British Columbia Cycling Coalition

Urge the Federal Government to Mandate Truck Side Guards

2012-01-10T18:09:00.000-08:00

Side guards on trucks can help prevent serious injury and death in collisions with cyclists and pedestrians.

From the Globe and Mail:

Side guards are designed to prevent exposed road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, from falling under the sides of trucks and getting crushed by the back wheels. The recent death of a cyclist in Toronto has reignited the issue of whether the federal government should make them mandatory.

The family members of cyclists who have died in collisions with trucks are urging the Federal Government to take action. From Grieving families plead for truck side guards:

“The Canadian government has a responsibility to ensure the safety of its citizens. Side guards are a no-brainer, like seatbelts and airbags,” said Karen MacNeil Hartmann, whose husband, cyclist Ulrich Hartmann, was killed by a cement truck on Sept. 11, 2006.

Speaking at the Kensington Market yoga studio where Jenna Morrison taught before the young, pregnant cyclist was killed by a truck earlier this month, MacNeil Hartmann said she still searches her soul to understand the senseless death of the man she described as a “gentle teddy bear.”

In addition to protecting cyclists, side guards can also protect people in automobiles, SUVs and pickup trucks.

MP Oliva Chow has introduced Bill C-344 calling for mandatory side guards on trucks. There is also a petition in support of the bill on her site.

Please email Denis.lebel@parl.gc.ca and cc your Member of Parliament in support of mandatory side guards on trucks.

Also cc: olivia.chow@parl.gc.ca, Elizabeth.may@parl.gc.ca, denis.coderre@parl.gc.ca, James.Moore@parl.gc.ca, John.Weston@parl.gc.ca, Fin.Donnelly@parl.gc.ca, Libby.Davies@parl.gc.ca, Joyce.Murray@parl.gc.ca, Hedy.Fry@parl.gc.ca

Here is the BCCC's letter:

January 10, 2012

The Honourable Denis Lebel

Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities

330 Sparks Street

Ottawa, ON K1A 0N5

Dear Minister Lebel:

Re: Truck Side Guard Legislation

The British Columbia Cycling Coalition strives to encourage alllevels of government to make cycling a safe and enjoyable means oftransportation for everyone.

On May 9, 2007, Ms. Olivia Chow MP introduced a petition in theCommons asking for legislation that trucks and trailers in Canada have underrunprotection similar to the European ECE Regulation No. 73. The petition wasinitiated by the Toronto Cycling Committee after a number of cycling deathsinvolving trucks. Further support was found in a recommendation by the 1998analysis of deaths among Toronto’s cyclists by the Regional Coroner forToronto. Soon after she introduced the petition, two cyclists were killed inPortland, OR, as a result of collisions with trucks. One accident was due to acyclist being in the blind spot of a truck.

The Regional Coroner for Toronto concluded that trucks and other heavyvehicles were involved in 37% of accidents leading to the deaths of cyclists inthat city. The British Columbia Coroner’s study of bicycling deaths in BC overthe period 1986 to 1995 showed that in 34% of the cases a cyclist died as aresult of a collision with a truck or other heavy vehicle. This latter analysisalso shows that bicycle helmets offer only limited protection in accidents withtrucks, especially when the cyclist is pulled under the wheels of the truck orthe trailer.

At the time, theVancouver Area Cycling Coalition, one of our member organizations, wrote aletter to the then Minister of Transportation asking him to introducelegislation requiring that large motor vehicles like trucks and trailers havesideguards in order to protect cyclists and pedestrians from serious injury ordeath in the event of a collision.

As cities around Canada are actively encouraging the use ofbicycles, we will see a continuous increase in the number of bicycles on theroad, not only in the cities, but also on provincial roads. We think ittherefore mandatory that the government should move on this issue with laws andrules that will make traffic safer. In particular, underrun protection andblind spot mirrors are relatively cheap and effective measures to increase thesafety around trucks and other heavy vehicles. They can prevent fatalities andserious injuries in case of accidents.

In Europe, open side underrun protection has been mandatory since1995. There is, however, a movement to take an additional step and make closedside underrun protection mandatory. Closed protection is safer in that victimscannot be caught in the protection itself and has two added benefits: betterfuel efficiency, and less spray when it rains. It is important to note that(side) underrun protection is to the benefit of cyclists, pedestrians,motorcyclists, and car drivers. Making it mandatory would increase trafficsafety for all road users and would also reducehealth care and insurance costs

In addition to underrun protection, blind spot mirrors are anotherimportant device for increasing the safety around trucks. The better the drivercan see what is going on around the vehicle, the better he or she cananticipate the admittedly sometimes less than admirable behaviour of othertraffic participants.

Accidents involving trucks have a high human toll. These accidentsare more likely to result in fatalities and serious injuries and vulnerableroad users like bicyclists and pedestrians are often the victims. But let usalso not forget the trauma these accidents can cause to the truck drivers whenthe circumstances of the accident show that nothing done on their part couldhave prevented the deadly outcome.

MP Olivia Chow has now renewed her efforts to encourage theGovernment of Canada to introduce legislation to make sideguard protection ontrucks mandatory. Since 2007, weknow that at least 2 cyclists have died in Metro Vancouver from crashes involvingtrucks and recently cyclists in Toronto and Victoria where run over and killedby trucks.

The British Columbia Cycling Coalition therefore urges you toinitiate and support legislation on this issue that will make Canada’s streetsand highways safer for all road users, especially the most vulnerable.

Sincerely,

Richard Campbell,

President, British Columbia Cycling Coalition

president@bccc.bc.ca

cc: OliviaChow, NDP Transportation Critic

ElizabethMay, Leader, Green Party of Canada

Hon.Denis Coderre, Liberal PartyTransportation Critic

Hon. James Moore - MP Port Moody—Westwood—Port Coquitlam
John Weston - MP WestVancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country
Fin Donnelly, MP New Westminster—Coquitlam
Libby Davies, MP Vancouver East
Joyce Murray, MP Vancouver Quadra
Hon. Hedy Fry, MP Vancouver Centre

A Great AGM on Saltspring

2011-12-18T15:22:00.000-08:00

A great AGM and weekend on Saltspring. Thanks to John Rowlandson, new president Brenda Guiled and all the members of Island Pathways for being such fantastic hosts.

Photo - J. Rowlandson

Welcome to all the new directors Rob Bernhardt, Kevin Chan, Rand Chatterjee, Arne Elias, David Hay, Richard Littlemore, Joshua Prowse, Sam Stephens, Ken Wuschke and welcome back to the returning directors Jim Alix, Jack Becker, Colin Brander, Brian Collier, Rhiannon Chernencoff, Arno Schortinghuis, Ed Schum and Peter Stary.

As the new BCCC president, I am excited that we have such a talented board with a diverse range of experiences. A special thanks to outgoing president Jack Becker for his tremendous contributions to the BCCC and cycling in the province. He is staying on the board as Past President and will be very busy over the next few months in his role as Conference Director of Velo-city Global 2012 Vancouver.

Thanks also to Ken Wuschke for standing for nomination as president. I believe this is the first time we have had an actually election, an important milestone for the BCCC. Ken spoke passionately of the need to ensure that the BCCC effectively represents cyclists throughout the province and provides local cycling groups and chapters with the support they need to be successful. I look forward to working with Ken and other directors on making the BCCC BCCC a strong province-wide organization.

Thank you to the former directors who have stepped down including Rob Rao, who did a great job as Vice President; Sue Vince; Joe Goodwill and Peter Kortegast.

European Cyclists' Federation Secretary General Dr. Bernhard Ensink, spoke to the goal of the ECF to help facilitate the creation of a world cycling organization and suggested that the BCCC should join the ECF and participate in these discussions. The board will consider putting in an application at an upcoming board meeting.

The AGM finished off with discussions on provincial cycling safety and tourism strategies, two important BCCC initiatives for the coming year.

Island Pathways AGM

Salish Sea Bicycle Circuit

At the Island Pathways AGM on Saturday, it was quite inspiring to hear more about all the great initiatives Island Pathways are working on including Velo Villagehttp://velo-village2012.blogspot.com/, Partners Creating Pathways, the Bicycle Working Group, Helmets for Life, the Historical Bike Map, Bicycle Racks at Island businesses and the Salish Sea Bicycle Circuit.

Ride to Ruckle

The weather was nice and sunny on Sunday morning for the ride to Ruckle Park. The bicycles, however, were not so cooperative with cable repairs and my slow leak quickly becoming too fast to ignore. I ended up having to turn the tire inside out in the end to find the little bit of glass that was the culprit. Still, Saltspring is a beautiful place to ride and it was nice to finally get the leak fixed.

Moving Forward
In the coming weeks, we will be planning our strategies for the following year. Let us know what your ideas are for improving cycling in BC. While we do have a large and talented board, there is much work to be done to take advantage of all the opportunities to improve cycling in BC. These opportunities are only limited by the amount of effort we put it so if you would like to help out, please contact us.

European Cyclists' Federation Secretary-General to Attend BCCC AGM

2011-12-06T15:31:00.001-08:00

We are excited to announce that European Cyclists' Federation Secretary General Dr. Bernhard Ensink will be attending the BCCC Cycling Coalition AGM. The AGM is on Sunday, December 11, 2011 from Noon to 3:00 pm at Fulford Hall, 2591 Fulford Ganges Road, Saltspring Island. Dr. Ensink will be also addressing the Island Pathways' AGM, 7:00 pm Saturday, December 10 at All Saints By-the-sea. Both events are open to the public.

Dr. Ensink is in British Columbia for meetings with the Veloworks Cycling Society, the organizing body for this summer’s Velo‐city 2012 Global conference in Vancouver. The conference, which runs from 26‐29 June, is the first time since 2000 that the ECF has held a Velo-city conference outside of Europe and the first time that such an event has been held within the Pacific rim region.

The European Cyclists’ Federation is comprised of 65 member organizations representing more than half a million individual citizens from almost 40 countries. ECF promotes cycling as a sustainable and healthy means of transportation and recreation in Europe and exports cycling expertise worldwide.

Leading up to Velo‐city 2012 Global, Velo Village, a celebration of rural cycling, will be held on Salt Spring Island from 21 to 23 June 2012. Its themes of safety, community and connectivity will be brought to life through local exhibits, a rural cycling think tank, guided rides, performances, and demonstrations of rural mobility solutions.

Call for Directors - Help Us Move Cycling Forward in BC

2011-11-24T19:52:00.001-08:00

The British Columbia Cycling Coalition (BCCC) is seeking individuals to stand for nomination to our board of directors at the Annual General Meeting on December 11, 2011. With Velo-city Global, the world’s premier cycling conference coming to BC in June 2012, this is an exciting time to be involved in cycling. With your help, the BCCC will be able to leverage this great opportunity to move cycling forward in the province.

About the BCCC

The British Columbia Cycling Coalition (BCCC) is a registered Non-Profit Society whose members are individuals and cycling organization throughout the province.

Specifically, the BCCC:

- Advocates for improved cycling funding, policies, laws and education at the provincial level

- Supports local cycling coalitions and chapters throughout British Columbia

The organization is currently volunteer run with the majority of work being performed by members of the board of directors. The current board recognizes that the growth and effectiveness of the organization is limited under this model. The intent is to transition to a model where day-to-day operations are managed by staff and volunteers while the board provides organizational and advocacy leadership and governance. This transition, however, will likely consume a significant amount of board time over the next two years.

A Great Opportunity

The change in political leadership in BC presents an idea opportunity to increase support for cycling including:

- Increase in funding for cycling infrastructure, education and promotion

- Policies ensuring good cycling facilities on new and existing roads and bridges

- Updates to the Motor Vehicle Act to improve cycling safety and encourage more people to cycle

Experience and Skills

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about cycling with experience in one or more of the following areas.

Fundraising

· Foundation and corporate grants, donations and memberships
· Individual memberships and donations

Organizational Development
· Development strategies
· Reorganization and measures needed to support staff
· Support for chapters and coalitions
· Assist in the creation of new chapters and cycling groups in communities around BC
· Support for advocacy efforts
· Volunteer coordination

Membership Development
· The development of a membership strategy
· Corporate and individual membership recruitment

Communications
· Redesign of website based on a content management system
· On-line donations and membership payment
· Forums, wikis and other information sharing mechanisms
· Integration of social media
· Electronic newsletter
· A good writer and storyteller

Advocacy
· Government relations
· Organizing and coordinating grassroots campaigns

Networking
· Contacts in governments and bicycle industry
· Ability to quickly make new contacts and connections

Insurance
· Negotiating with insurance providers

President

As our president has served his two-year term, we are looking for an individual that can step into this leadership role.

Time Requirements

Board business - Basic board business will require an average of one hour per week and consist mainly of responding to email messages on organizational business.

Additional Responsibilities - In addition, we encourage board members to undertake further organizational responsibilities as detailed above that may require up to an additional five hours per week.

Board Meetings – Monthly electronic meetings using Skype. Three to four meetings including the AGM per year on weekends in communities around BC.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Board nominees are encouraged but not required to attend the AGM.

Contact

If you are interested or would like more information, please contact:

Richard Campbell

Chair

Board Recruitment Committee

604-733-1764

BCCC Annual General Meeting - Dec. 11

2011-11-24T19:36:00.001-08:00

The British Columbia Cycling Coalition 2011 Annual General Meeting is coming up soon. Please join us.

Date: Sunday, December 11, 2011
Time: Noon to 3:00 pm
Location: Fulford Hall, 2591 Fulford Ganges Road, Saltspring Island

The business meeting including the election of new directors will be noon to 1:30 PM. Please consider helping move cycling forward in BC by joining the BCCC Board of Directors.

This will be followed by a discussion regarding building momentum for a Provincial Cycling Strategy and province wide cycling touring network from 1:30 to 3:00 PM.

We are excited to announce that European Cyclists' Federation Secretary General Dr. Bernhard Ensink will be attending the AGM.

Here are the ferry schedules:
http://www.bcferries.com/schedules/

The Fulford Spokespeople hold a ride every Sunday at 9:30. BCCC members are invited to participate. On Dec 11th, Darcy Green will wait for BCCC members arriving on the 9:00 ferry from Swartz Bay before setting out.

Island Pathways is having their AGM on Saturday, Dec. 10 and there will be a social afterwards.

If you are interested in making a weekend on the Island out of it, stay tuned for more details or join our email list.

I will be adding travel details as well soon.

Vote for Cycling on November 19

2011-11-15T15:27:00.001-08:00

Please vote and encourage 10 of your friends to vote in the civic elections on November 19th. Phone them, text them, email them, buy them brunch or dinner or for that special friend, invite them on a vote date. Nothing says love like voting for improved cycling and safety.

Go to your city's web site to find out more about where and when to vote.

Several BCCC member cycling organizations have done an excellent job of surveying candidates on cycling issues.

Metro Vancouver
The Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition (VACC) has surveyed candidates in Metro Vancouver and placed the results at:
http://vacc.bc.ca/content/news

Greater Victoria
The Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition has prepared a great website on candidates cycling positions around the region:
http://gvcc.bc.ca/2011VictoriaMunicipalElection.html

Abbotsford
The Abbotsford Cycling Action Group (ACAG) has posted survey results for cycling and other issues at:
http://abbotsfordmatters.blogspot.com/

Comox
The Comox Valley Cycling Coalition has posted candidate surveys for Comox here:
http://cyclecv.squarespace.com/candidate-question-2011-comox/

Courtney

The Comox Valley Cycling Coalition has posted candidate surveys for Courtney here:

http://cyclecv.squarespace.com/candidate-question-2011-courte/

Conservation Voters of BC
The Conservation Voters of BC have endorsed candidates around BC including long-time BCCC members and champions of cycling David Cubberley who is running for Mayor of Saanich and Victoria Councillor John Luton.
http://conservationvoters.ca/bc-municipal-election-2011

Other Candidate Surveys?
Please let us know in the comment section if there are any other candidate cycling surveys or information that you would like included.

Get Your Vote on encourages young people to vote:
http://www.getyourvoteon.ca/

Election Updates
Follow the BCCC on Twitter and Facebook for ongoing election coverage:
http://twitter.com/bccycle
http://www.facebook.com/bccycle

Mayors Approve Cycling and Transit Funding!

2011-10-07T18:31:00.000-07:00

Great news! Metro Vancouver mayors voted overwhelmingly in favour of funding for improved transit and cycling with 16 voting for and only 6 voting against. Thanks to the mayors who supported the funding; those of you who emailed and phoned them; and to the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition for spreading the word to their members!

Support the Mayors Who Voted for the Funding

Especially with an election coming up soon, it is important to support these mayors who showed bold leadership by volunteering and donating to their campaigns. I suspect the provincial government will be watching the municipal elections carefully. If the mayors who voted for the funding are reelected, this will help give both provincial and regional politicians the mandate they need to provide further funding for the other transit and cycling improvements that the region so badly needs. This includes increasing cycling funding to at least $23 million a year, the UBC Line and rapid transit in Surrey.

Good News for the Whole Province

This decision is also important to the rest of the province where cycling and transit improvements are also badly needed. With success in the Lower Mainland, the province will likely be more inclined to give other regions the funding sources that they need to improve sustainable transportation.

Email Premier Clark

As the next step, the approval of the 2 cent gas tax, is up to the provincial government, it is a good idea to send a message of support to Premier Clark who has said her government will approve the tax and work with the mayors to find an alternative to the property tax:

Hon. Christy Clark Premier@gov.bc.ca and cc: adrian.dix.MLA@leg.bc.ca

For

The mayors, chief and councilors who supported the funding are:

Anmore - Mayor Heather Anderson, howard.carley@anmore.com

Belcarra - Mayor Ralph Drew, rdrew@belcarra.ca

Bowen Island - Councillor Peter Frinton, bim@bimbc.ca

Coquitlam - Mayor Richard Stewart, rstewart@coquitlam.ca

Langley City - Mayor Peter Fassbender, mayor@langleycity.ca

Lion's Bay - Mayor Brenda Broughton, bbroughton@telus.net

Maple Ridge - Mayor Ernie Daykin, daykin@mapleridge.ca

North Vancouver City - Councillor Bob Fearnley, bfearnley@cnv.org

North Vancouver District - Mayor Richard Walton, waltonr@dnv.org

Port Coquitlam - Mayor Greg Moore, mooreg@portcoquitlam.ca

Port Moody - Mayor Joe Trasolini joe.trasolini@cityofportmoody.com

Surrey - Mayor Dianne Watts, dlwatts@surrey.ca

Tsawwassen First Nation - Chief Kim Baird, kbaird@tsawwassenfirstnation.com

Vancouver - Mayor Gregor Robertson, gregor.robertson@vancouver.ca

West Vancouver - Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, goldsmith-jones@westvancouver.ca

White Rock - Mayor Catherine Ferguson, ferguson@city.whiterock.bc.ca

Against

Those who voted against the funding are:

Burnaby - Mayor Derek Corrigan, mayor.corrigan@burnaby.ca

Richmond - Mayor Malcolm Brodie, mbrodie@richmond.ca

Langley Township - Rick Green, rgreen@tol.bc.ca

Delta - Mayor Lois Jackson, LJackson@corp.delta.bc.ca

Pitt Meadows - Mayor Don MacLean, dmaclean@pittmeadows.bc.ca

New Westminster - Mayor Wayne, Wright, wright@city.new-westminster.bc.ca

Media Coverage

As usual, the anti-tax anti-everything crowd is busy in the comment sections. Never hurts to throw some pro transit and cycling comments into the mix.

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Metro+Vancouver+mayors+vote+raise+property+taxes/5520074/story.html

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/bc-politics/province-wont-stand-in-way-of-tax-hikes-for-bc-transit-plan/article2194941/comments/

http://www.theprovince.com/news/ready+Metro+Vancouver+mayors+approve+controversial+hikes/5519962/story.html?cid=megadrop_story

http://www.news1130.com/news/local/article/286131--mayors-approve-2-cent-gas-tax-hike-to-pay-for-transit-plan

http://www.delta-optimist.com/Delta+mayor+votes+against+TransLink+plan+hike+taxes/5520364/story.html

http://www.langleyadvance.com/news/TransLink/5520191/story.html

Urge Your Mayor to Vote for Transit and Cycling Funding

2011-09-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

On October 7, the Metro Vancouver Mayors Council will be voting on the funding package for TransLink’s Moving Forward Plan. This package includes an increase in cycling funding from $3 million to $6 million per year, a key step to the $23 million per year that TransLink is proposing to met regional transportation goals. Please email or phone them (contact information is below) and urge them to vote for this plan.

It also includes badly needed transit improvements all over the region that will benefit cyclists. In particular, the Evergreen Line will make it much easier to access the TriCities from other parts of the region. According to TransLink "By 2014, annual bus and SeaBus service will increase by 415,000 hours, or 7%, providing more service around the region to improve reliability, reduce crowding and serve new demand from population growth and the expanded U-Pass BC program."

As an interim measure to allow these improvements to goahead, the Moving Forward funding package contains a provisional small increasein property taxes that will go into effect next spring if other sources ofrevenue are not found. Even if new sources are not found, the property taxincrease involves only a commitment for 2012 and 2013.

Source: TransLink

As shown in the chart in red as New Revenue Source, this represents only 13% of the total revenue. While this is a concern, the Provincial Government has committed to working with the mayors to develop alternate funding sources including road pricing, tolls on existing bridges vehicle levies and carbon tax revenue. Depending on the implementation, in addition to raising revenue to fund better transportation choices, these funding measures can reduce demand for driving and thus help existing roads to be used more efficiently thus reducing pollution and congestion.

Transit is Good forthe Whole Region

While not all cities in the region get the same levels oftransit improvement, these improvements benefit everyone in the region.Pollution and greenhouse gas emissions do not observe city boundaries.Residents of the region also travel between cities in their daily lives. Theregion’s economy depends on cost effective sustainable transportation to givepeople transportation choices and to enable for the efficient movement of goodsby reducing the need for travel by automobile. As well, the cities whose mayorshaven’t yet committed to voting for Moving Forward have benefited more frompast improvements paid for by all taxpayers.

Email or Phone Your Mayor

Please email or phone your mayor and urgethem to vote for the Moving Forward funding package. Consider including:

- What transit and cycling improvements mean for you, yourfamily and community

- A statement that you will encourage the province to work with the mayors find other sources of revenue

Letter Writing Tips

http://bccyclingcoalition.blogspot.com/2011/09/writing-letters-to-elected-officials.html

Their phone and fax numbers and addresses can be found at:
http://www.metrovancouver.org/boards/BoardMembersPageDocs/Board_Directors_Contact_Information.pdf

Mayor Derek Corrigan, mayor.corrigan@burnaby.ca

Mayor Malcolm Brodie, mbrodie@richmond.ca

Langley Township - Rick Green, rgreen@tol.bc.ca

Delta - Mayor Lois Jackson, LJackson@corp.delta.bc.ca

Mayor Darrell Mussatto, dmussatto@cnv.org

Pitt Meadows- Mayor Don MacLean, dmaclean@pittmeadows.bc.ca

Lion's Bay -Mayor Brenda Broughton, bbroughton@telus.net

NewWestminster - Mayor Wayne, Wright wright@city.new-westminster.bc.ca

PortCoquitlam - Mayor Greg Moore, mooreg@portcoquitlam.ca

White Rock- Mayor Catherine Ferguson, ferguson@city.whiterock.bc.ca

Maple Ridge- Mayor Ernie Daykin, daykin@mapleridge.ca

Surrey- Mayor Dianne Watts, dlwatts@surrey.ca

Coquitlam- Mayor Richard Stewart, rstewart@coquitlam.ca

Vancouver - Mayor Gregor Robertson, gregor.robertson@vancouver.ca

W. Van- Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, goldsmith-jones@westvancouver.ca

Langley City- Mayor Peter Fassbender, mayor@langleycity.ca

N. Van District- Mayor Richard Walton, waltonr@dnv.org

Join the Facebook Page Supporting MovingForward

http://www.facebook.com/4TransitNow

More Info

TransLink’s Moving Forward website:

http://www.translink.ca/en/Be-Part-of-the-Plan/Plans/10-Year-Transportation-Plan/2012-Supplemental-Plan.aspx

Details on the Moving Forward Plan can be found at:

http://www.translink.ca/~/media/documents/bpotp/plans/10_year_plan/2012_plans/2012_supplemental_plan_moving_forward.ashx

Media and BLOG Coverage

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/TransLink+funding+plan+hits+roadblock/5412126/story.html

http://www.bclocalnews.com/richmond_southdelta/richmondreview/news/129676303.html

http://www.geoffmeggs.ca/2011/09/16/transit-service-will-flatline-without-moving-forward-investments-set-for-oct-7-vote-by-mayors-council/

http://www.theprovince.com/Transit+ridership+track+beat+Olympic+levels/5430790/story.html

http://www.bclocalnews.com/tri_city_maple_ridge/mapleridgenews/news/130160978.html

http://www.bclocalnews.com/greater_vancouver/northshoreoutlook/news/129822843.html

Writing Letters to Elected Officials

2011-09-20T17:36:00.000-07:00

Letters can be a very effective way of convincing public officials to address an issue. For each letter received, They often assume that several hundred other people feel the same about the issue. Here are a few tips.

Addressing Elected Officials

Politicians need to concern themselves more with the big picture and are interested in how your ideas will affect the larger community (and its voters)
Be less technical and more anecdotal
Get to the point and be brief:

Keep letters under a page (use appendices if you really need to add some technical detail).
Exceptions are when you are suggesting language for a plan or policy. In these situations, it may be necessary to spell everything out, but these are the exceptions.

Try to provide something before asking for something in return. For instance, instead of protesting to raise the issue of poor cycling facilities, ask the leader(s) responsible to take a tour of the facilities in question with you. That way, you can incorporate leaders in the solution. Also, if they agree to a tour, you’ll have engaged them in the process and begun to hold them accountable.

Letter Content

Confine your letter to a single issue.
Write in a natural style.
Letters should be factual and polite.
Take special care not to sound threatening, aggressive or offensive. You want to win a friend, if not now, then on other issues in the future.
Be positive and constructive - make a clear request and write as if the reader is open to reasoned argument.
Carefully plan your opening sentence; make it short and interesting. Particularly if you are communicating to criticize, it helps to start with appreciation or praise for the recipient’s past activities.
Don't plead.
For problems, personal accounts of how this issue has impacted you and your family, friends and community can be very persuasive.
For improvements, describe the benefits for you and your family, friends and community
Relate experiences elsewhere that demonstrate the effectiveness of improvements you want
Say a little about yourself if you want to - for example something about your occupation or background.
If there is a problem that requires remedial action, (if possible) request a specific action from the official and show your own willingness to work for a solution. Don't merely be critical; close with constructive suggestions and a positive tone.
If any follow-up is planned, let them know the time frame.
Use a conclusion that encourages a reply

Use Email

As most people have mobile devices, email tends to be more effective than pen and paper.
Include the text of letter in the body of the email and not as an attachment if possible. This makes it easier to read on a smart phone.

Sources:

http://www.vacc.bc.ca/advocacy/advocacy.php?pageID=23

http://www.wluml.org/node/5603

http://www.amnesty.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=949

Urge Your Mayor and Council to Support Cycling Resolutions at UBCM

2011-09-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

There are a couple of important cycling policy resolutions recommending bike lane sweeping and safe routes along highways that will be voted on at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention September 26 - 30 in Vancouver. Thanks to Delta and the Sunshine Coast Regional District for proposing them.

Please contact your mayor and council and urge them to vote for these resolutions.

From page 101 of the Resolutions:

B116 SAFE CYCLING ROUTES ALONG HIGHWAY CORRIDORS Delta
WHEREAS highway corridors such as the South Fraser Perimeter Road provide important linkages for both commuter and recreational cyclists;
AND WHEREAS in many communities the current cycling infrastructure provided along these corridors consists of shoulders without physical separation, which is considered unsafe and discouraging to cyclists:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province be requested to provide parallel routes, physical separation, and safe facilities for cyclists along highway corridors.

This proposal proved quite popular in an on-line poll in the Georgia Straight article Union of B.C. Municipalities will look at highway bike lanes.

From page 28 of the Resolutions:

B19 BIKE LANE SWEEPING Sunshine Coast RD
WHEREAS governments invest in the provision of cycling lanes adjacent to provincial roadways to promote healthy lifestyles and provide alternatives to single occupancy vehicles;
AND WHEREAS gravel and other debris on the cycling paths pose a risk to cyclists and act as an impediment to the use of alternative modes of transportation:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM urge the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure to amend road maintenance contracts to increase the frequency of bike lane and highway shoulder sweeping.

This one from page 77 of the Resolutions is not cycling specific but as a lot of cycling collisions occur at intersections, general improvements to intersection safety should reduce cycling collisions.

B84 INTERSECTION SAFETY CAMERAS ALONG HIGHWAYS Delta
WHEREAS intersection safety cameras have the potential to significantly reduce the frequency and severity of crashes at highway intersections regardless of pavement markings;
AND WHEREAS current Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) policies do not allow for the installation of intersection safety cameras on approaches without marked crosswalks, such as the intersection of Highway 17 and Ladner Trunk Road in Delta:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM work with the Province and ICBC to interpret and apply the current legislation to allow for intersection safety cameras to be installed at crash-prone locations where marked crosswalks are absent.

Cycling Investment Elsewhere

2011-08-31T12:29:00.000-07:00

As summarized in the following table, jurisdictions around the world are investing significant amounts in cycling infrastructure. Some such as the Netherlands and Copenhagen already have high cycling mode shares and require investment to address capacity and safety issues. Others, such Winnipeg, Seville and Sydney, Australia, that have cycling mode shares lower than Vancouver, have committed to dramatically increase cycling in a short period of time.

Seville

Seville, the host city for Velo-city 2011, demonstrated the advantages of rapidly building cycling facilities. In four years, they invested $42 million to complete a network of 78 km separated bike lanes throughout the city. In addition, they also installed a 2,500 bicycle bike sharing system. As a result, bicycle mode share increased from 0.2% to 6.6% and cycling trips increased from 2,500 to 70,000 per day. Perhaps more importantly, it is now quite common to see children cycling in the city.[i]

The Netherlands

Dutch government expenditure on cycling has now reached an annual level of 487 million euros per year.[ii] Much money is now being spent on improving regional routes, for longer distance commuters, which leads to higher rates of cycling to work.

Munster, Germany

Munster, Germany (population 270,000) increase cycling trips up from 29% in 1981 to 43% in 1992 with an investment in cycling facilities of $112 million in today’s dollars.[1]

Sydney, Australia

The City of Sydney is investing $71 million over 4 years to build a 200km cycling network including 55km of separated cycleways.[iii] Currently one per cent of trips into the city are made on bicycle - the city aims to increase this number by 10 per cent by 2016.

Portland, Oregon

Portland’s recently approved 20 year bicycle plan contains bicycle paths and other cycling infrastructure that is estimated to cost $613 million. Funding sources are being explored.[iv]

Winnipeg

In 2010, Winnipeg invested $20.4 million in capital funding to build an extensive active transportation network throughout the city.[v] The funding came from the three levels of government (the City, Province and Federal governments each contributing one-third, or $6.8 million). This active transportation program involves the creation of 35 projects that range from multi-use pathways to bike boulevards. Almost all of these projects are bicycle routes.

Minneapolis

In Minneapolis, over $50 million was spent between 2000 and 2009 contributing to bicycle commute work trips more than doubling from 1.9% in 2000 to 4.3% in 2008.[vi] An additional $18 million is budgeted for bicycle facilities and programs in 2010. This includes federal investment through the Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot (NTP) program. From 2000 to 2009 total bikeway mileage in the city increased from 95.5 miles to 127.8 miles. An average of $2 million per bikeway mile was spent during this period. The 2010 Bicycle Master Plan that aims to increase mode share to 10% by 2020[vii] will require an additional $500 million to complete and an additional $300,000 per year will be needed for maintenance. Non-infrastructure programs including education and promotion will cost $2 million per year to sustain.

Copenhagen

Already Copenhagen stands out among other cities for its cycling infrastructure, counting more than 390 kilometres of bike paths. Between 2006 and 2010, it spent DKK 250 million in bike infrastructure and an extra 75 million kroner were allotted for 2011. Within the city, 55 percent of all commuters already travel by bike. Their goal is to hike the percentage of suburban commuters cycling to and from the city from the 37 percent it is today to over 50 percent by 2015.[viii]

[1] Ibid, p i.

[i] http://www.cyclingmobility.com/the-circle-of-life/

[ii] http://hembrow.blogspot.com/2010/05/487-million-euros-for-cycling.html

[iii]http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/AboutSydney/ParkingAndTransport/Cycling/CycleNetwork/default.asp

[iv] http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2010/02/08/daily43.html

[v]http://www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/MajorProjects/ActiveTransportation/HikeItBikeItLikeIt.asp

[vi]http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/bicycles/Ch8Funding.pdf

[vii]http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/bicycles/Ch1Intro.pdf

[viii] http://www.expatica.com/nl/news/news_focus/Copenhagen-plans-super-highways--for-cyclists_116307.html?ppager=0

Help Save the KVR Trail from ATVs

2011-08-29T01:17:00.000-07:00

The Kettle Valley Railway Trail is being threatened by ATVs. They destroy the surface of the trail and create ruts making it very difficult to cycle on.

Photo - http://www.castanet.net

From Trails BC:

Trails BC is expressing concern about a recent petition and a letter writing campaign by the provincial motor sports sectors, lobbying the provincial government for authorized motorized access to the Kettle Valley Trail (KVR) trails which are the backbone to BC’s portion of the national Trans Canada Trail as well as the province’s Spirit of 2010 Trail Network.

Spearheaded by the provincial ATV organization, the Quad Riders of BC, this campaign threatens to turn the KVR/Trans Canada Trail into an official motorized trail with major negative implications for non-motorized users.

Over the last two years there has been resurfacing of sections of the KVR trail between Summerland and Faulder. In an attempt to maintain the integrity of these newly surfaced sections as well as to address other concerns impacting non-motorized users, the government of British Columbia Recreation, Sites and Trails posted official non-motorized signs on these sections just before the May long weekend. These non-motorized signs were immediately removed by unauthorized individuals. As a result, motorized users are still using these sections and the newly resurfaced sections are already degraded from motorized use. Such degradation discourages cyclists, the main intended user, from using the trail.

The KVR is largest component of the Spirit of 2010 Trail and the Trans Canada Trail in BC.

The Spirit of 2010 Trail is the first segment in the creation of world class recreational rails to trails product that will stimulate the development of incremental tourism infrastructure and incremental tourism visits across a significant portion of British Columbia. The Spirit of 2010 Trail is 750 kilometres in length and there is the potential to convert over 2000 kilometres of rail trails in total. The rails to trails movement has become an accepted model in North America for sustainable economic development in rural and urban areas. It is the conversion of former railway corridors into world-class recreational trails for use by cyclists, hikers, equestrians and Nordic skiers. It has enabled primarily rural communities to develop a sustainable business case for economic development using rail trails.

Marlene Gregory of Summerland reports:

Clear signs indicate that motorized vehicles are not allowed yet many of the cement blockades have been removed. Some refused to slow down, causing undue dust and one dirt bike rider narrowly missed hitting a cyclist in our group.

Parts of the trail are so soft that cycling and even walking are difficult.

Please write Premier Clark, Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and your MLA encouraging them to protect the KVR and other trails from motorized vehicles.

Premier Christy Clark

premier@gov.bc.ca

Hon. Steve Thomson

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

FLNR.Minister@gov.bc.ca

cc your MLA
http://www.leg.bc.ca/mla/3-1-1.htm

As well, cc:
adrian.dix.MLA@leg.bc.ca, lana.popham.mla@leg.bc.ca

Closing a gap in the TransCanada Trail

2011-08-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

The TransCanada Trail on Vancouver Island leads south from Nanaimo to Shawnigan Lake, where it currently ends, just short of the Capital Regional District (CRD). Cyclists and hikers destined for Victoria must travel over the Malahat, a busy highway, or take the ferry across Finlayson Arm to Brentwood.

Now, the CRD has announced that it is in negotiations to complete the final 750 metres of trail that would establish a link to the Galloping Goose in Langford, allowing users to continue on a "Rails to Trails" multi-user facility into Victoria, or, once south of the Malahat, up the Saanich Peninsula to the BC Ferries terminal at Swartz Bay.

The CRD expects to finish this link within three years, enabling a "triangle route" from the Lower Mainland via BC Ferries to Nanaimo, south to Victoria and back to the Mainland (or the reverse, of course!)

Read more (including a map) in the Times-Colonist newspaper article at http://www.timescolonist.com/Parks+officials+plan+close+national+trail/5281421/story.html#ixzz1VxZvgyLv

Beyond this, we can all hope that the existing trails north of Nanaimo can be linked together, to provide a facility all the way to Courtenay, where you can take a ferry to Powell River and the Sunshine Coast. That would be a very popular "circular tour" of some of BC's best country!

Five is the New Twenty - The Advantages of Quickly Completing Cycling Networks

2011-08-17T23:58:00.000-07:00

Often a city or town will produce a fairly good cyclingnetwork plan. Due to financial considerations, the implementation plan willcall for a route or two a year to be built. At that rate, it could take twenty tothirty to complete the network. The first bicycle path will open with a fairamount of fanfare with the mayor and other dignitaries cutting ribbons andperhaps even jumping on their bikes. Unfortunately, more often than not, evenfor high quality separated bicycle paths, the first route or two is not thatwell used and the good plans start to lose steam.

Some communities are taking a much bolder approach. They are planning and building whole networks of high-quality routesat once, essentially treating the network as one project. Instead of atwenty-year build out, they are completing their networks in three to fiveyears. The result is dramaticincreases in the number of people cycling over a short period of time and thecommunity experiences the benefits much sooner.

Better Bike Bang forthe Bucks

By enabling more trips per route, complete networks helpmaximize the investment in cycling routes by increasing safety, decreasing GHGemissions, increasing physical activity and reducing congestion. Asconstruction costs rise over time, the total cost of building a network rapidlyis likely even less than building over several decades. This is basis for the BCCC's recommendations to the Provincial Government in Realizing the Benefits of Accelerated Investment in Cycling.

Seville Cycling Network

Seville

Seville perfectly demonstrated the advantages of rapidlybuilding cycling facilities. In four years, they invested $42 million tocomplete a network of 78 km separated bike lanes throughout the city. Inaddition, they also installed a 2,500 bicycle bike sharing system. As a result,bicycle mode share increased from 0.2% to 6.6% and cycling trips increased from2,500 to 70,000 per day. Perhaps more importantly, it is now quite common tosee children cycling in the city.

Sydney, Australia
The City of Sydney is investing $71 million over 4 years to build a 200km cycling network including 55km of separated cycleways. Currently one per cent of trips into the city are made on bicycle - the city aims to increase this number by 10 per cent by 2016.

Why Complete NetworksWork

There are several reasons why complete networks can dramatically increase the number of people cycling.

1. More Destinations

One route serves few destinations and thus is useful onlyfor a few trips. A complete networks enables people to safely and comfortablecycle from anywhere to anywhere.

Due to network effects, the number of trips per route increasessignificantly as the number of connected routes increases. This is illustrated in the following figures showing a very simple network where each of the squares represents a destination.

Figure B

Figure A

In Figure A, the one route allows each of the six locationsto access each of the other five locations. Thus, the number of possible tripsis 6 x 6 = 30. The number of trips per route is 30.

In Figure B the 12 routes allows each of the 36 locations toaccess each of the other 35 locations. Thus, the number of possible trips is 36x 35 = 1260. The number of trips per route is 1260/12 = 105.

2. Shorter Trips

With a system with only a few spread out cycling routes,people will often have to go out of their way to get to the cycling routesincreasing travel distances. A complete network minimizes travel distances andtimes decreasing the effort required and increasing the number of trips thatare in reasonable cycling distance.

3. Less Time in BadWeather

Shorter travel times also means less time exposed to thecold, wet, heat and snow making cycling more comfortable.

4. Safer

Shorter travel distances decrease the chances of beinginvolved in collisions and allow cyclists to better avoid nasty intersections.

5. Less Effort

Shorter distances require less physical effort makingcycling more accessible for more people for more trips. This is especiallyimportant to young and old cyclists. Even for people in great shape, reducingeffort reduces sweat making cycling more attractive especially for work andbusiness trips. Complete networks also make it easier to avoid hills.

6. No Maps Needed

Well, at least no maps to find the bicycle routes. Just likedrivers, cyclists still may need maps or a GPS to find the best route to theirdestination.

7. Less Bicycle Congestion

Too many cyclists maybe the furthest problem from people’sminds in communities just starting their cycling networks. However, cyclingcongestion both slows people down and creates potential safety problems. Adense, complete network, spread the bicycle traffic out over more routesallowing people to get to their destinations quicker.

On the Ground

The value of complete bicycle networks isdemonstrated in Davis, California and Boulder, Colorado. With around 20% oftrips by bicycle, these communities have the highest levels of bicycle usage inNorth America. This highlevel of cycling is facilitated by mature networks, which include bike lanes onalmost all of their arterial roads and extensive off-road commuter bicyclepaths.

Residents can simply get on theirbicycles with confidence knowing there will always be a safe route to theirdestination.

N. Keates, Building a Better Bike Lane, Wall Street Journal, May 4, 2007, W1.

Ontario Doctors Support Cycling Safety Through Collision Reduction

2011-08-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

As tweeted by Share the Road, the Ontario Medical Association has just released an excellent policy paper, Enhancing cycling safety in Ontario. Their recommendations are very similar to the BCCC's policy Cycling Safety Through Collision Reduction with the focus being on investing in infrastructure improvements and education. The report also highlights the need to improve intersections.

Transportation planners must be charged with implementing bicycle safety solutions that have been proven in other jurisdictions, and work to solve any additional challenges that intersections pose for cyclists and drivers sharing the road. Similarly, the OMA recommends that both driver and cyclist educators emphasize intersection-specific challenges.

They also address the issue of a lack of places for children to safely cycle.

Apart from the dangers of cyclists riding off the sidewalk into traffic, or crossing intersections or crosswalks when drivers don’t expect them to be there, sidewalk riding is not ideal for pedestrians or cyclists. If there were safer, designated places to ride, children might feel more comfortable riding on streets and their parents might be more willing to permit this.

As an overall goal, Ontario’s doctors believe that a cycling infrastructure of bike lanes and paths should be safe and seamless enough for parents to feel comfortable letting their children ride on the road in these lanes. It is especially important that bike lane networks are connected, and cyclists aren’t left stranded in mixed traffic.

Here is their list of recommendations. It would be great if the BCMA would produce a similar set of recommendations or even better, the BC government implements such policies.

That both provincial and municipal transportation departments do more to make cycling safer.

That the provincial government develop policy and programs, including funding, to facilitate safe cycling routes.

That municipal governments, which have the responsibility to build a significant portion of the much-needed cycling infrastructure, redouble their efforts to do so.

That bike lane and bike path networks should be safe and seamless enough for parents to feel comfortable permitting their children to ride on them.

That bike lane networks be connected so that cyclists aren’t left stranded in mixed traffic.

That transportation planners in Ontario be charged with implementing solutions that have been proven in other jurisdictions, and work to solve additional challenges that intersections pose for cyclists and drivers sharing the road. •

That investments in cycling infrastructure be made in suburban settings as well.

That connected networks of roads with paved shoulders are needed in rural settings, to allow for the much needed separation between cyclists and fast-travelling vehicles on rural roads.

That the Ontario Drivers’ Manual be revised to include a comprehensive section on vehicle-bicycle interaction, and furthermore that the Ontario’s Drive Test include this in the examination of new drivers.

That the ongoing delivery of bicycle safety education for young children through such programs as Can-Bike be supported, and that such training be mandatory for all Ontario primary school students.

That education material for both drivers and cyclists emphasize intersection-specific dangers.

That the use of bicycle helmets is strongly recommended, on and off road, for children and adults alike.

Note that helmets are mentioned last. Like the BCCC, while strongly recommending helmet use, their focus is on collision reduction.

... the prevention of collisions and falls is the much preferred solution. There are many head injuries that bicycle helmets cannot protect against, so the ultimate goal must be to prevent the falls and collisions that result in cyclists hitting their heads.

The only major point they missed was the importance motor vehicle speed reduction but still, great work by the CMA.

The Battle of Hastings - The Need to Stop Deadly Secondhand Speed

2011-07-21T15:11:00.000-07:00

Mythbusting
People are starting to realize the threat of motor vehicle speed to people walking, cycling and driving in cities. Earlier this week, Pete McMartin, had an excellent article in the Sun busting the myth that speeding to keep up with the flow of traffic is safer than following the speed limit. Unfortunately, this myth is dead wrong.

A majority of those surveyed — 52 per cent — also felt that all drivers should keep up with the flow of traffic regardless of the speed limit. If everyone was driving at 120 km/h, the feeling was, then it was safer that everyone travel at 120 km/h.
But according to a study done by the U.S.-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, it is speeding, not speed differences, that causes “significantly” more accidents. Nearly half of all accidents resulting in death, the IIHS found, were single-vehicle impacts where the comparative speeds of the vehicles involved played no role or a minor role.
In other words, most of the accepted wisdom about speeding was hooey.

Saving Lives on Hastings Street
In response to a lot of people being killed while walking across Hastings Street, City of Vancouver staff are recommending, in a report going before council at the Transportation and Traffic meeting on July 26, that the speed limit on Hastings Street between Abbot and Jackson Streets be reduced to 30km/h. In addition to improving the safety of pedestrians, this reduction in speed would also make Hastings Street safer and more comfortable to cycle on.

VPD Opposed
Surprisingly, the Vancouver Police Department has come out against this recommendation. In the comments by VPD spokesperson regarding this, they seem to be confusing speeding with speed. With overwhelming evidence that speeds over 30km/h are deadly to pedestrians and cyclists, it is clear that if traffic was travelling slower, lives would be saved. Even if speeding is not the cause of the collision, it is the speed that causes the fatal injuries. This position is even more puzzling since, in Canada, traffic collisions are the second leading cause of death for on duty officers.

Inevitable Mistakes Should not Result in Death
The reality is that no one is perfect. Both people in cars, on foot and on bicycles will make mistakes. When the inevitable mistakes are made, it is critical that motor vehicles are not going over 30km/h so the mistakes will not result in people dying.
As Vancouver is seen as a leader in BC, their support of safe speeds will encourage other communities to do the same. For example, Burnaby is already following Vancouver's lead in signing bicycle routes.
Vancouver has been a leader in protecting people from the deadly effects of secondhand smoke. Lets encourage them to be a leader in protecting people from deadly secondhand speed.

Email Mayor and Council
As usual, a very vocal minority will likely flood the airwaves and comment sections with angry responses to this critical safety initiative, it is important that you email Mayor Robertson and Council urging them to make safety the priority. Including accounts of the impact crashes have had on you and your family and friends can be very persuasive.

gregor.robertson@vancouver.ca, clranton@vancouver.ca, clrcadman@vancouver.ca, clrchow@vancouver.ca, clrdeal@vancouver.ca, clrjang@vancouver.ca, clrlouie@vancouver.ca, clrmeggs@vancouver.ca, clrreimer@vancouver.ca, clrstevenson@vancouver.ca, clrwoodsworth@vancouver.ca

It would also be a good idea to cc Chief Constable Jimmy Chu, chief@vpd.ca

Support Funding for the Evergreen Line and Cycling

2011-07-06T14:04:00.000-07:00

The Metro Vancouver Council of Mayors has recommended a 2 cent gas tax to fund the Evergreen Line. In addition, they are also looking at other options with the Province including a graduated vehicle levy and a road pricing transportation improvement fee to fund further transit and cycling improvements. Cycling funding would increase from $3 million per year to $6 million per year. While the $3 million per year increase to the current $3 million in cycling funding is most welcome, it is still leaves the region $17 million short of the $23 million per year needed to complete a network of high quality bicycle routes throughout the region, it is a very important step forward.

TransLink will present the Moving Forward plan for public consultation over the next two weeks. As both the increase in gas taxes and the vehicle levy require provincial legislation, it is critical to show strong support across the province for increases in gas, vehicle levies, road pricing and carbon taxes to pay for transit and transit. According to the news report Premier sounding skeptical about proposed gas tax, the gas tax increase might be in trouble already. It is disappointing that the media in general has taken such a narrow view on the issue.

Better transit can dramatically decrease the cost of getting around the region by providing people with more choices and decreasing the need for expensive highway expansion. The cost to drivers of the gas tax increase will be much less than the $6 a day it will cost drivers travelling over the new Port Mann Bridge. With hundreds of thousands of people expected to move to the region over the next few decades, improved transit and cycling facilities are really the only affordable options. It is critical that people who support cycling and rapid transit contact the Premier and other politicians in support of cycling, transit and gas tax increases.

As well, send letters to the editor and phone into radio shows. All the info is below.

Hon. Christy Clark Premier@gov.bc.ca

Please cc your MLA. You can find their email address at: http://www.leg.bc.ca/mla/3-1-1.htm

As well, cc:

blair.lekstrom.mla@leg.bc.ca, kevin.falcon.mla@leg.bc.ca, mike.dejong.mla@leg.bc.ca, ida.chong.mla@leg.bc.ca, terry.lake.mla@leg.bc.ca, pat.bell.mla@leg.bc.ca,dawn.black.mla@leg.bc.ca, adrian.dix.MLA@leg.bc.ca, harry.bains.mla@leg.bc.ca, lana.popham.mla@leg.bc.ca

Radio Station Call in Shows

CKNW - 980 AM

Open Line: (604) 280-9898, Toll Free: 1 (877) 399-9898

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Slow Down and Save Lives - 30 is the New 50

2011-06-05T22:48:00.000-07:00

Image: copenhagenize.com

Speed reduction is a critical component of the BCCC's Cycling Safety Through Collision Reduction strategy.

For people walking and cycling, motor vehicle speed is the major threat. Vision Zero - An ethical approach to safety and mobility, pioneered in Sweden, is a philosophy of road safety that eventually no one will be killed or seriously injured within the road transport system. They recommend a maximum speed of 30km/h at locations with possible conflict between pedestrians and cars which in many cities, would be pretty much all the streets. It acknowledges that people driving cars and walking will make mistakes and these mistakes should not result in people dying. The best way to do that is to lower speeds.

Higher speeds both increases the likelihood of collisions and increase the severity of collisions. Safe Kids Canada states that regarding pedestrian safety:

At speeds greater than 30-40 km/h, both drivers and pedestrians may be more likely to make mistakes in judging the time required to stop or cross the street safely.¹ In addition, drivers are known to underestimate their speed.² Reducing vehicle speed has proven to be effective in preventing crashes and reducing the severity of injuries.³

Even small reductions in vehicle speed can yield significant reductions in injury risk. It is estimated that a pedestrian struck by a car travelling at 50 km/hr is eight times more likely to be killed than someone hit at 30 km/h.⁴

As shown in the following graphs from The Impact of Lowered Speed Limits in Urban and Metropolitan Areas by J. Acher et al, the research is very compelling.

In the BBC article, 20mph speed zones cut road injuries by 40%, study says, Dr Chris Grundy, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine estimates that 20mph (32 km/h) zones in London would save 200 lives a year, increasing to 700 if the zones were extended.

Not surprisingly, lower speeds also correspond to higher levels of cycling. Cities in Europe with 30 km/h speed limits have cycling mode shares from between 25% and 30% compared to 2% to 3% in British cities. The Copenhagenize 30 km/h Zones Work is worth a read.

Strasbourg is lowering speeds throughout the city to 30km/h to improve safety of cyclists and pedestrians and as stated by the Mayor:

The public roads no longer belong to automobiles alone. They must be reimagined to be redistributed in a fairer manner between all forms of transportation. The protection of the most vulnerable is thus reinforced in zones in which all users have access but in which the pedestrian is king.

30 km/h Zones in Barcelona Photo: w3.bcn.es

Barcelona has already had encouraging results by lowering speed limits to 30 km/hr on 300km of single lane roads. Their pilot project reduced injuries by 30%. They are now lowering speeds on all single lane streets to 30 km/hr. Thanks to Ryan Mijker for passing this example on.

In BC, we still have a ways to go. Municipalities across the province have repeatedly requested that the Province allow them to set blanket speed limits below 50 km/h. Given the lack of provincial action, the only option left to cities is to place 30 km/h signs on every block of a street which can be expensive and time consuming. Fortunately, the City of Vancouver is in the process of doing exactly this on bikeways. As well, in December 2011, the City of Burnaby adopted the recommendation for the trial installation of 30 km/h speed limit signs along sections of existing bikeways in two neighbourhoods.

Reducing vehicle speeds will also require traffic calming, education and enforcement but 30 km/h speed limits are the critical first step. It sends a clear message that people's lives are more important than probably getting there a couple of minutes sooner. Emphasis on probably. A collision that is preventable by going slower may mean that they don't arrive at all or at least delayed for hours at the scene.

Please write Premier Clark and urge the province step up and allow municipalities to set blanket speed limits below 50 km/h. After all, making streets safer for children is very family friendly.

Hon. Christy Clark Premier@gov.bc.ca

Please cc your MLA. You can find their email address at: http://www.leg.bc.ca/mla/3-1-1.htm

As well, cc:

blair.lekstrom.mla@leg.bc.ca, shirley.bond.mla@leg.bc.ca, adrian.dix.MLA@leg.bc.ca, harry.bains.mla@leg.bc.ca, lana.popham.mla@leg.bc.ca

Cycling Safety Through Collision Reduction

2011-05-28T23:23:00.000-07:00

We've been working on a comprehensive safety strategy for awhile now and here it is. Let us know what you think. It is based on what has proven to be successful in countries such as Denmark and the Netherlands where, as shown in the chart below, cycling levels are really high and cycling fatality rates are significantly lower than here.

Cycling Safety ThroughCollision Reduction

Cycling Fatalities J Pucher 2005

The BCCCrecommends that the province and municipalities implement a comprehensivecycling safety strategy focused on reducing collisions while increasing cyclinglevels based on best practices from around the world combined with localexperience and evidence. This strategy will help make cycling safe, accessibleand comfortable for people of all ages and abilities, including children andseniors, through measures including:

Infrastructure – Complete networks of high-quality facilities including bicyclepaths, separated bike lanes, traffic-calmed streets and paved shoulders onrural highways that provide the opportunity for safe interaction betweencyclists, motorists and pedestrians.

Education – Universally available cycling education and skills training forchildren and adults. Cycling safety integrated into driver training andtesting. On-going safety campaigns targeted at drivers and cyclists.

Maintenance – Prompt all-season maintenance of cycling facilities, roads andshoulders including prompt debris, snow and ice removal.

HazardRemoval - The elimination of hazards including poorsurface treatments, blind spots and obstacles on cycling facilities, roads andshoulders.

Legislation - Updating provincial legislation, including the Motor Vehicle Act,to provide greater legal protection and comfort for cyclists and pedestrians inorder to encourage these activities and to decrease the potential of collisionsinvolving vulnerable road users.

SpeedReduction - Motor vehicle speed reductions throughlower speed limits, traffic calming and enforcement.

Enforcement- Focused enforcement campaigns that maximize thesafety of vulnerable road users including cyclists and pedestrians.

HelmetEducation - Encouraging the use of helmets throughevidence-based education that accurately reflects the risk of cycling indifferent circumstances. Helmet marketing campaigns that exaggeratethe risk of cycling and thus discourage people from cycling should be avoided.

HelmetChoice - As many jurisdictions which haveimplemented comprehensive crash reduction measures have cycling fatality ratesdramatically lower than BC and also very low rates of helmet usage, werecommend allowing adults choice regarding helmet use by eliminating themandatory helmet requirement for adult cyclists. This will enable enforcementresources to be focused on collision reduction and facilitate the successfulintroduction of bike share systems.

This strategywould both involve proactive measures to improve the safety of cycling routes andthe skills of cyclists and motorists as well as the tracking of the locationsand causes of cycling collisions, injuries and fatalities to guide targeted andeffective infrastructure improvements, maintenance, education and enforcementefforts.

Vote for Worst Roads for Cycling in BCAA Survey

2011-05-22T20:50:00.000-07:00

Surprise, yet another post on voting.BCAA has kindly included bicycle facilities in their Worst Roads survey. This is a great opportunity to highlight poor cycling facilities in BC.

When voting, under Description of road problems chose Poor/no bicycle paths

A couple that come to mind in the Lower Mainland are the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge and United Blvd.

Vote for others here. If you place the link in the Comments, I will add it to this post.

Voting ends on May 24.

A Successful Meeting in Parksville

2011-05-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

A great meeting on a rainy day. The torrential downpour just before the event ensured that many had soggy feet. The BCCC Moving Cycling Forward forum in Parksville attracted 30 cyclists from all around Vancouver Island. The new Oceanside Cycling Coalition is off to a great start lead by Jim Swanson. It was good to see former VACC President John Fair who now lives in Parksville involved. Participants included Carrie Powell-Davidson the Deputy Mayor of Parksville and Joan Michel the Parks and Trails Coordinator for Regional District of Nanaimo. Their contributions were much appreciated. Thanks to Jim and BCCC Vice President Rob Rao for organizing the meeting.

The meeting started off with presentations by BCCC Board members Jack Becker and Richard Campbell:

Municipalities have Choice for Their Transportation Plans of the Future
Preparing for the Third Wave of Cyclists – Designing cycling facilities for everyone from 8 to 80
Five is the New Twenty – The advantages of quickly completing cycling networks
Provincial and Federal Cycling Strategies – Increasing cycling while reducing collisions

The presentations were followed by a lively discussion of local and provincial issues including:

Cycling tourism and BCCC's Golden Eagles Cycling Routes Proposal
Cycling education in schools
Added cycling paths to existing highways in rural areas
Using unused road allowances for cycling paths
The importance of engaging local politicians

The more we have these meetings in communities, the more we realize the value sharing of success stories, challenges and experience among cycling groups throughout the province. Joining the BCCC email discussion list is one way of sharing such information. This blog is another such opportunity.

To get involved in the Oceanside Cycling Coalition, please go to their website.

The next BCCC forum will be in Abbotsford on July 16 hosted by the the Abbotsford Cycling Action Group. Stay tuned for details.

Politicians Interfering with ICBC Plans To Improve Safety

2011-05-11T19:32:00.000-07:00

The response has been quick. The few reckless and aggressive drivers who cause the majority of crashes, injuries and deaths, were complaining on the airwaves this morning upon hearing about ICBC's plans to reduce rates for good drivers while increasing them for risky drivers.

Excessive speed and reckless driving are serious threats to cyclists, pedestrians and other drivers. Such measures that encourage people to obey the law and drive more responsibly will save lives.

From Solicitor-General looks to put brakes on ICBC plan to hike rates

Under the proposed model, close to one-third of B.C. drivers can expect to pay higher vehicle insurance premiums based on a blemished driving record, with the money being used to provide discounts for the balance of drivers who haven’t been ticketed. The higher rates – as yet undisclosed – would be sustained for three years.

“Unsafe passing, following too close, running a red light, those sorts of moving violations are going to be captured and become part of the record that we look at when we determine your insurance rate,” Mr. Jan Vrem said.He said a single ticket might not be enough to trigger higher premiums under the proposal, but much of the detail is still to be worked out. “It’ll be circumstantial, one ticket won’t necessarily mean higher rates, but you won’t get the safe drivers’ discount under the rate model we proposed,” he said.

Unfortunately, politicians are already trying to interfere, placing politics ahead of safety. Both Solicitor-General Shirley Bond and John Horgan, the New Democratic Party opposition house leader, are criticizing ICBC for this proposal.

The excuse is that that:

Ms. Clark has promised to rethink all government fees to look at reducing the total tax burden on B.C. families.

However, most BC families would actually benefit from reduced ICBC fees. Crashes would decrease reducing ICBC fees as well as health cares costs due to injuries. Ironically, her budget includes increasing medical service plan premiums. Thanks.

More importantly, automobile injuries and deaths tend to be very family unfriendly. It is time for politicians to grow a spine and base decisions on evidence and overall benefit to society.

Write the Premier
Please email Hon. Christy Clark Premier@gov.bc.ca

Please cc your MLA and give them a call too. You can find their email address and phone at: http://www.leg.bc.ca/mla/3-1-1.htm

As well, cc:

shirley.bond.mla@leg.bc.ca, adrian.dix.mla@leg.bc.ca, john.horgan.mla@leg.bc.ca, lana.popham.mla@leg.bc.ca

Newspaper Letters to the Editor
Vancouver Sun - sunletters@vancouversun.com
Vancouver Province - provletters@theprovince.com
National Post - letters@nationalpost.com
Globe & Mail - letters@GlobeAndMail.ca
24 Hours - feedback@24hrs.ca
Metro News - vancouverletters@metronews.ca
Vancouver Courier - editorial@vancourier.com
Westender - editor@westender.com

Radio Station Call in Shows

I also expect the usual suspects will be "chatting" about this on the radio for the next day or two. Please call in to provide some balance.

CKNW - 980 AM
Open Line: (604) 280-9898, Toll Free: 1 (877) 399-9898

7:30-8:30am - Phillip Till
8:30-9:30am - Bill Good
12:30 - 3:00pm - Christy Clark
3:00-7:00pm - John McComb

Comment Line: (604) 331-2784
CBC - 690 AM
7:30-8:30am - Early Edition - 604-662-6690
12:00-2:00pm - BC Almanac - Open Line: (604) 669-3733, Talk Back Line: 604-662-6104
3:00-6:00pm - Stephen Quinn - (604) 662-6979

TEAM 1410 AM

TEAM 1040 AM

On-Air: (604) 280-TEAM

Mobile Phone - *TEAM

24-hour "Rant Line": (604) 280-1410

News 1130 AM
Listener comment line: 604-877-6332

Moving Cycling Forward Forum in Parksville

2011-05-09T18:19:00.000-07:00

Calling all cyclists and interested members of the public in the Parkville, Qualicum Beach, Nanaimo and Campbell River areas.The British Columbia Cycling Coalition (BCCC) in conjunction with new Oceanside Cycling Coalition are pleased to hold a cycling forum and networking meeting focused on moving cycling forward in the region and the province.

Sunday, May 15th
12:30pm to 4pm
Parksville Community and Conference Centre,
132 Jensen Ave E. Map

Presentations

Preparing for the Third Wave of Cyclists – Designing cycling facilities for everyone from 8 to 80 Jack Becker
Five is the New Twenty – The advantages of quickly completing cycling networks - Richard Campbell
Municipalities have a Choice in its Transportation Plan for the Future - Jack Becker
Provincial and Federal Cycling Strategies – Increasing cycling while reducing collisions - Richard Campbell

Networking and open discussion with Parksville cyclists

Local Issues and Opportunities – Open Discussion
Opportunities to work together – Open Discussion
Parksville Cycling Direction – Organization, Options, Purpose, Directions
Soaring Eagle Cycling Routes – Cycling touring routes on North Vancouver Island, E&N Railway

The meeting will be followed by informal discussions over dinner for whoever wishes to do so afterwards.

VOTE May 2!

2011-05-01T23:19:00.000-07:00

Great to see huge interest in the federal election! The Federal Election and Cycling was the most popular blog posting so far. Looks like people are convinced there is a major role that the Federal Government can play in improving cycling.

It looks to be a real nail-biter too. Some of the latest polls have the NDP and Conservatives tied in BC so your vote could really make the difference.

It should be great cycling weather, so grab a friend or six and ride to the polls. While cycling hasn't been an issue in the election, arriving to vote on a bicycle makes a statement while avoiding traffic congestion at the polls. For many, it will be the fastest way to vote.

However, voting is very important so just be sure you get there by bike, foot, transit or car. If you do drive, see if a neighbour needs a lift. Bicycles built for two or more can also carry friends and neighbours to vote. Riding4Ridings is a community-based project that transports people on election day to appropriate polling stations by a fleet of BICYCLES!

Voting is Your Right
Voting is your right and your responsibly. We are very fortunate to live in a democracy. Currently, people in other countries around the world are risking their freedom and their lives to fight for the right to chose their leaders.

Voting Information
Elections Canada is the official source for information on voting. Some of the more important info is linked to below.

Where to Vote
At your election day polling place: get the hours and location. This information is also available by calling Elections Canada at 1-800-463-6868 or by consulting your voter information card.

Voter Identification at the Polls
To vote, you must prove your identity and address. More...

Time off Work to Vote
By law, qualified electors must have three consecutive hours to cast their vote on election day. If your hours of work do not allow for three consecutive hours to vote, your employer must give you time off. More...

Registering on Voting Day

Even if you are not registered, you can still register and vote on May 2. More...

Last of all, a big thank you to all the candidates, their families, volunteers and supporters who make such a big contribution to our democracy. Good luck!

The Federal Election and Cycling

2011-04-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

No shortage of opportunities to get involved in politics these days. The provincial leadership races are almost over, only the BC Conservatives still need to pick a leader. There will be a by-election in Point Grey soon and municipal elections in the fall. More about these in future posts.

Today's topic is the Federal Election on May 2. Unfortunately, we are not very organized at the national level yet, although the BCCC is working with other cycling groups across Canada to remedy this situation. Thus, it is not particularly surprising that the platforms of the Liberal and Conservative parties do not mention cycling.

The Green Party platform includes funding for cycling infrasture and promotion, a GST exemption for bicycles and bicycle gear, a tax rebate for companies who provide facilities for commuter cycling and free access to National Parks for people who arrive by bicycle.

The Federal NDP platform for BC includes making employer-provided benefits for cycle commuting tax-free.

Still, elections are great opportunities to talk to politicians about cycling or even get to know them and their supporters better by helping them out by volunteering on their campaigns.

Ways that the federal government could encourage cycling include:

The development of a National Cycling Strategy
Federal funding for cycling infrastructure, education and promotion. For infrastructure, $20 per person per year matched by the provinces would be a great start bring Canada up to the level of the Netherlands.
Ensure that all road, bridge, transit and rail projects that receive federal funding have high-quality bicycle facilities
Regulations streamlining the process for implementing bicycle paths next to active rail lines
Regulations that require abandoned rail lines to be retained in perpetuity for use as bicycle trails.
Tax rebate for companies who provide facilities for commuter cycling
Safety standards for motor vehicles to reduce collisions with bicycles and to reduce the severity of injuries to cyclists
National standards for electric bicycles
Researching and promoting best practices
Developing and promoting cycling tourism in Canada

The benefits of cycling and the BCCC's recommendations are detailed in Realizing the Benefits of Accelerated Investment in Cycling and summarized in Investing in a Healthy Future. While these documents are focused on BC, much of the information is relevant at the national level as well.

Their web sites are great places to find out more about their platforms, how to get involved and who your local candidates are.

Conservatives - http://www.conservative.ca
Bloc Québécois - http://www.blocquebecois.org
Greens - http://greenparty.ca
Liberals - http://www.liberal.ca
NDP - http://www.ndp.ca

Vote and encourage your friends to vote.

Make sure you are registered to vote. More at Elections Canada.

While we unfortunately do not have the resources to survey the parties regarding their positions on cycling, we will post any information we receive on their cycling policies.

Other ways to support a National Cycling Strategy include:

Joining the Facebook group Support National Strategies for Transit, Cycling and Walking
Voting to Develop a National Cycling Strategy as part of the government's National Dialog on Healthy Weights

Riding4Ridings is a community-based project that transports people on election day to appropriate polling stations by a fleet of BICYCLES!

Last of all, it is always a good idea to write letters.

Right Hon. Stephen Harper
Prime Minister of Canada
pm@pm.gc.ca

Hon. Michael Ignatieff
Leader of the Liberal Party
Ignatieff.M@parl.gc.ca

Hon. Jack Layton
Leader of the New Democratic Party
Layton.J@parl.gc.ca

Gilles Duceppe
chef du Bloc Québécois
Duceppe.G@parl.gc.ca

Elizabeth May
Leader of the Green Party
leader@greenparty.ca

Your MP can be found at:http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/about/people/house/PostalCode.asp?Language=E

NDP Leadership Candidates on Cycling

2011-04-13T14:11:00.000-07:00

The NDP leadership race is in the final stretch with the advanced poll taking place from April 11 to 16 followed by the election day and the Leadership Assembly on April 17.

To help compare the candidate's positions on cycling, here are the posts containing their responses in the order we received them:

John Horgan
http://bccyclingcoalition.blogspot.com/2011/03/ndp-leadership-candidate-john-horgan-on.html

Adrian Dix
http://bccyclingcoalition.blogspot.com/2011/03/ndp-leadership-candidate-adrian-dix-on.html

Mike Farnworth
http://bccyclingcoalition.blogspot.com/2011/04/ndp-leadership-candidate-mike-farnworth.html

Thanks to all the candidates and their campaign teams for their replies. Of note, Mike Farnworth was the only candidate to specify a dollar amount for cycling and walking while Adrian Dix was the only candidate to complete the BCCC's survey.

The BCCC requested responses from all NDP and Liberal leadership Candidates. We will post the responses from other leadership candidates if we receive them. If any of the political parties send us positions on cycling, we will post them as well.

NDP Leadership Candidate Mike Farnworth on Cycling

2011-04-13T02:55:00.000-07:00

In response to the BCCC's request for NDP Leadership candidate Mike Farnworth's positions on cycling, his campaign forwarded us the press release below. In the candidate survey, we requested that they indicate the level of funding they support for cycling. Farnworth is the first leadership candidate to specify a dollar amount for walking and cycling. From the press release below:

A $50-million investment fund to cost-share safe cycling and walking infrastructures with local governments

We asked his campaign for clarification regarding the investment and in particular, what period it would be over. Here is their response:

Our expectation is that this would be an annual investment but at this point it is being put forward as an initial commitment.

Here is the press release:

Farnworth announces green transportation plan to reduce emissions, raise productivity, and improve health
April 7, 2011
(Surrey) — NDP Leadership candidate Mike Farnworth today announced an ambitious plan for a green mobility shift in B.C. communities.
“Early on in our party’s leadership campaign, I announced my comprehensive environmental plan to move B.C. on a sustainable path and invest in zero-emission transportation as part of my climate action agenda. Today I’m proposing further measures to make green mobility a reality in regions across B.C.,” said Farnworth.
A former municipal councillor and outspoken champion of building the Evergreen Line to the Tri-Cities, Farnworth said that communities across B.C. cannot build sustainable transport without an ongoing partnership with the province.
Farnworth’s plan includes:
Investing carbon and fuel tax revenues in rapid transit on key corridors;
Allowing regions and communities greater decision-making for transportation planning;
A $50-million investment fund to cost-share safe cycling and walking infrastructures with local governments; and,
Pursuing a cost-sharing agreement with federal government on capital funding for zero-emission transport.
“A commitment to invest in zero-emission rapid transit in growing urban regions is long overdue,” said Farnworth. “Low-impact mobility options will also help meet legally binding greenhouse gas emission reduction targets mandated by the province.”
NDP Environment Critic and Victoria-Swan Lake MLA Rob Fleming said Farnworth’s vision for green transportation is another example of the forward-looking policies that will give him an advantage going into the election.
“Mike has not only the best profile with party members and voters, but his green commitments will strengthen our ability to reach out to all progressive voters who want to see real change in this province,” said Fleming. “If we want to see these environmental policies in action, we need to elect Mike Farnworth as our leader.”
http://mikefarnworth.ca/media/farnworth-announces-green-transportation-plan-reduce-emissions-raise-productivity-and-improve

Mike Farnworth for Leader, BC NDP

info@mikefarnworth.ca

http://mikefarnworth.ca

604-944-2993

Thanks to Mike and his campaign for the reply. The BCCC requested responses from all NDP and Liberal leadership Candidates. We will post the responses from other leadership candidates as we receive them. If any of the political parties send us a position on cycling, we will post it as well.

The End of the Line for Rail on Vancouver Island? Vancouver Island needs you now!

2011-04-11T20:22:00.000-07:00

The rail system on Vancouver Island is in a make or break situation. The owners of the railway corridor, the Island Corridor Foundation (ICF), have requested $15 million in funding from the provincial and federal governments. Without this cash infusion, the system that has operated for 125 years on Vancouver Island will bite the dust.

Symptomatic of this imminent demise is the fact that the Johnson Street Rail Bridge, which up till now has served as a safe conduit for cyclists and pedestrians to access the world-famous Galloping Goose Trail, has just been lifted. Island councilors have deemed it unsafe – forcing non-motorized travellers to take their chances on the adjacent bridge, which up to now has been dominated by cars.

Personally I’d rather take my chances on a rusting bridge than mix it up with cars. But as of this past weekend, cyclists are taking their chances with motorists on the adjacent bridge. (See photo at the top of this post, taken by Adrian Lam, Times Colonist.)

At the moment the bridge is heavily policed, and the police presence has so far managed to prevent the mayhem everyone feared would ensue. But what about when the novelty wears off, and weekend warriors on bikes have to duke it out with motorists without the protection of the police? My wife and I do the Galloping Goose at least once a year, taking our tourist dollars to the Island … but if it’s no longer safe, we’ll find another destination. It would be a crying shame if many others did the same, because the Goose is really one of the finest cycling experiences in the world.

On the bright side, don't let this put you off cycling the Goose: it's possible to dismount and push your bike over the bridge - safely, and in just a few minutes.

Of course, safe access to the Goose is just one aspect of a large, depressing picture. The rail structure on Vancouver Island is the kind of transit structure that needs to be preserved, for the sake of a viable commuting/travelling future. The $15 million investment would be used to repair ageing infrastructure; and it would also be used to fund the Via passenger service, which currently offers an early-morning southbound train from Nanaimo to Victoria. Via Rail had plans to add three new cars next year, all with bicycle carrying capacity and handicap lifts. There is also the possibility of developing other passenger lines. In fact, ironically, recent years have seen substantial railroad improvements and developing opportunities for better service. Yet now there is a danger of tossing it all away.

To me this is all about taking the long-term view on transportation. The griping of merchants on Hornby Street in Vancouver is an example of taking an extremely short-term view. Most of us are parents or grandparents, uncles or aunts – surely we need to be thinking about making sure there is a viable future for our city and its inhabitants, rather than worrying about whether a handful of merchants will turn a tidy profit in 2011?

Bottom Line: there can be no viable future that retains single-occupant cars as the dominant mode of transportation. Not in Vancouver; not on Vancouver Island.

The price of gas rises almost daily, while the supply inevitably dwindles. At the same time, only the most obstinate can still believe that this insanely extravagant transportation mode is not taking a heavy toll on the environment. All this means that there is no sane choice but to lobby for viable transportation alternatives, such as trains and safe cycling routes. In the words of Graham Bruce, Times Colonist:

"A $15-million investment in Island rail to secure continued service
could well be one of the most cost-effective and important
socioeconomic decisions we can make for the future of Vancouver Island."

How can you help?

Contact your MP and your MLA
Write to the federal and provincial ministers of transportation
Email the prime minister and premier
Call your mayor and regional district chair
Talk to your chief and council.
Call your favourite Island federal candidate and ask him or her to publicly support the $15-million infrastructure investment.

Our actions can and will make a difference in this important, historic event, unfolding right now on Vancouver Island.

"Never doubt that a small group of concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed it's the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead

Encourage Premier Clark to Support Cycling

2011-03-17T19:04:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Premier Christy Clark and her new cabinet. Please send a message to Premier Clark at the address below indicating your strong support for a comprehensive Provincial Cycling Strategy including investment in high quality cycling facilities, education, promotion and legislation including a revised Motor Vehicle Act that places the priority on the safety of cyclists and other vulnerable road users.

Other Ministers involved in cycling issues include:
Hon. Blair Lekstrom - Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

Hon. Kevin Falcon - Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

Hon. Michael de Jong, Q.C.- Minister of Health

Hon. Dr. Terry Lake - Minister of Environment

Hon. Ida Chong - Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development

Hon. Patrick Bell - Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation

The benefits of cycling and the BCCC's recommendations are detailed in Realizing the Benefits of Accelerated Investment in Cycling and summarized in Investing in a Healthy Future. The cornerstone of these recommendations is the four year investment of $175 million dollars per year totalling $700 million to fund family friendly bicycle paths, separated bike lanes and other high quality cycling facilities in communities and on provincial roads throughout BC.

Premier Clark and her ministers are likely working on a new budget so now is a great time to recommend greater investment in cycling.Your message could include some or all of the following:

What this investment and the other recommendations and improved cycling would mean for you, your family and your community
The highlighting of the recommendations that are important to you, your family or your community
Specific cycling facilities you would like to see built
Stories on what new cycling facilities have meant to you and your community
Stories about impact of the lack of cycling facilities in your community
Cycling education and skills training for adults, children
Updating the Motor Vehicle Act to improve the safety and comfort of cyclists and pedestrians
The economic benefits of cycling and cycling tourism

Hon. Christy ClarkPremier@gov.bc.ca

Please cc your MLA. You can find their email address at: http://www.leg.bc.ca/mla/3-1-1.htm

As well, cc:
blair.lekstrom.mla@leg.bc.ca, kevin.falcon.mla@leg.bc.ca, mike.dejong.mla@leg.bc.ca, ida.chong.mla@leg.bc.ca, terry.lake.mla@leg.bc.ca, pat.bell.mla@leg.bc.ca,dawn.black.mla@leg.bc.ca, adrian.dix.MLA@leg.bc.ca, harry.bains.mla@leg.bc.ca, lana.popham.mla@leg.bc.ca

NDP Leadership Candidate Adrian Dix on Cycling

2011-03-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

Here is the response from NDP Leadership Candidate Adrian Dix to our cycling survey. Adrian is the first leadership candidate from either party to complete the survey.

1. How often do you ride a bicycle per month?

I actually don’t cycle. I run, walk and use transit for most of my urban/suburban travel.

2. What level of funding for bicycle paths, separated bike lanes and other high-quality cycling infrastructure do you support per person per year in BC?

I am not putting forward an alternate budget in this campaign. However, I support more funding for more and improved cycling lanes. The NDP has a record of expanded cycling while in office and I want to do more to make cycling an important part of integrated transport systems and plans.

3. Do you also support $5 million per year of provincial funding for a comprehensive cycling education program including cycling skills training for children and adults and safety awareness campaigns for drivers and cyclists?

As I stated above, I am not putting forward an alternative budget. However, I support the expansion of cycling education and skills training.

4. Do you support changing the Motor Vehicle Act to enable municipalities to set blanket speed limits in residential areas and on bicycle routes below 50km/h?

Yes, in principle, subject to full discussions with the Union of BC Municipalities and others with expertise.

5. Do you support a comprehensive review of the Motor Vehicle Act with the specific goal of improving the safety of and legal protection for vulnerable road users including pedestrians and cyclists?

Yes

6. What other measures do you support to enable more British Columbians to choose cycling as a safe and convenient form of transportation?

Expanded bike lanes, removing the HST, working with transit and transportation planning agencies to ensure maximum integration of transport modes.

Adrian Dix for BC
info@adriandixforbc.ca
http://adriandixforbc.ca
Lower Mainland: 604-523-4886Province-wide: 1-866-523-4886

Thanks to Adrian and his campaign for the reply. The BCCC requested responses from all NDP and Liberal leadership Candidates. We will post the responses from other leadership candidates as we receive them. If any of the political parties send us a position on cycling, we will post it as well.

NDP Leadership Candidate John Horgan on Cycling

2011-03-11T17:08:00.000-08:00

Here is the response from NDP Leadership Candidate John Horgan regarding cycling.

Thank you very much for the opportunity to respond to the BC Cycling Coalition survey. As many of the questions relate to government spending, it is premature for me to make any fiscal commitments at this time.

That being said, as a recreational cyclist and as an advocate for alternatives to conventional automobile transportation, I have stated that as premier I will focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, explore real transportation alternatives and expand energy conservation efforts.

I am uniquely familiar with transportation, traffic and congestion issues because these are major concerns in my own constituency of Juan de Fuca. I am a frequent cyclist along the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, which runs through my constituency, and I have long been an advocate of light rail transportation between Victoria and the Western Communities.

I have announced a variety of measures in my environmental plan (please see http://www.horganforbc.ca/john-horgans-plan-bcs-environment) including investment in regional transit and working with municipal governments to encourage smart urban growth. Of course, this will include creating opportunities for increased cycling and pedestrian mobility. As well, in order to move people out of cars and to encourage them to embrace alternative forms of transportation, we will ensure that cycling and pedestrian traffic are both safe and enjoyable for British Columbians of all ages, wherever they live and work.

As a side note, as a young cub scout I was very proud to earn a ‘cycling badge’ and believe strongly that cycling skills and road safety should be part of the K-12 curriculum.

John Horgan
Horgan for BC 
250 812 8907
Web: http://www.horganforbc.ca
E-Mail: info@horganforbc.ca

Thanks to John and his campaign for the reply. The BCCC requested responses from all NDP and Liberal leadership Candidates. We will post the responses from other leadership candidates as we receive them. If any of the political parties send us a position on cycling, we will post it as well.

Support a National Cycling Strategy to Help Curb Childhood Obesity

2011-03-09T14:12:00.000-08:00

Governments across Canada including the Province of BC, have started a dialog on childhood obesity. Our Health Our Future, a National Dialog on Healthy Weight. They are encouraging all British Columbians to participate.

There is an on-line forum where people and groups can submit ideas and vote on ideas submitted by others. Please vote for the BCCC's idea to Develop a National Cycling Strategy.

The Province's press release contains some sobering facts:

Evidence shows that if British Columbians exercised for 30 minutes a day, controlled their weight, ate reasonably well and refrained from smoking – they could reduce their risk factors for most chronic disease by up to 80 per cent.
About 2,000 British Columbians die prematurely every year due to obesity-related illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.
Childhood overweight and obesity rates are rising in Canada. Obesity rates in children have almost tripled in the last 25 years.
Childhood overweight and obesity in British Columbia is an issue nearing crisis proportions according to the Province’s Select Standing Committee on Health.

In the Globe and Mail article on the dialog, Ministers’ ‘national dialogue’ on obesity falls short for health advocates, Mark Tremblay, director of Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario supports funding for bike lanes.

Dr. Tremblay said the government invests very little in fighting obesity. To achieve real change, current and successive governments will need to invest hundreds of millions in a national strategy to build more bike lanes, shift the health-care system toward obesity prevention and improve public education about nutrition and healthy lifestyles.

More information on the case for increased investment in cycling can be found in the BCCC's budget submission, Realizing the Benefits of Accelerated Investment in Cycling. A summary can be found in Investing in a Healthy Future.

Encourage Leadership Candidates to Support Cycling

2011-02-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

Three political parties, the BC NDP, BC Liberals and BC Conservative Party are in the midst of readership races. This is an excellent opportunity to engage and educate these political leaders on cycling. Please contact them through the links below and encourage them to support cycling.

Volunteering on their campaigns and going to campaign events are a great ways to show your support for cycling and build relationships with the candidates and their aids who may key people in government at some point.

Please indicate your support for the BCCC's recommendations and in particular the four year investment of $175 million dollars per year totalling $700 million to fund bicycle paths, separated bike lanes and other high quality cycling facilities in communities and on provincial roads throughout BC. Investing in a Healthy Future is summary of the recommendations prepared for the candidates.

The message can be as short or as long as you want. The most important thing is to let them know that investing in cycling is important. It could include some or all of the following:
- The mention any of the other recommendations that are important to your or your community.
- What these recommendations and improved cycling would mean for you, your family and your community
- Specific cycling facilities you would like to see built
- Stories on what new cycling facilities have meant to you and your community
- Stories about impact of the lack of cycling facilities in your community

BC Liberals
Contact information for the candidates:
http://conservationvoters.ca/leadership-race-2011/liberal-candidates

BC NDP
Contact information for the candidates:
http://conservationvoters.ca/leadership-race-2011/ndp-candidates
Note that the deadline for new members to be eligible for the leadership was Feb. 4.

BC Conservative Party
Deadline for joining to vote in election of the party leader: May 7, 2011 at midnight
Leadership convention: May 28, 2011 - Details to be announced

Green Party of BC
The Green Party is not holding a leadership race.

The BCCC is also planning to survey the candidates. Stay tuned.

Please share this with your cycling friends.

BCCC Priorities for 2011

2011-01-29T20:36:00.000-08:00

The newly minted Board of Directors of the BC Cycling Coalition held its first meeting in Vancouver on January 22. As a brand new Board member, I have to say I felt honoured to meet some of the bastions of cycling activism in BC! Present were Jack Becker (President), Colin Brander (Treasurer), Peter Stary (Secretary), Richard Campbell, Ed Schum, Arno Schortinghuis, Sue Vince, Jim Alix, Rhiannon Chernencoff, Robert Rao and myself.

Board Members managed to agree on the BCCC’s priorities going forward.

Some of the BCCC Priorities for 2011:

1. Improving the website

2. Increasing membership

3. Branding

4. Coordinating volunteers

5. Finding funding for some paid staff

6. Developing a well-rounded communication strategy, which would include:

o creating an e-newsletter

o keeping the Blog current

o developing links and coordination between BCCC and member organizations’ websites

o collecting and making available information from member organizations, and

o posting correspondence from members.

7. Building an information clearinghouse, which might include:

o a list of links

o a library of minutes, correspondence and responses, and reports and

o contact addresses (such as maintenance contractors, road authorities, and community newspapers).

That’s an ambitious list of priorities. However, there was no shortage of volunteers to steer them. And with the proposed volunteer coordination, there should be no shortage of BCCC members to achieve all of these.

It’s a little daunting, but I’m looking forward to it. I joined the BCCC because I’m tired of just fuming impotently about the marginalized plight of cyclists in a world that’s built around what I see as an insanely selfish and destructive transportation mode (solo driving in cars). That’s just my motivation – I haven’t spent enough time with other BCCC members to find out what motivates them.

Whatever it is, I’m happy to be working with a group of people dedicated to promoting cycling throughout BC, and I look forward to meeting many more when I get to meet other members of the BCCC.

Call for Directors

2010-11-24T12:42:00.000-08:00

The British Columbia Cycling Coalition (BCCC) is seeking enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about cycling to stand for nomination as candidates for our board of directors at the Annual General Meeting on December 4, 2010. We encourage people from all around the province to consider this opportunity to help improve cycling in the province and in your community.

About the BCCC
The British Columbia Cycling Coalition (BCCC) is a registered Non-Profit Society whose members are individuals and cycling organization throughout the province.

Specifically, the BCCC:
• Advocates for improved cycling leadership, funding, policies, laws, design toolkits, cycling-friendly roads, programming, and education at the provincial level
• Nurtures and supports local cycling coalitions and chapters throughout British Columbia

The organization is currently volunteer run with the majority of work being performed by members of the board of directors. The current board recognizes that the growth and effectiveness of the organization is limited under this model. The intent is to transition to a model where day-to-day operations are managed by staff and volunteers while the board provides organizational and advocacy leadership and governance. This transition, however, will likely consume a significant amount of board time over the next two years.

A Great Opportunity
The change in political leadership in BC presents an ideal opportunity to increase support for cycling including:
• A dramatic increase in funding for cycling infrastructure, education and promotion
• Policies ensuring good cycling facilities on new and existing roads and bridges
• Updates to the Motor Vehicle Act to improve cycling safety and encourage more people to cycle

Experience and Skills
We are looking for individuals who are passionate about cycling with experience in one or more of the following areas.

Organizational Development
• Organization leadership
• Support for chapters and coalitions
• Assist in the creation of new chapters and cycling groups in communities around BC
• Reorganization and measures needed to support staff
• Support for advocacy efforts
• Volunteer coordination
Fund Raising
• Foundation and corporate grants, donations and memberships
• Individual memberships and donations
Membership Development
• The development of a membership strategy
• Corporate and individual membership recruitment
Internet
• Redesign of website based on a content management system
• On-line donations and membership payment
• Forums, wikis and other information sharing mechanisms
• Integration of social media
Communications and Media
• Development of a media strategy
• Media writing – Story telling
• Electronic newsletter
Advocacy
• Government relations
• Organizing and coordinating grassroots campaigns
Networking
• Contacts in governments and bicycle industry
• Ability to quickly make new contacts and connections

Time Requirements
Board business - Basic board business will require an average of one hour per week and consist mainly of responding to email messages on organizational business.
Additional Responsibilities - In addition, we encourage board members to undertake further organizational responsibilities as detailed above that may require up to an additional five hours per week.
Board Meetings – Four to six meetings per year on weekends. While in the past, these have been in-person meetings requiring travel, we are investigating various means of tele-conferencing to reduce travel requirements.

Contact
If you are interested or would like more information, please contact:
Richard Campbell
Chair
Board Recruitment Committee
604-733-1764
Email

Annual General Meeting - Dec. 4

2010-11-24T12:21:00.000-08:00

Mark Your Calendars for an Interactive Afternoon
With Your Provincial Cycling Advocate Colleagues!

British Columbia Cycling Coalition Annual General Meeting
Saturday, December 4, 2010

Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Location: Tsawwassen Library, 1321A 56th Street, Delta BC

Transit: Buses 601 or 609 - for info go to Trip Planner at http://www.translink.ca/

View Larger Map
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM AGM

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM BCCC Strategy Workshop - All are welcome to participate in this workshop to plan the future direction and priorities for the organization as well as how to make us stronger and more effective.

RSVP on Facebook

If you are interested in joining the board of directors, please go to:

http://bccyclingcoalition.blogspot.com/2010/11/call-for-directors.html

Welcome to the New BC Cycling Coalition Blog

2010-10-26T07:45:00.001-07:00

This is the new BC Cycling Coalition Blog, which should allow us to post more timely information with respect to cycling issues in BC. Stay tuned for new issues to be posted here.