VACC Winter Programs

VACC Winter Programs 2009
 Streetwise Secondary and Bike Commuter Station #3

 
 This spring Grade 11 students from Churchill Secondary
in Vancouver plan to ride north along the east coast
of Vancouver Island, cross to Powell River from Comox,
and return south to Vancouver via the Sunshine Coast.


The students were split into two groups,
intermediate and experienced cyclists.


VACC instructor Karen Ageson looks on as a
student practices weight transfer for heavy braking.

 

Program Coordinator Lisa Slakov tests riders'
awareness for lane changes and shoulder checks.

 Students shoulder check and identify
how many fingers the instructor is holding up.

 

 The students had to make a difficult left hand
turn onto the Heather Street bike route.

All the riders crossed without incident.

 

 High viz vests are recommended attire
for cyclists  in an urban environment.

 Winter Bike Commuter Station #3
Friday Dec. 4th, 7am - 9am

Cambie and Tenth, Vancouver, BC

Happy Bike to Work Program Managers Rock the Tropical Theme!

Hanging Loose

 A winter bike commuter enjoys free coffee and
a quick pit stop with the on-site Bikes on the Drive mechanic.

 The VACC is running six Winter Bike To Work stations
(one per week) for the final six weeks of 2009.

WINTER BIKE TO WORK CAMPAIGN TACKLES 2010 COMMUTING WOES

Nov. 17, 2009 – Getting around Vancouver will be challenging during the Winter Olympics. To address the issue, the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition is encouraging commuters to consider biking to work. Thanks to positive feedback from cyclists during Bike to Work Week (Nov. 2 - 8) and continuing support from TransLink, the VACC is extending its commuter station program for cyclists until the end of December and offering workplace programs to educate commuters on the 'how-to' aspects of riding their bike to work. Six additional stations (dates and locations below) will be available in the coming weeks, for commuter cyclists to stop by and enjoy a hot drink and free snack, get advice on winter maintenance and equipment suggestions, and enter to win a variety of bike-friendly prizes. In addition, special holiday themes at some of the stations will help reinforce the fun aspects of cycling, regardless of weather conditions.

"There's no doubt that cold and wet weather can be a barrier to winter bike commuting," says VACC representative Lisa Slakov. "The commuter stations are a way to reward those year-round cyclists who stick with sustainable transportation choices. They are also a great place to provide advice on equipment, clothing, and safe routes for those who are just starting out."

In addition to the extra commuter bike stations, the VACC is offering riding workshops designed to help those looking for an easier way to get around during the 2010 Olympic Games. Workplaces and other organizations can take advantage of the program's sensible advice on safety and equipment, promoting realistic expectations, and offering potential cycle commuters the moral support they need to overcome perceived barriers.

"How do I get started? Not being able to answer that question seems to be the biggest roadblock to those wondering if biking to work is right for them," says Slakov. "Our workshops help people find the right answers. With the Winter Olympics coming and road closures soon to be affecting many parts of the region, we want people to know that getting to work by bike is a great way to avoid the frustration of traffic jams and transit overcrowding."

WINTER BIKE TO WORK COMMUTER STATIONS

Date: Friday Nov. 20
Location: Central Valley Greenway at Gilmore Way (Home Depot)
Time: 07:00-09:00

Date: Thursday Nov. 26
Location: SW corner of Burrard Bridge
Time: 16:30 - 18:30

Date: Friday Dec. 4
Location: Cambie and 10th Ave (West side of Cambie)
Time: 07:00-09:00

Date: Thursday Dec. 10
Location: Frances/Union bike route between Fell Ave and Kensington Ave
Time: 16:30 - 18:30

Date: Friday Dec. 18
Location: Ontario and 33rd, Vancouver
Time: 07:00-09:00

Date: Tuesday Dec. 22
Location: Union and Main (Adanac/Union bike route)
Time: 16:30 - 18:30

For more information on getting your organization involved in Bike to Work programs, please visit: http://www.biketoworkmetrovan.ca/


WINTER BIKE COMMUTING WORKSHOPS


For more details on the Winter Bike Commuting Workshops, including how your company or organization can participate, visit http://vacc.bc.ca/cycling/cycling.php?pageID=39#2 or contact the VACC office:


Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition
Phone: 604-878-8222
Email: admin@vacc.bc.ca
Website: www.vacc.bc.ca


MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Contact: Chris Keam
ckeam@telus.net
604-780-6125

Sugoi Clothing Expands under Dorel's Wing

MONTREAL, Oct. 6 - Dorel Industries Inc. announced it will move Sugoi to a new 70,000 square foot facility in Metro Vancouver by January 2010. The Vancouver clothing maker also becomes a part of Dorel's new Apparel Footwear Group (AFG) joining Cannondale, GT, Schwinn, Iron Horse, and Mongoose in the AFG.

The group is planning a focus on the custom apparel business and developing specific riding and running uniforms for teams and clubs. The new Vancouver facility will allow SUGOI to increase its custom apparel capacity and offer lead times above industry standards.

"We've barely scratched the surface in this expanding market and expect SUGOI to triple its custom apparel business within five years," stated Robert P. Baird, President of Dorel's Recreational/Leisure segment.

Chris Fuentes, will be AFG's President. In his most recent position Chris led all brand marketing, communication and promotion of retail, wholesale and licensing worldwide for the $1 billion Nautica lifestyle brand with 40 product categories in 70 countries.

Sugoi was acquired by Dorel as part of its February 2008 purchase of Cannondale.

(TSX: DII.A, DII.B;)

Link to Vancouver Sun article on Burrard Bridge bike lanes

I wrote an editorial appearing in today's edition of the Vancouver Sun. Although it carries my byline, I must acknowledge the help of Mary Sherlock and Arno Schortinghuis for their help with the raw materials, and Richard Campbell and Rob Wynen for advice and direction with the tone and tack of the piece.

Here's the first paragraph:

One month after the opening of bike lanes on the Burrard Bridge, it's a little hard to remember what all the fuss was about. Drivers haven't suffered from the change. Communications efforts before the trial began, publicizing the upcoming change and suggesting alternate routes clearly paid off. Unsurprisingly, cyclists and pedestrians are lauding the new arrangement. The increased safety both user groups now enjoy has turned uneasy confrontations into peaceful coexistence. Hopefully, these outcomes will spur further initiatives to create the separated, protected facilities that make walking and biking in the city a safe option for people of all ages and abilities.

And a link to the full article

Two Lane Trial Update

The long-awaited Burrard Bridge two lane reallocation trial should go before City council on April 21. You can find out some more of the details regarding the trial on Councillor Geoff Megg’s blog

and on veteran municipal reporter Frances Bula’s blog too

This is a great time to send off that letter of support you’ve been meaning to write. Let Council know their decision to go ahead with the trial will have the backing of eco-conscious, forward-thinking residents.

Vanier Park Proposed BMX/Mountain Bike Park

Consideration is being given to a BMX/mountain bike facility in Vanier Park. The public is invited to an open house to learn more about this proposal and to make comments.

Mar 31, 2009
5:00pm to 8:00pm,
Vancouver Museum,
Local History Lab
1100 Chestnut Street

More info:
Mark Vulliamy
Manager of Research and Planning
604-257-8461