returns, now (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units, or containers), which Better yet, join one of the numerous coalitions that bigger and more polluting than ever. Eric Doherty, have risen up in opposition to this project. Now is exceeds the demand projected by the Provincial a graduate student at UBC’s School of Community the time to do something to ensure that our future Government of 5 - 7 million TEUs by 2020.” The and Regional Planning found a statement in the is not paved into oblivion. cumulative impact of the proposed Deltaport Ministry of Transportation’s own documents expansion on the Fraser River delta – an ecological that indicates the Gateway project will cause an gem that provides critical habitat for salmon, increase of greenhouse gas emissions of at least 31 Contact these organizations migratory birds, and orca whales – is estimated per cent by the year 2020; the same year by which and get involved: by Environment Canada to be so destructive that the BC Liberals envision reducing province-wide www.gatewaysucks.org it will induce “public outrage as well as agency emissions by 33 per cent from 2007 levels. www.againstportexpansion.org embarrassment on an international scale.” Much of In response to widespread criticism, the Ministry www.livableregion.ca the increase in west coast port capacity will come is quick to mention that Gateway includes cycling www.wildernesscommittee.org/ from the already underway Port of Prince Rupert infrastructure as a core component and that it will campaigns/communities/gateway expansion. Prince Rupert has a natural deep sea accommodate future rapid transit improvements. harbour and a two-day shorter sailing time from british
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bicycalendar july
Tuesday, July 1, 8am canada day 141, 141 km Fort Langley Lions Hall, 23022 88th Ave (at Glover) Straiton, Vedder Crossing, Huntingdon, Aldergrove. Cost $20. Contact Ali or Roger Holt at 604-946-8438 for more information. Tuesday, July 1, 10am
burnaby to belcarra tour, 65 km
Tour starts from Moscrop Secondary School (Willingdon & Moscrop, Burnaby), along Deer Lake Parkway to Norland, north to the Central Valley Greenway route, east into Coquitlam, following United Boulevard past the Pitt River Bridge to Coquitlam Centre into Belcarra Park. Pitstop at the park concession, then 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: 778-686-3125; csiggers@telus.net Wednesday, July 2, 6:30pm
vancouver foreshore park bicycle ride
25 km (a shorter ride is available) New Westminster New Westminster leads the Vancouver Foreshore Park Bicycle Ride from Century House (620 8th Street, New Westminster). Helmets are mandatory and lights are recommended. Ride rating: medium. Nominal fee for non-members. Call the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition at 604-323-5763 or 604-526-3585 for information. Friday, July 4 to Sunday, July 6
loeka clothing & betty go hard women’s adventure
Sun Peaks Resort, Kamloops, BC 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 Saturday, July 5, 7am
bc randonneur 200 km ride
Participants must be BC Randonneur members. Cost $15 (membership is $20). Call Tracy Barill at 604-988-9827 for more information.
Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6
Saturday, July 19, 6am
Sprinting, Power, Madisons and an Omnium – The fastest bike racing on the island! For more information, conact the Greater Victoria Velodrome Association at www.GVVA.bc.ca
Participants must be BC Randonneur members. Cost - $15 (membership is $20). Call Barry Chase at 604-266-4214 for more information.
gvva trackfest ‘08 #1
Wednesday, July 9, 6:30 pm surrey bike ride, 30 km (a shorter ride is available) New Westminster New Westminster leads the Surrey Bicycle Ride from Century House (620 8th Street, New Westminster). Helmets are mandatory and lights are recommended. Nominal fee for non-members. Ride rating: medium. Call the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition at 604-3235763 or 604-526-3585 for information. 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 B.C. Superweek. Eight races in 10 days! Contact Laurie Collicutt at 604-946-3304; www.bcsuperweek.com Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13
sea to sky trail ride
Now in its 13th year, this non-competitive trail links the communities of D’Arcy, Pemberton, Whistler, and Squamish. Ride is limited to 250 participants. Call 604-730-1247 or 1-800-242-1825 for information, or visit www.great-explorations.com Sunday, July 13
rotary club of vancouver bike-a-thon
Come join us for a fun ride to Harrison Hot Springs! Relax in their spas and join us for a sumptuous banquet to cap off the day! For more information and to register online visit www.rotaryvan.org 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: 778-686-3125; csiggers@telus.net
bc randonneur 300 km ride
Saturday, July 19
nsmba richard juryn memorial trail day
North Vancouver, Inter River Park You can help build a trail to honour Richard Juryn. Volunteers needed for trail building, event coordination, sign and bench installations, and trail surfacing. Rakes, shovels and wheelbarrows needed. Sponsors needed for lunches, entertainment, shuttling and community trade fair area. Contact Robin Harvey at robin@nsmba.bc.ca; 778-837-7637; www.richardjuryntrails.com 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 Wednesday, July 23, 6:30pm
sea to river/burnaby mountain urban trail ride, 30 km (a shorter ride is available)
New Westminster leads the Sea to River/Burnaby Mountain Urban Trail Ride from Century House (620 8th Street, New Westminster). Helmets are mandatory and lights are recommended. Nominal fee for non-members. Ride rating: challenging. Call the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition at 604-323-5763 or 604-526-3585 for information. Wednesday, July 30, 6:30pm
vanier park/fireworks bicycle ride, 50 km,
(a shorter ride is available) New Westminster leads the Vanier Park/Fireworks Bicycle Ride from Century House (620 8th Street, New Westminster). Helmets and lights are mandatory. Nominal fee for non-members. Ride rating: challenging. Call 604-323-5763 or 604-526-3585 for information.
VACC 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:
Wednesday, July 16, 6:30pm
trout lake bicycle ride
30km (a shorter distance is available) New Westminster New Westminster leads the Trout Lake Bicycle Ride from Century House (620 8th Street, New Westminster). Helmets are mandatory and lights are recommended. Nominal fee for non-members. Ride rating: medium. Call 604-323-5763 or 604-526-3585 for information.
Saturday, July 5, 9am-5pm
vancouver
Britannia Community Centre Saturday, July 5, 9am–5pm
burnaby
Saturday, July 12, 9am–5pm
richmond
Steveston Community Centre Saturday, July 12, 9am–5pm
vancouver
Dunbar Community Centre
bicycalendar photos by david niddrie
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august Friday, August 1, All night event
Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17
Seattle, Washington The Seattle bicycle club known as the Dead Babies have hosted this downhill race, messenger challenge and all around amazing biker party on the 1st Friday of August for twelve years. In addition to the regular race, bands, beer, and rides, this year a handcrafted tall bike made of 2 Fat Tire cruiser bikes will go to the winner of the Tall Bike Joust. Visit www.deadbabybikes.org or e-mail deadbabybikes@gmail.com for more information.
The second of this race series, with more Sprinting, Power, Madisons and an Omnium, the fastest bike racing on the island! Vist the Greater Victoria Velodrome Association at www.GVVA.bc.ca for more information.
dead baby downhill
Wednesday, August 6, 6:30 pm
colony farm bicycle ride
25 km (a shorter ride is available) New Westminster New Westminster leads the Colony Farm Bicycle Ride at 6:30pm from Century House (620 8th Street, New Westminster). Helmets are mandatory and lights are recommended. Nominal fee for nonmembers. Ride rating: medium. Call the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition at 604-323-5763 or 604-526-3585 for information. Saturday, August 9, 9am
john henry rides epic road challenges
North Vancouver Designed for riders of all abilities, the JHRides Epic Road Challenge will cover a short, medium, and long course. These fully supported rides are designed to be both challenging and fun! Cost is $45.00 (includes event insurance). Contact jhrides@gmail.com; www.johnhenrybikes.com/events.asp Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10
sunshine coast trail ride
This point to point trail is arguably the best single track in British Columbia for cross country riding. Join this non-competitive ride, now in its 8th year, and help raise awareness of the value of bike trails in British Columbia. Call 604-730-1247 or 1-800-242-1825 for info or visit www.great-explorations.com Sunday, August 10
rona ms bike tour: vancouver scenic city tour
Vancouver A fun family oriented event supporting the work of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. To register or get more information visit www.msbiketours.com
gvva trackfest ‘08 #2
Sunday August 17
slow food cycle sunday, 50 km
Pemberton A self-guided bike adventure through Pemberton Valley farmland. Learn about farming and eat local food. Open farms host chefs, local artisans, farm tours, and local flora and fauna experts. Food and drink for sale up and down the route. www.slowfoodcyclesunday.com Wednesday, August 20, 6:30pm
delta nature reserve bicycle ride
18 km (a shorter ride is available) New Westminster New Westminster leads the Delta Nature Reserve Bicycle Ride from Century House (620 8th Street, New Westminster). Helmets are mandatory and lights are recommended. Nominal fee for nonmembers. Ride rating: medium. Call 604-323-5763 or 604-526-3585 for information. Sunday, August 24
brentwood bay – south cowichan wine tour, 45 km
Brentwood Bay Join the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition (GVCC) for a great winery and cidery tour, featuring a ride on B.C.’s best ferry route! Leave from Brentwood Bay (Mill Bay Ferry) or at Thrifty Foods at the Mill Bay Shopping Centre. The route has some challenging hills. Some wineries may charge a small fee for wine tasting. Bring a lunch. Contact Jane van Hoorn at jane.vanhoorn@gov.bc.ca for more information. Wednesday, August 27, 6:30pm deer lake bicycle ride, 18 km New Westminster New Westminster leads the Deer Lake Bicycle Ride at from Century House (620 8th Street, New Westminster). Helmets are mandatory. Nominal fee for non-members. Ride rating: medium. Call 604-323-5763 or 604-526-3585 for information.
Wednesday, August 13
burnaby foreshore bicycle ride
20 km (a shorter ride is available) New Westminster New Westminster leads the Burnaby Foreshore Bicycle Ride from Century House (620 8th Street, New Westminster). Helmets are mandatory. Nominal fee for non-members. Ride rating: medium. Call the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition at 604-323-5763 or 604-526-3585 for information.
b:c:clettes & friends
recurring Last Friday of every month, 5:30pm
critical mass
Vancouver Art Gallery, Georgia Street Second Friday of every month, meet 6:45pm
mc3 ride
Science World Gazebo, Quebec & Terminal A rolling social for people who want to enjoy their Friday night seeing the sights and smelling the breeze. Second and Fourth Thursdays every month, 11:45pm
midnight mass
Grandview Park, Commercial Drive, Vancouver July to mid-September
green words, growing the language
VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver Eco-art installations throughout the Garden by Nicole Dextras. Runs until mid-September. The artist will be in attendance and creating art on some days throughout the exhibition period. Visit www.vandusengarden.org for more information.
wheely fun bike tour Ride, Dance, Inspire! Departing July 24, the fabulous B:C:Clettes are biking from Vancouver to Victoria by way of Salt Spring Island and Ladysmith, a total of 300km, to bring their inspiring performance to your town.
thursday night live – July 24 7pm 1st Ave in downtown Ladysmith
islands folk fest – Saturday July 26 10am Providence Farm, Duncan.
ganges farmer’s market – Saturday, July 26 3pm. Centennial Park, Salt Spring Island
pearson college youth leadership school Monday, July 28 (private show), Metchosin
wheely fun picnic & performance ride
For more info: bcclettes.ca british
columbia
Tuesday, July 29 Meet 5:30pm (Centennial Square) Ride 6pm. Performance at 7:30 pm Clover Point, Victoria
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