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photo: Jennifer Strang Photography photo: Jennifer Strang Photography Touring and more... Helmets BC Superweek Seaside Greenway Party $131 Millionfor Cycling! Bicycle Dating Get WellPaulDragan IN THISISSUE: VOLUME 2,ISSUE 3,MAY 2014 hoodooadventures.ca Choose carsharing. Choose choice. Choose carsharing. Choosechoice. Choose carsharing. Choose choice. Choose carsharing. Choose choice. 250 490 6084 250 4906084 *Offer validfor new membersonly;maynotbeusedinconjunction withotheroffers. *Offer

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To redeem, email photo ofcoupon [email protected]. Credit Carsharing + $40 1-month TrialMembership FREE VOLUME 2,ISSUE 4,JUNE2014 GET WELL

Paul has always been at the epicenter of everything good Paul Dragan has a keen in the British Columbia cycling S N understanding of the needs of community- we feel his absence beginning cyclists that is critical and we all wish for a speedy to encourage them to using recovery”. cycling for transportation. His willingness for discussions, – David Hay, Partner, PPAAUULL!! enthusiasm, and energy for Richards Buell Sutton getting things done is always evident and much appreciated. We hope that Paul and his family can move forward quickly from It’s due to the leadership and this event and return to the style support of people like Paul that of family life that they enjoy. - the bike community has grown so Jack Becker, Third Wave Cycling quickly, introducing more people Group Inc. than ever to the joy of riding a bike in Vancouver. HUB Cycling Paul Dragan placed Reckless Bikes members, Board and staff wish as our first advertiser in We Cycle. him a fast and complete recovery. If are you a cyclicst in Vancouver, you It helped boost our confidence may not know it but you owe some of in creating a community based the comfort and safety you feel to Paul newspaper for cyclists. Paul, you are Dragan. Paul has been advocating for an inspiration to the community! cyclists’ rights and place on the city’s Thank you!! Paul, you are an inspiration to all of streets for longer than most of use us! Your amazing spirit has not only have been riding, and his fingerprints – Byron Sheardown, Publisher touched my life but so many people and influence on Vancouver’s cycling WeCycle Magazine The outpouring of support we’ve seen in this community. Get well soon! infrastructure and culture are – Melody Chan, eProdigy Bikes for Paul is a clear demonstration of the everywhere you look. The staff and tremendous respect and admiration he volunteers at HASTe wish Paul a full and has earned in our community. All of us Mr. Dragan has made significant speedy recovery.” at the City are wishing him a fast, full, contributions to the cycling and complete recovery! community in British Columbia and we sincerely hope that he regains his - Mayor Gregor Robertson health soon. We wish you a speedy recovery, Paul, – CyclingBC and look forward to seeing you back on two wheels in no time! – Clare & Trevor, Clevers Media

Join us for Paul Dragan’s Ride for Recovery Ride For Recovery Sunday June 29,2014. Starting at Reckless Bikes on Davie street 12 noon. Come show your support!

- 2 - SEASIDE GREENWAY PARTY Saturday July 5th,11am-3pm Celebrate the completion of this Vancouver Treasure! WE CYCLE

Mark the date and come There will be music, then continue west to Network, HUB Cycling, celebrate the comple- food, kids’ crafts, and take in the Brock House the UBC Bike Co-op, tion of one of Vancou- more along the route Summer Fair , plus the BEST, MEC Paddlefest, ver’s best public realm between the Burrard Jericho Sailing Centre’s the Jericho Sailing Cen- “The publication for treasures. The Seaside Bridge and Jericho 40th Anniversary Cel- tre, area neighbours passionate pedallers” Greenway that connects Beach and especially ebration and the MEC and others. downtown’s Seawall closer to Jericho Beach. Paddlefest - both on WeCycle is a newspaper magazine and False Creek with Bring your decorated Jericho Beach. Check us out at: Jericho Beach is ready bikes, kids and picnic This celebration for dedicated to the cycling commuter, http://vancouverpub- to be biked, walked, or baskets! Picnic in the everyone is supported licspace.ca/events/sea- their families and organizations. rolled - and may the park and park your bike by many, including the side-greenway-party/ We believe this demographic is best costume win! at BEST’s bike valet and Vancouver Public Space made of people who care about their environment, their food and local economy.

8 times per year, 6000 printed copies are distributed along bike routes, in community centres newspapers and libraries with dozens of inserts street drops and racks. flyers Editorial comes from the wonderful books writers at the BC Cycling Coalition, brochures HUB and freelance journalists. annual reports presentation folders Editor/Publisher: stationery packages Mailing Address: 1-1455 Brigantine Drive International Web Express 1-1455 Brigantine Drive Coquitlam, BC V3K 7C2 Coquitlam, BC V3K 7C2 604-526-8557 Policy Editor: Richard Campbell www.intwebexpress.com Copy Editor: Adam Paluck Page Layout: IWE Prepress International Web Express is a full service print company offering Cover Photo: Jennifer Strang quality products and services. Need something printed? Give us a call! 604-526-8557 - 3 - Mayors Announce Regional Transportation Plan $131 MILLION FOR CYCLING

On June 12, the Mayors Council will years) can also be used for cycling and and transit will only account for 27% of dollars in the coming years. There release their report entitled Regional pedestrian projects. of trips by 2045, far short of the target is a strong case to use some of this to Transportation Investments, A Vision The investment program would of 50%. The Vision will get us to 36%. help improve transit, cycling and walk- for Metro Vancouver which includes provide funding for the completion It is definitely a great start, but much ing. Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, a 30 year vision and a 10-year invest- of the region’s bikeway network envi- more will need to be done though to who just scored a dramatic election ment program. The 10-year pro- sioned in the Regional Cycling Strat- meet regional targets. Lets get this plan win, is doing exactly that by investing gram includes significant investment egy in around 20 years. In the first 10 moving forward then work on meeting $15 billion in transit around the the in transit, cycling, walking and roads years, this program would add to the the 2045 targets. Toronto area in the next ten years. throughout the region. existing bikeway network up to 300 In addition to being essential for the Unfortunately, the Province quickly The Vision calls for funding for a km of traffic-protected bikeways on economy and the environment of the reject using the revenue from the exist- 2,700km network high quality bike- major streets in Urban Centres, such region, the Vision will reduce fatali- ing Carbon Tax but left the door open ways including 300km of traffic-sep- as on-street cycle tracks with physical ties. It states, “With less traffic, fewer to an additional Carbon Tax which, arated routes to help make cycling a separation from traffic or off-street serious collisions and more opportu- according to Premier Clark’s election real transportation option for people paths; and 2,400 km of designated nities for active travel, this Vision will platform, would have to be approved of all ages and abilities. The proposed bikeways, such as marked bike lanes or save about 200 lives and prevent about by the public in a referendum. Mobilty investment in the cycling network and neighbourhood street bikeways with 4000 serious injuries every year.” Pricing is also an option at some point secure bicycle parking total $131 mil- bicycle-permeable traffic calming. The Mayors preferred choice, was in the future. lion over ten years, reaching $16.5 mil- The Major Bikeway Network will for the Province to help fund the im- Please contact Premier Clark, pre- lion per annum by Year 6. The $131 consist of high quality regionally sig- provements through a portion of the [email protected], encouraging the million consists of $96.7 million for nificant routes separated from traffic existing Carbon Tax collected in the Province to provide more funding for regional cycling routes that are not that parallel and connect to the rapid region then shifting to mobility pric- transit, cycling and walking in Met- TransLink-owned and $34.4 million transit system and regional gateways. ing at some point in the future. This ro Vancouver. A good idea to copy for TransLink-owned routes and Examples of possible projects to help would increase the effectiveness of the Hon. Todd Stone, Minister.Trans- parking at TransLink facilities. build the Network, include upgrading Carbon Tax by providing more people [email protected], Claire.Trevena. In addition, the proposed new four the BC Parkway and completing the with more sustainable transportation [email protected]. ca, your MLA, and the lane Pattullo Bridge will include high Central Valley Greenway, North Shore options. Now, the Carbon Tax revenue Mayors Council, mayorscouncil@ quality cycling and walking facilities Spirit Trail, Evergreen Bikeway, and was used to cut taxes so essentially this translink.ca. and funding from the Capital for Mi- routes South of Fraser to parallel fu- funding would have come out of gen- nor Major Road Network (MRN) Up- ture rapid transit lines. eral revenue. The Province is project- More on the plan and contact info at: grades program ($200 million over 10 If we do nothing, walking, cycling ing surpluses of hundreds of millions http://wp.me/p3bwI9-90 Bicycle Dating

Spring time means bike dates. Meet- for fine wine and foods. ing your beloved for dinner and an eve- Let’s not forget dressing up. An ab- ning stroll is passé. Meeting on a bike solute must on a bike date. I remember path and cycling into the sunset for a dressing up in a suit and tie for a bike picnic or patio dining is IN. The oppor- date with my wife last summer. I even tunity to engage each other in romantic donned a top hat to add a little panache conversation while pedalling can add an and satisfy my extroverted ego a bit. As aphrodisiac nature far better than road- we rode I got the looks and comments raging your car through traffic and curs- I wanted and also the appropriate eye- (almost) effortless pedalling the goal. electric or electric-assist bikes available ing the guy out who just stole your spot. rolling from my wife. If your date is dressed fancier than you these days! No sweat! Meandering through a park or wood- It’s important not to break a sweat (at an easy route will be much appreciated Planning a picnic along the sea wall, ed trail offers your senses a chance to least on the way to dinner) so we made and hopefully equalled in future reward. Stanley Park or the many secret loca- freshen up. Your sight and hearing will the reservations late and kept our pace Keep in mind the route home may be tions only cyclists know about can re- have a chance to shift out of the work- leisurely. Bike paths are by far the best after nightfall and that DUI rules apply kindle a flame or start an inferno. Don’t day grind and the fresh air and steady choice of route for safety and serenity to cyclists. More destination choices are wait. Plan one for tonight and surprise breathing will allow your palette to open so plan your destination and route with available if you ride one of the many your lover! Happy cycling!

- 4 - VeloWorks 2014 SEPTEMBER 17-18 NORTH VANCOUVER

Cycling for transportation, recreation, sport and tourism is experiencing a boom across Canada and North America. Communities large and small are planning to rapidly expand their all ages and abilities cycling networks to address social, envi- ronmental and economic challenges. In this spirit, we are pleased to announce VeloWorks 2014 cycling conference to be held September 17-18 in the City of North Vancouver. With the Spirit Trail, Green Necklace and the recently approved all ages and abilities cycling network, the City is setting a great example for other communities making it the ideal venue. The conference will bring together around 200 experts from around B.C. and neighbouring provinces and states. Building upon the legacy of Velo-city Global 2012, VeloWorks 2014 will continue the dialogue, networking and education designed to support and encourage cycling as an integral part of daily life. All ages and abilities cycling will be the focus on September 17. This will include ages and abilities cycling networks, safety, education, the benefits of cycling and how to safely accommodate all users on shared facilities. Cycling tourism will be the focus of September 18. The program will feature experts on all aspects of cycling tourism including network development, product development, marketing, wayfinding and events. Also included will be practically advice on how the hospitality industry can cater to and attract cycling customers.

For more information, sponsorship packages and to register, please go to: http://veloworks.org Saltspring Island, BC Cycling for Mermaid Wine, Art and Mellow Life Photo by HJEH Becker J Chong vance to check on business hours. along River Rd. to Shell Rd. and its We always drop by Saltspring Is- bike path, through a park, back onto What winery would feature a mer- land Winery to get the “mermaid” Shell Rd., over to Number 5 Rd, and maid sporting red rubber boots on wine, which is really their brand then on Rice Mill Road to get to the their wine bottles? It has to be a logo that features a mermaid in rub- Ministry of Transportation’s bike place with enough rain – and that ber boots. They offer a blackberry shuttle stop. would be the northwest coast and wine, which is a berry common to BIKE SHUTTLE FOR THE GEORGE Saltspring Island off the southern the Northwest Coast. MASSEY HIGHWAY TUNNEL: coast of British Columbia. However There is camping on Ruckle Park Bikes are illegal on this high- from June to September, usually the which does offer some beautiful A mermaid in red rubber boots greets visitors speed tunnel road. Cyclists can take to Saltspring Vineyards. sun shines overhead during your cy- views. It is strongly recommended the free 10 min. bike shuttle ride. cling trip there. that you book a camp spot months you to Fulford Harbour, Saltspring You get off at the Shell station and Every year we make at least one in advance. Island. There is a direct sailing but then bike on Highway 17 for a flat, ferry-bike ride trip over to Saltspring In addition to the market, Ganges the timing is not as ideal for day 14 km cycle to the Tsawwassen Island where we cycle to its ever Harbour offers many cafes, restau- trips. ferry stop to catch the BC Ferries popular Saturday Market – a week- rants and shops or you can simply bound for either Vancouver Island, BC TRANSIT (WITH BIKE RACKS end farmers and art market that lounge by the ocean harbour. Saltspring Island or other south- FOR 2 BIKES): In case you are with runs from May to October each year. Saltspring Island, like several ern Gulf Islands. For shuttle times: someone who does not normally It’s a low cost cycling trip from Van- other Canadian Gulf Islands, were http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/popular- cycle far, or if the weather becomes couver or Victoria. known for hippie alternative life- topics/driver_info/route- info/ very wet, there is a BC Transit bus It’s a trip that combines great style folks who wanted to abandon massey/massey.htm. Alternatively, that runs between Fulford Harbour coastal mountain and island views the consumer-oriented, fast-paced bikes can be taken on TransLink and the Market. There are also BC while cruising through narrow sea urban life. Nowadays, they live buses with bike racks through the Transit buses that run between channels on a BC Ferry and cycling alongside with wealthier folks who tunnel (2 bikes per bus). Swartz Bay ferry terminal and down- along urban and rural countryside. may have resort homes. town Victoria. The Gulf Islands offer a taste of a Try cycling to a different life pace BC FERRIES: A one-way, hour and TRAVEL BY SEAPLANE: You can laid-back, artsy, and more rural life- while on Saltspring Island and other a half scenic ferry ride to Vancou- also fly by seaplane to the island style while you are often in sight of Gulf Islands. Just make sure you are ver Island costing a cyclist with bike directly from downtown Vancouver. mountains. in cycling shape. Most of these rural under $15 to Vancouver Island. This Seaplanes fly from the docks near Saltspring Island has a good mix islands sometimes have some chal- ride sure beats any luxury cruise Canada Place and the Convention of bed and breakfast places as well lenging hills that take you to more liner. On the main ferry car deck lev- Centre. There are even bike racks as small resort accommodations, panoramic views of the Pacific coast el, there is parking for bikes. Bring just outside the seaplane compa- shops and activities for cyclists and coastal mountains. along bungee cords to fasten your nies’ front door. Bike rental is avail- wanting one or several days of re- bike securely to the rail. On newer, GETTING THERE: During spring able. How’s that for multi-modal laxation in a rural environment in large ferries Wi-Fi is available for and summer there are several BC fer- travel? By the way, there are some the villages of Ganges, Fulford Har- laptop users – for workaholics or for ries running to and from Saltspring frequent business travelers between bour and Vesuvius. downloading digital photos. between the ports of Swartz Bay (34 the Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island CYCLING AND SIGHTS ON km north of Victoria) on Vancouver FROM SWARTZ BAY (VICTO- and downtown Vancouver. Note: SALTSPRING ISLAND: Once you Island or Tsawwassen (34 km south RIA), VANCOUVER ISLAND TO Seaplanes are very small, they can- climb up the hill on bike from the of downtown Vancouver). Distances SALTSPRING ISLAND: The Gallop- not accommodate a full bike. Please dock, you are immediately in rural are based on cycling routes, not car ing Goose and Lochside Bike Route check with Harbour Air or Westcoast countryside on the road heading routes where travel shortcuts are to Swartz Bay ferry docks includes a Air for their policy on baggage, tick- straight ahead to Ganges Harbour used on high speed highways. blend of bike lanes, separated paths ets and schedules. There are strict where the Saturday Market is lo- Cycling from downtown Van- and small pedestrian-bike bridges. weight limits for these tiny planes. cated – only 15kms away. However couver bike routes: The most direct It’s a pleasant ride getting there. there are 2 wineries along the road route is to get on the Ontario Street From Tsawwassen (Vancouver) More photos at: http://www. and artists’ studios tucked down bikeway, to 63rd Ave., then south on to Saltspring Island: With the ferry cyclotouringbc.com/word- adjacent roads. The island does of- Cambie St., then onto Canada Line schedules, it is easier for visitors to press/2013/12/15/saltspring-island- fer a self-guided tour of art studios. bike deck over the Fraser River (with take a BC Ferry from Tsawwassen to bc-cycling-for-mermaid-wine-art- If there is an artist you truly want to log booms underneath) into the Swartz Bay, Vancouver Island and and-mellow-life/ visit, just make sure to phone in ad- City of Richmond. From there, cycle then transfer to a ferry that takes

- 6 - PHOTOGRAPHY Jennifer Strang SERVING VANCOUVER AND THE LOWER MAINLAND

SPECIALIZING IN EVENTS, PORTRAITS AND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

[email protected] call 604.218.6308

“I see photographs as a way to

preserve a moment in time that otherwise would

be lost or forgotten”

www.JenniferStrangPhotography.com

CROMOLY www.thebikedr.com TOURING BIKES 604-873-2453 137 W Broadway Ortlieb + Arkel bags Vancouver, BC Tubus + Axiom racks Bicycle touring pros. across from MEC

- 7 - CycloTouringBC Initiative

Jack Becker, Tourism Chair, British Columbia Cycling Coalition

Touring with a bicycle is growing quickly globally, yet British Columbia is not sharing in this growth. Even with its unmatched, majestic and natural splendour, our highways and byways are not filled with cyclists experiencing the spectacular scenery of this province. The benefits emanating from cyclotouring are not being experienced by local B.C. businesses in towns and cities that cyclotourists pass through. While other provinces, states, and countries neighbouring provinces and states. road bike paths. This network would be writers; businesses especially accommo- are putting forth programs to attract cy- During this year, cycling touring routes supported by all forms of public trans- dation, hospitality, marketing, and bike clotourists and to grow the cyclotouring will start to be posted for day trippers, portation including transit, ferries and trade; travel-oriented and other organi- market, British Columbia is not. Some weekend wanderers and CycloRovers. inter-city buses accessible to bicycles, zations; local to provincial and national of the provinces in Canada are coming The objective of this CycloTouring- families with young children, and more governments; planning, engineering, forth with provincial cycling touring BC Sector Initiative is to substantially senior, trepid touring cyclists. marketing and other consultants; cy- strategies. Unfortunately, this province increase cycling tourism in this prov- The BCCC and its CycloTouringBC cling advocates; and others. has not yet. ince. A comprehensive CycloTour- Sector Initiative is setting up a program Now, if this initiative interests you, The British Columbia Cycling Coali- ingBC Sector offering will evolve with for identifying the routes that tourists then get involved and volunteer. People tion (BCCC) has been active in promot- time. With an increase in visitors, cy- want to cycle to along with supportive of many skills are needed to make this ing such a network in this province for a clotouring provides economic benefits programs for cyclotourists planning a initiative a success including storytellers, number of years. In 2012, the Coalition to local villages, towns, and cities that trip or on the road. The program will mappers, marketers, and project leaders. launched its latest endeavour, the Cyclo- these touring cyclists pass through, es- also promote this cyclotouring network Help make it happen. TouringBC Sector Initiative. With this pecially to local accommodation, hos- and provide marketing support in con- initiative, CycloTouringBC Workshops pitality, attractions, food, cycling and junction with local groups and business If you are interested, then go to Volunteer were held in 2012 and 2013 along with other retailing economy. interests. Opportunities at: http://www.cyclotouringbc. the BCCC’s annual conferences. A blog A Concept of a CycloTouring Net- The BCCC has a vision where Cy- com/wordpress/volunteering-opportunities was started up in 2013 for attracting po- work for BC – a 10,000 km Network cloTouringBC would be the “GO-TO” And email us at: [email protected]. tential cyclists to come tour here from Now, this vision for the province organization for cycling tourism in Brit- Check out the blog at: http://www.cyclotour- around the world and our province. could result in a 10,000 kilometres net- ish Columbia for local to global cyclists ingbc.com/wordpress/ Articles have been posted on touring work of cycleable highways, low traffic and potential cyclists that want to tour in the province and cycling to it from local roads, rail-trail bike routes, and off- on their bicycles; the media and travel 150,000 Kilometres and Counting

Jack Becker car commute to transit. Now the deci- I should not continue cycling there after Vermont for a week. sion was to return to driving for the strike the strike, if only because I would not Since then, I have toured on bicycles duration or to cycle the 15 kilometres in- have to get up earlier in the day. over 150,000 kilometres with trips as Back in the later part of the 1980’s stead. Fortunately, I lived a couple of In 1990, I made the decision to leave long as ten and a half months. Now I while living in Toronto, the workers of blocks from a ravine bike path that would the car behind and use cycling comple- spend two to four months each year on the local transit company, the TTC, went connect me to the Don River Valley bike mented by transit as my way of getting my bicycle. My trips have taken me onto on strike. I had a pleasant 30-minute path and on-street bike routes to within about the city. In 1992, I ventured out a few continents and opportunities to commute by car against the traffic from a kilometre of work. Yes, the workplace further with day trips to other municipali- experience provincial and state cycling my downtown home to my suburban did have a shower and a fence to tie my ties combined with GO commuter trains, touring networks. My personal favourite place of work or an hour by subway and 1974 bicycle to it. Cycling was my deci- on weekend trips also used VIA trains, is La Route Verte network in the Prov- bus. By this time, I had moved away from sion and after a few days I wondered if and then my first cyclorovering trip into ince of Québec.

- 8 - Waiving Motor Vehicle Harm - Not On

A recent decision of the British Co- the basic policy not made mandatory, lumbia Court of Appeal may interest it is likely that the spouse injured while cyclists because it says that waivers lim- a pedestrian, the child hurt while a bi- iting liability for loss caused by motor cyclist (my emphasis), or a neighbour vehicles are unenforceable. maimed while a passenger, would even- The Plaintiff had participated in a tually look to general welfare sources or zip line experience. Nothing happened else some type of funds supported by while zip lining but while returning financially responsible drivers who are home in a bus operated by the Defen- already bearing their fair share of mo- dant the Plaintiff was injured when it toring accident costs”. went off the road. The Defendant re- Having reviewed the purpose of uni- lied on the waiver signed by the Plain- versal insurance coverage, in its context tiff prior to her involvement in the zip as a social contract, the court went on line experience. Naturally, the waiver to find that excluding liability under excluded liability for every conceivable such a scheme for motor vehicle acci- act of negligence committed by the zip dents by use of a waiver would amount line company. On the face of it, it ex- to a contravention to public policy. In cluded liability for the negligence of its short, the court found that public pol- bus operator. icy outweighed freedom of contract. At trial the zip line operator won. Madam Justice Garson, writing for the The trial judge held that the waiver did majority, stated: “permitting individuals indeed apply and rejected arguments to contract out of the scheme through that the waiver was contrary to public a release of liability clause would un- policy. dermine the social contract that the However, on Appeal, the majority of government has made for those who the Court of Appeal held that it is con- use its roads….could sporting orga- trary to public policy to permit an own- nizations transporting their members er or an operator of a motor vehicle in escape liability in the case of the negli- British Columbia to contract out of li- gent driver by asking passengers to sign ability for damages for personal injuries a release prior to boarding? Could a caused by a motor vehicle accident. taxi driver? …. The ICBC regime is in- The court reached back to the his- tended as a benefit for the public inter- tory of the Automobile Insurance est just as is human rights legislation. It tor vehicles in release language would interest at stake when motor vehicle Scheme in British Columbia and em- would be contrary to public policy and exclude a whole range of harm caused accidents are at issue. In the face of phasized the collective good achieved to a harmonious contextual interpreta- by motor vehicles outside the contem- the danger posed by cars values which through universality. It quoted from tion of the legislation to allow private plation of the release signing partici- underpin freedom to contract are sec- the Royal Commission: “Through the parties to contract out of this regime.” pant. Generally speaking, when people ondary to those which stand to protect principle of insurance it would fairly al- Only a little imagination is required sign releases they have the hazards of victims of vehicular negligence. locate a selected share of accident costs to see the harm which might arise had the activity in mind, not the secondary as a cost of motoring. In consequence, the court allowed the release to stand. hazards associated with the facilitation David Hay is a litigation lawyer and part- such cost could neither be forced onto First, the seriously injured zip line par- of the activity. ner at Richards Buell Sutton LLP. He has a those motorists already paying their ticipant would have recovered nothing. The decision reflects the Court’s special interest in bike injury law and can be fair share nor shift it through a wel- Secondly, in terms of a precedent, a view that motor vehicles are dangerous contacted at 604.661.9250 or [email protected]. fare agency to society at large. Were simple inclusion of a reference to mo- and there is a significant public policy

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- 9 - Help The Bicycle Valet park 100K bikes!

Stephanie Williams Ride your bike to one of our events and use our service. We count every bike we park, and every single one We’ve come a long way-and parked makes a difference. a lot of bikes since The Bicycle Valet Take a photo of yourself at The Bi- started in 2006. Gone are the days when cycle Valet and use #100Kbikevalet and passers by scratched their heads in con- you’ll be entered to win amazing prizes, fusion or gave us strange looks - now all summer long! we get cheers and smiles of recogni- Spread the word! Let everyone know tion. “Oh look, it’s The Bicycle Valet!” we’re trying to hit 100,000 bikes suc- is a comment we hear a lot, and we of- cessfully Valeted. Find @TheBicycl- ten see bikes around Metro Vancouver eValet on Twitter and Instagram, and and Squamish still wearing the familiar Better Environmentally Sound Trans- green tags they picked up from past portation on Facebook. events. One of our personal favourite Don’t forget to keep an eye on our occurrences is when a patron arrives progress by checking our regularly up- with a used tag on their bike – and we dated bike counter! Thanks for riding! find out they just rode over from one of our Valets at another event! More info and the bike counter at: So, what’s your point? Well, we’ve stone of 100,000 this year! And we’re Right now, it’s looking like we’re http://www.thebicyclevalet.ca parked a LOT of bikes. Seriously, a lot. going to celebrate, of course. As in, going to accomplish this landmark In fact, we’ve parked 82,000. EIGHTY we’re going to pull out the red carpet achievement at the end of August or Find the Bicycle Valet events at: http://thebicyclevalet.ca/calendar/ TWO THOUSAND bikes! Which and give away some pretty awesome early September, but we need your help means we’re going to reach the mile- stuff to the lucky 100,000th rider! to get there! So, here’s what you can do: First annual Bike Day in Canada a rolling success! THIRD ANNUAL BIKE DAY ON THE HILL ATTRACTS LEGISLATORS FROM ALL PARTIES

The first annual Bike Day in Canada, Councillor, and other enthusiastic Ca- organized by Canada Bikes and John nadians. Weston, MP for West Vancouver - Sea “By working together to improve to Sky - Sunshine Coast in partnership the conditions for cycling, we can make with cycling leaders, organizations and Canada the Fittest Nation on Earth.” government representatives, was held according to John Weston. Canada yesterday in different locations across Bikes Board Member Thomas Hasan the country to great success. Variable, agreed, “With Canadian kids scoring but mostly sunny, weather all across very poorly in the first global report Canada accompanied events attended card to measure childhood physical by mayors, councillors and the public, activity released last week by Active in the City of North Vancouver, Parks- Healthy Kids Canada, it’s critical that ville-Qualicum Beach, and Burnaby, more is done to encourage cycling not BC, Winnipeg, MB, Saugeen Shores, just for children and families but for all ON, and St John’s, NL. Canada Bikes ages and abilities.” was also represented at the 25th An- Bike Day in Canada is about bring- niversary of Bike to Work Day in To- ing together the public, cycling organi- Legislators join other Canadians to put cycling on the national agenda including (L-R) MPs ronto, ON. zations and members of all three levels Paul Dewar, Joan Crockatt, Radika Sitsabaiesan, Peter Stoffer, John Weston, Rob McClure The headline ride in Ottawa, Bike of government across Canada, to ride (Ottawa Bike Club), Mathieu Fleury (City of Ottawa), Mike Wallace, Barry Devolin (not Day on the Hill, has attracted cyclists, on the same day. The day is dedicated shown), Laurette Jones (RCMP), Declan McClure is in the foreground and Arne Elias cycling advocates and Federal legisla- to highlighting the importance of cy- (Canada Bikes) is in the background. tors since 2012. This year it was attend- cling in Canada as a healthy, affordable physical activity, transportation and ed by 9 legislators including 8 MPs, 1 and environmentally friendly form of tourism. - 10 - BC Superweek one of North America’s top series of cycling races

National and international professional cycling returns to Metro Vancouver from July 4 – 13, 2014 with BC Su- perweek. Featuring nine races over ten days in seven different communities, BC Superweek is comprised of five events overall. The Tour de Delta begins the BC Superweek series by hosting three days of racing that consists of the very fast MK The men’s field begins the first of 50 laps around Gastown’s historic course. Photo by Greg Descantes. Delta Lands Criterium on the evening of Fri- day, July 4, the Brenco Criterium around an old fishing village on Satur- Leah Kirchmann (Optum pb Kelly Benefit Strategies) wins the day, July 5 and the White 2013 Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix. Spot | Delta Road Race Photo by Greg Descantes. on the morning of Sun- day, July 6. Climb on the evening of Friday, July 11, Following Delta is the UBC Grand the fast Choices Markets Criterium the Prix presented by Mahony & Sons evening of Saturday, July 12 and one of Public House, held around a very tech- the more challenging road race courses nical course on the evening of Tuesday, in North America – the Peace Arch July 8. News Road Race – on the morning of Then on Wednesday, July 9 is the Sunday, July 13. exciting Global Relay Gastown Grand “We are so happy to officially announce the 2014 race dates for BC Prix, one of the most challenging and 2013 Women’s field on Water Street. Photo by Greg Descantes. exhilarating historic cycling events. Superweek,” said Race Director Mark On the night of Thursday, July 10, Ernsting. “In the upcoming weeks, is the cycling event to attend each year. the likes of Tyler Farrar, Chris Horner, the City of Burnaby hosts the Giro di we’ll continue to announce several new Already signed up are some of the Alex Stieda, Svein Tuft, Brian Walton, Burnaby presented by Appia Develop- and exciting aspects of the series that most competitive teams in national and Christian Meier and Dominic Rowan ments, a Criterium course centered in will further enhance what we feel is be- international cycling. Some of the rid- on the men’s side, and Olympic riders the historical Heights neighbourhood coming one of North America’s top se- ers and teams competing in BC Super- Gillian Carleton, Alison Sydor, Leslie on Hastings Street. ries of professional cycling races.” week will be announced as the event Tomlinson and Erin Willock have at- Then the week comes to a conclu- With between 5,000 and 30,000 spec- draws near. All races are free for spec- tended the pro women’s events. sion with the Tour de White Rock, a tators in attendance at each event and tators. three day points series that begins with $120,000 in cash prizes to win for the The accolade of some past attending Learn more at www.bcsuperweek.ca the challenging Homelife Realty Hill cyclists who participate, BC Superweek riders include, but are not limited to,

hoodooadventures.ca , 250 490 6084 - 11 - Helmets www.vox.com biking was only slightly more dangerous then wearing a helmet makes the odds more accident-prone one. than walking or driving: of a head injury significantly lower — by One can be blamed on drivers: per- somewhere between 15 and 40 percent. haps for subconscious reasons, they Today is Bike to Work Day — an (This is why ER doctors and brain sur- seem to be less careful around helmeted event that’s all about trying to get more geons are so pro-helmet — they’ve seen cyclists. people to ride bicycles more regularly. firsthand what happens in helmet-less In a 2007 study, British researcher And here’s some advice that might accidents.) Ian Walker rode 200 miles in the cities help with that goal: Stop forcing people But this is only a part of the story — of Salisbury and Bristol with a sensor to wear bike helmets. that data is only looking at the tiny sliver strapped to his bike that measured the For most bikers, this advice is anath- of bicycle trips that end in the hospital. distance of a total of 2,259 cars that ema. The importance of wearing a hel- Obviously, Australia is not the Unit- A more relevant question is how the passed him. He wore a helmet about met has been drilled into everyone since ed States, but the two countries have use of helmets affects the total rate of half the time — and found that when he childhood. And, it’s true that, as study very similar rates of walking, driving, head injuries and the overall accident rate. wore it, the cars came about 3.35 inches after study has shown, you’re better off and cycling. Surprisingly, the data here is pretty closer, on average, when passing. with a helmet if you’re in an accident. Here’s more recent data, which covers ambiguous. Some analyses show the The frequency of dangerously-close But in the world’s most popular bik- all of Great Britain from 2008 through Australia law reduced overall head injury passes was also much higher when he ing cities, particularly in Europe, very 2012. It doesn’t distinguish between dif- rates, but others find the opposite. was wearing the helmet — and the two few bikers wear helmets. And there are ferent causes of death, but again shows A recent study of 66,716 Canadian times he was actually hit during the ex- good reasons for that: biking, it turns that your odds of being killed on a bike cyclists under the age of 18 looked at periment both came when his helmet out, isn’t an especially dangerous form or on foot are very similar. head injury rates in provinces with man- was on. of transportation in terms of head trau- datory helmet laws and compared them Many people also suggest that wear- ma. And the benefits of helmets may be to provinces without. The result? Head ing a helmet makes cyclists themselves overstated. While they do protect your injury rates have fallen in both over the less cautious in their riding, increasing head during accidents, there’s some evi- last 20 years. the chance of an accident. This is un- dence that helmets make it more likely Head-injury rates did drop slightly proven, and it’s a difficult topic to re- you’ll get in an accident in the first place. more in the helmet-law provinces, but search. Comparing real-world accident Most importantly, requiring hel- the researchers’ model found that the rates for helmeted and non-helmeted mets deters many normal people from difference could be entirely explained riders risks conflating all sorts of other biking in the first place — in Australia, by unrelated factors — things like bike factors (a rider’s skill, for starters), and bike commuting rates plummeted when Similar data has come out of France, lanes and other improvements to the trying to do a controlled study in which mandatory helmet laws went into ef- the Netherlands, Denmark, and else- cycling infrastructure, along with bicycle you force some cyclists to not wear a fect. And, when there are fewer bikes where. safety campaigns. piece of protective equipment raises on the road overall, biking becomes Again, analyzing US data is tough — Though US data is scarcer, it’s hard ethical issues. more dangerous. no one keeps track of how many miles to see the positive overall impact of But even if each of these effects just Of course, if people want to wear are biked or walked in the country annu- helmets in the United States either. Be- increased the odds of an accident slight- helmets they are more than welcome to. ally, so it’s hard to convert raw numbers tween 1995 and 2002, for instance, the ly, it wouldn’t take much for that to wipe But we should think of helmets as an of injuries and deaths into meaning- number of bike-related concussions out the modest benefit of having a hel- optional accessory, rather than an abso- ful rates. But on a per trip basis, biking suffered by people under 18 declined, met on during that accident. lute requirement — and laws that would causes more deaths than driving and just but the number of young people who More importantly, though, there’s a mandate all cyclists wear helmets, like slightly more than walking. were biking actually dropped much bigger problem with requiring all cyclists one proposed in Maryland last year, are In 2012, 1.8 percent of all traffic-re- more significantly. to wear helmets, whether through laws a very bad idea. lated deaths were bicyclists, and 14 per- Other data shows that despite in- or peer pressure. WALKING AND DRIVING ARE JUST cent were pedestrians. Because biking creased voluntary helmet use by adults REQUIRING HELMETS SENDS THE AS DANGEROUS AS BIKING — BUT makes up about one percent of all trips in the US and Great Britain, the overall WRONG MESSAGE AND DISCOUR- THEY DON’T REQUIRE HELMETS taken in the US, and walking about 10.9 number of cyclist fatalities hasn’t been AGES BIKING One question to start with is why we percent, both led to a disproportionate affected. There’s a more fundamental issue: re- require helmets for bikers but not for pe- number of deaths, compared to cars — On the whole, when large numbers quiring people to wear bike helmets de- destrians or drivers. Is there something but were relatively similar, compared to of people begin wearing helmets, we re- ters people from biking in the first place. inherently dangerous about biking? each other. ally don’t see a benefit in the head injury Case in point: Between 1986 and It doesn’t appear so. Back in the early Bicycling, in reality, isn’t as inherently or fatality rates. How is this possible? 1996, most states in Australia rolled out 1990s, Australia collected good data on dangerous as people often think. IT’S POSSIBLE THAT WEARING A helmet laws and began fining cyclist head injuries for walking, biking, and HELMETS DON’T REDUCE TOTAL HELMET COULD MAKE ACCIDENTS who weren’t wearing them. As a result, driving. (This was before the country CYCLING HEAD INJURY RATES MORE LIKELY the percentage of people who biked to imposed mandatory helmet laws for Helmet proponents are right about There are two reasons to think that work went from 1.68 to 1.24 percent — bikers.) And what they found was that one thing: If you’re in a serious accident, a helmet-wearing cyclist is inherently a decline of over a quarter.

- 12 - Moreover, these states implemented city or region’s level of safety for bikers All this is borne out in cost-benefit helmet laws, like the one proposed in the laws at slightly different times, and is the number of bikers on the road. analyses conducted in places that did en- Maryland last year. by looking at data from the 1991 and True, it’s hard to disentangle cause and act bike helmet laws. Let’s stop thinking of helmets as a 1996 censuses, you can see the effect of effect here. These cities and countries In Australia, several different re- critical protection against the risky activ- the laws even more clearly. could be safe because there are more searchers have studied mandatory hel- ity of biking. Let’s start thinking of bik- In red states (where laws were in place bikers, or there could be more bikers met laws — looking at the lives saved by ing as a normal, safe activity, like walking by 1991), cycling dropped significantly because infrastructure and other factors helmets, the fact that biking is now more — and helmets as an optional accessory between 1986 and 1991. In blue states make biking in them safe. But either way, dangerous because there are fewer bikes for people who are really into it. (where laws went into place between it’s clear that helmets do not play a major on the road, the actual costs of buying Personal note: I’m a daily bike com- 1991 and 1996), biking dropped during role in ensuring overall biker safety. helmets and enforcing the laws, and the muter and a long-distance tourer, and that same period. (The higher two lines That’s because in most the countries massive health costs of having fewer suffered an accident a few years ago in show biking in Australia’s larger capital on the far right of the graph, helmet use people biking in a country that’s battling which my helmet was dented — though cities, and the two lower lines in smaller is dramatically lower than in the US. obesity — and concluded they do more it’s hard to say whether it “saved my cities and rural areas, but the trends are This doesn’t mean that if all Ameri- harm than good. life.” I’ve lately begun wearing a helmet essentially the same.) can bikers leave their helmets at home, SO SHOULD I WEAR A HELMET less, and despite the cold stares from So what’s the problem with taking New York is going to suddenly turn WHEN I BIKE? other cyclists, am feeling better and bet- bikers off the road? It makes biking dra- into Copenhagen. But it does mean that If you prefer wearing a helmet, go ter about it. matically more dangerous, easily eclips- safety officials’ emphasis on helmets is ahead. But this is an argument for why ing the safety benefit of helmets. totally misplaced — and that required you shouldn’t feel guilty if you don’t feel It’s been proven over and over again helmet laws mainly make biking more like wearing one. And it’s an even stron- that the most important predictor of a dangerous by taking bikers off the road. ger argument for opposing mandatory

Record Numbers for HUB Bike to Work Week 65% INCREASE IN PARTICIPATION, INCLUDING MORE FIRST-TIMERS & WOMEN

A record-shattering number of continuing to ride my bike to work.” commuters took to their bicycles Bike commuting is gaining sub- SPRING 2014 BIKE TO WORK WEEK RESULTS and registered for HUB Bike to Work stantial momentum as a convenient, Bike to Work Week Organizational Award Winners: Week 2014. enjoyable and healthy mode of 7,579 people registered online transportation in Metro Vancouver. Best (size 1-10): Boni Maddison Architects for the event, up from 4,604 people “We are delighted to see such an Best (size 11-25): AMS Bike Coop in spring 2013. Participants logged increase in participation rates this Best (size 26-100): Zaber Technologies their commutes and engaged in a spring”, says Erin O’Melinn, Execu- Best (101-250): Automotive Fuel Cell Corporation friendly competition to win prizes tive Director of HUB Cycling. “The Best (251-500): Arc’teryx and top spots in various team cy- jump is likely due to new prizes for cling categories. Thousands more participation, increased support Best (501-1000): City of North Vancouver attended free events throughout from the business community and Best (size 1000+): University of British Columbia the week, including celebration sta- continuing improvements in infra- Best in School: Hamber Secondary School tions with bike repair stands and structure” adds O’Melinn. Best in Health: Vancouver Coastal Health food areas that were open to the Workplace teams representing public. almost 600 organizations across Best in Business: Mountain Equipment Coop This year’s numbers included Metro Vancouver participated, and Best in Other: BC Hydro 1,668 new bicycle commuters, like O’Melinn credits employers for Best in Not for Profit: Science World Pam Leech, a 53 year old City of recognizing the numerous benefits Best in Higher Education: University of British Columbia Vancouver employee who got on they gain from encouraging their her bike for the first time in over 40 employees to bike to work. “An in- Best in Government: City of Vancouver years. creasing number of employers are “I was recently injured, and my realizing that they benefit from dicator of safer bike infrastructure. Since the first HUB Bike to Work physiotherapist said that cycling healthier, happier and more pro- The objective of HUB’s Bike to Week in 2007, over 9,500 regis- might actually help my injury, so I ductive employees. They also save Work program is to support the trants have tried bicycling to work decided to give bike commuting a money on parking and healthcare growth of bike commuting, the fast- for the very first time. try,” said Leech. “I was a little ner- costs,” explains O’Melinn. est growing mode of transportation vous at first but it was really fun! Of all registered participants, in Metro Vancouver. Bike to Work More information and resources at The added support from cowork- 58% were female, up from 41% in Week plays a pivotal role in helping bikehub.ca/btww ers during Bike to Work Week made 2013. An increase in female rider- people make the switch to cycling it so easy to start. I’ll definitely be ship is often acknowledged as an in- on a regular basis.

- 13 - A Time Machine By Arno Schortinghuis developments, and in “A Modern Uto- total cost of automobile ownership pia” (1905) he predicted the dominance which now consumes about 20% of of the motor car and he also wrote: one’s income or about 416 hours H. G. Wells (1866-1946) was a Brit- “Cycle tracks will abound in Utopia, some- of work time per year. By regularly ish author whose popular books include times following beside the great high roads, but riding a bicycle for transportation, “The War of the Worlds”, “The Invis- oftener taking their own more agreeable line we can either work less or retire ible Man” and “The Island of Doctor amidst woods and crops and pastures” earlier or both. Moreau”. He completed his first novel, I wonder if his views on cycling in- I wonder what the author’s re- “The Time Machine” in 1895. It is a spired his first novel, since the bicycle, action would have been if he ac- science fiction novel about a scientist in my opinion, is a time machine which tually had used a time machine who invented a time machine and used allows its riders to see more of the fu- to visit our time. Would he have it to travel into the future where he dis- ture than those who do not exercise been dismayed at the paucity of covered a society that had developed a as much. He may have realised then, cycle tracks and the relatively very dystopian social system. When he as we do now, that on average, those small number of people riding travelled back to his time and described who cycle regularly add about 10 years bikes? the world of the future, most thought of healthy living to their lives. He may H.G. Wells’ novel about he had gone a little mad. have also realised that a trip by bike a time machine makes for a Apparently, H. G. Wells also loved takes no time at all because it combines good read but the bicycle to ride his bike and is quoted as saying, both necessary exercise and transporta- provides its riders lots of joy “When I see an adult on a bicycle I do not tion. He may have realised that cycling during their trips and a long, despair for the future of the human race.” is a very low cost mode of transporta- healthy and prosperous life – He was very prescient about future tion, especially when compared to the a true time machine.

Past issues of WeCycle can be found here:

http://bccc.bc.ca/wecycle

- 14 - featuring the...

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