Thursday, May 19, 2011
A Successful Meeting in Parksville
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.
Posted by Richard Campbell at 6:40 PM 0 comments
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Labels: Oceanside, Parksville Links to this post
Friday, May 20, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Kinsol Trestle opening soon
The Kinsol Trestle, one of the longest wooden trestles in the world, will be opening sometime this summer. Located west of Shawnigan Lake, the trestle will be part of the Trans-Canada Trail.
Check out the article in the April 28th edition of the Times Colonist
"Finishing touches are being made to the historic Kinsol trestle and the refurbished span should be open to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders in July.
"I'm very happy with how the project has gone so far," said Brian Farquhar of the Cowichan Valley Regional District parks department.The 187 metre-long trestle has been off-limits for 22 years.
In 2008, the Cowichan Valley Regional District voted to rehabilitate the trestle with funding from the federal government, the province and the Island Coastal Economic Trust.The trestle is expected to be a highlight of the Trans-Canada Trail.
A date for an official opening ceremony will be announced in a month or so, Farquhar said."
Interestingly, the missing link in the Trans-Canada Trail between Victoria and the Cowichan Valley may soon be completed. In the same article, there was mention of plans to complete a 20 km stretch of the trail from just south of Shawnigan Lake south towards Victoria.
"Another project in the works is a 20-kilometre extension of the Trans-Canada Trail from its current terminus south of Shawnigan Lake to an intersection with the Galloping Goose Trail."There are still some segments of corridor we need to secure, both on our side and the Capital Regional District side," said Farquhar. Once the Kinsol trestle opens up, the pressure will be on for the trail to connect to similar trails in Greater Victoria, said Farquhar. "The whole intent is this will be an entirely off-road route from Shawnigan down to Langford," he said.
"I've actually bushwhacked and walked every last foot of it so I am really excited knowing what's in store here."
The trail will follow Shawnigan Creek at the south end of Shawnigan Lake and then head up into the Goldstream heights and it ties into the north end of the Sooke Hills Regional Park. From there, the trail will follow an existing logging road and come out at the Sooke Lake reservoir.
Farquhar hopes that the E&N train will one day bring Victoria residents and their bicycles north to discover Cowichan Valley.
A starting date for the trail's construction has not been set.
Read more: http://www.timescolonist.com/Refurbished+Kinsol+trestle+likely+open+July/4693931/story.html#ixzz1MrmSpohQ
Check out the article in the April 28th edition of the Times Colonist
"Finishing touches are being made to the historic Kinsol trestle and the refurbished span should be open to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders in July.
"I'm very happy with how the project has gone so far," said Brian Farquhar of the Cowichan Valley Regional District parks department.The 187 metre-long trestle has been off-limits for 22 years.
In 2008, the Cowichan Valley Regional District voted to rehabilitate the trestle with funding from the federal government, the province and the Island Coastal Economic Trust.The trestle is expected to be a highlight of the Trans-Canada Trail.
A date for an official opening ceremony will be announced in a month or so, Farquhar said."
Interestingly, the missing link in the Trans-Canada Trail between Victoria and the Cowichan Valley may soon be completed. In the same article, there was mention of plans to complete a 20 km stretch of the trail from just south of Shawnigan Lake south towards Victoria.
"Another project in the works is a 20-kilometre extension of the Trans-Canada Trail from its current terminus south of Shawnigan Lake to an intersection with the Galloping Goose Trail."There are still some segments of corridor we need to secure, both on our side and the Capital Regional District side," said Farquhar. Once the Kinsol trestle opens up, the pressure will be on for the trail to connect to similar trails in Greater Victoria, said Farquhar. "The whole intent is this will be an entirely off-road route from Shawnigan down to Langford," he said.
"I've actually bushwhacked and walked every last foot of it so I am really excited knowing what's in store here."
The trail will follow Shawnigan Creek at the south end of Shawnigan Lake and then head up into the Goldstream heights and it ties into the north end of the Sooke Hills Regional Park. From there, the trail will follow an existing logging road and come out at the Sooke Lake reservoir.
Farquhar hopes that the E&N train will one day bring Victoria residents and their bicycles north to discover Cowichan Valley.
A starting date for the trail's construction has not been set.
Read more: http://www.timescolonist.com/Refurbished+Kinsol+trestle+likely+open+July/4693931/story.html#ixzz1MrmSpohQ
Friday, May 13, 2011
Victoria International Cycling Festival
This event, the largest cycling event this year in B.C., offers 12 individual cycling-related events and sponsors to-date. The 17-day Festival will celebrate Victoria’s cycling community from May 27 to June 12, 2011. Competitors, cycling enthusiasts and spectators alike can participate in events ranging from a 140 kilometre road ride alongside Canada’s Tour de France hero, Ryder Hesjedal, to big air jumps and stunts, to a relaxing community ride with friends and family, to chilling out with popcorn and a cycling-related movie in Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour.
The website can be found at http://www.vicf.ca/
The website can be found at http://www.vicf.ca/
Thursday, May 5, 2011
BC Cycling Coalition Board Meeting here in Parksville
Moving Cycling Forward Forum –Parksville
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 the Oceanside Cycling Coalition is pleased to hold a cycling forum and networking meeting focused on moving cycling forward in the region and the province.
When : Sunday, May 15, 2011 – 12:30 pm – 4pm
Where: Parksville Community Conference Centre, 132 Jensen Avenue East
Presentations by BCCC
Introduction 12:30 pm to 12:45 pm
Presentations 12:45 pm to 3 pm
Open Discussions 3 pm to 4 pm
Preparing for the Third Wave of Cyclists - Designing cycling facilities for everyone from 8 to 80 Jack Becker
What makes an Infrastructure a Third Wave of Cyclists Design
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 – North Vancouver Island, E&N Railway
Open Discussion
Informal discussion over dinner for anyone interested following the meeting, at a restaurant to be announced.
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 the Oceanside Cycling Coalition is pleased to hold a cycling forum and networking meeting focused on moving cycling forward in the region and the province.
When : Sunday, May 15, 2011 – 12:30 pm – 4pm
Where: Parksville Community Conference Centre, 132 Jensen Avenue East
Presentations by BCCC
Introduction 12:30 pm to 12:45 pm
Presentations 12:45 pm to 3 pm
Open Discussions 3 pm to 4 pm
Preparing for the Third Wave of Cyclists - Designing cycling facilities for everyone from 8 to 80 Jack Becker
What makes an Infrastructure a Third Wave of Cyclists Design
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 – North Vancouver Island, E&N Railway
Open Discussion
Informal discussion over dinner for anyone interested following the meeting, at a restaurant to be announced.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Study comparing the costs of Bicycle vs Car Traffic
This study, comparing the costs and benefits of Bicycle versus Car traffic in Vienna won the Eltis award for best paper submitted at the recent Velo-City Conference.
Well worth looking at, it is well presented and illustrated. Not boring, even for those who aren't statistical wonks.
If the presentation (attached) is not available on your system, click on the link to view or download it.
Ron Richings
Vancouver, BC
Canada
Well worth looking at, it is well presented and illustrated. Not boring, even for those who aren't statistical wonks.
If the presentation (attached) is not available on your system, click on the link to view or download it.
Ron Richings
Vancouver, BC
Canada
Friday, April 15, 2011
International Trails Day/Weekend - June 4 and 5
To our trail enthusiasts:
Below is an invitation for you to join us on a number of Trail Challenges on International Trails Day. It's free. Some of you have already registered after having received our Newsletter. Those joining the guided trip will need to register early because we need to limit the registration for this activity. Thank you.
A special invitation to participate in Trail Activities on...
International Trails Day/Weekend - June 4 or 5, 2011
Trails BC Southwest is offering the opportunity to trail enthusiasts to sign-up for one of 5 cycle loops to be done on ones own or on one guided loop on International Trails Day/Weekend, June 4 or 5. Each of these cycle trips are between 58 and 66 km in length. Other walking, cycling and equestrian activities on the Trans Canada Trail are also encouraged.
The following blog will be used to update, allow participants to join others for a particular cycle, to comment on experiences while doing the cycle loop of ones choice and any other comment before the day itself
Trails Day Blog
The loops are the same ones offered in 2010, the Five Golden Rings, and an additional guided loop will take in the Crescent Beach area, White Rock, Peace Arch Park, Campbell Valley Regional Park, Redwood Park, and the Semiahmoo Trail to name a few highlights. Of note, some of you who have done one these loops in 2010 may be willing to help guide others to do it with them by communicating this on the blog.
Almost all the loops take in a portion of the Trans Canada Trail, some of them being alternative routing. It is a way of experiencing the Trans Canada Trail other than as a linear trail.
There is also an opportunity to register for a section of the Trans Canada Trail anywhere in the province that is not listed above. In this instance the activity does not need to be restricted to cycling. Walkers, cyclists and equestrians are all welcome to register.
Registrants will receive a Google Earth track by email of the loop for which they registered. This track enables one to look at the whole course in detail and also allows for the printing of sections that may be a bit confusing. Tracks may also be requested of circuits or sections of trail that you are not doing or may wish to do at another time.
Hopefully, many will see this as a great opportunity to experience the Trans Canada Trail and associated trails.
It is worth noting that the 5 cycle loop trails forming the 5-Golden-Rings in the year of the Olympics was great fun and was enjoyed by many.
It is important that you register even if it is free.
Click here for more information and to register.
Looking ahead
We will possibility be putting on a Major Trans Canada Trail Challenge Event on Vancouver Island September 24th to celebrate the opening of the Kinsol Trestle in the Cowichan Valley. Keep checking our website or become a friend on our Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/TrailsBC, to find out more in a few months from now.
_________________________________________
Léon Lebrun
Vice-President
& Southwest Regional Director
Trails BC
www.trailsbc.ca
southwest@trailsbc.ca
604-942-6768
Below is an invitation for you to join us on a number of Trail Challenges on International Trails Day. It's free. Some of you have already registered after having received our Newsletter. Those joining the guided trip will need to register early because we need to limit the registration for this activity. Thank you.
A special invitation to participate in Trail Activities on...
International Trails Day/Weekend - June 4 or 5, 2011
Trails BC Southwest is offering the opportunity to trail enthusiasts to sign-up for one of 5 cycle loops to be done on ones own or on one guided loop on International Trails Day/Weekend, June 4 or 5. Each of these cycle trips are between 58 and 66 km in length. Other walking, cycling and equestrian activities on the Trans Canada Trail are also encouraged.
The following blog will be used to update, allow participants to join others for a particular cycle, to comment on experiences while doing the cycle loop of ones choice and any other comment before the day itself
Trails Day Blog
The loops are the same ones offered in 2010, the Five Golden Rings, and an additional guided loop will take in the Crescent Beach area, White Rock, Peace Arch Park, Campbell Valley Regional Park, Redwood Park, and the Semiahmoo Trail to name a few highlights. Of note, some of you who have done one these loops in 2010 may be willing to help guide others to do it with them by communicating this on the blog.
Almost all the loops take in a portion of the Trans Canada Trail, some of them being alternative routing. It is a way of experiencing the Trans Canada Trail other than as a linear trail.
There is also an opportunity to register for a section of the Trans Canada Trail anywhere in the province that is not listed above. In this instance the activity does not need to be restricted to cycling. Walkers, cyclists and equestrians are all welcome to register.
Registrants will receive a Google Earth track by email of the loop for which they registered. This track enables one to look at the whole course in detail and also allows for the printing of sections that may be a bit confusing. Tracks may also be requested of circuits or sections of trail that you are not doing or may wish to do at another time.
Hopefully, many will see this as a great opportunity to experience the Trans Canada Trail and associated trails.
It is worth noting that the 5 cycle loop trails forming the 5-Golden-Rings in the year of the Olympics was great fun and was enjoyed by many.
It is important that you register even if it is free.
Click here for more information and to register.
Looking ahead
We will possibility be putting on a Major Trans Canada Trail Challenge Event on Vancouver Island September 24th to celebrate the opening of the Kinsol Trestle in the Cowichan Valley. Keep checking our website or become a friend on our Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/TrailsBC, to find out more in a few months from now.
_________________________________________
Léon Lebrun
Vice-President
& Southwest Regional Director
Trails BC
www.trailsbc.ca
southwest@trailsbc.ca
604-942-6768
Thursday, April 14, 2011
April 7 edition of Oceanside Star
Cycling a tough sell, advocate warns new coalition
Brian Wilford, Oceanside Star
Published: Thursday, April 07, 2011
Cycling is healthy and environmentally friendly and cycling infrastructure doesn't cost a lot.
"These are things that should be easy to sell to the politicians," cycling legend Ed Schum told the Oceanside Cycling Coalition last Thursday, "but don't count on it."
Schum, a national and provincial cycling coach who has cycled across Canada and Europe, said decades of automobile-centric planning have created communities that are one-third roads, one-third parking and one-third buildings, with little room for trees and cycling.
The new priorities, he said, should put pedestrians, cycling and public transportation first and the single-passenger automobiles last.
Cycling infrastructure, such as dedicated lanes, signs and parking, is cheaper to build and maintain than that for cars and trucks, he said, but it takes a lot of public pressure to develop the political will and to overcome bureaucratic resistance at all levels.
Ministry of Transportation officials in Nanaimo and Victoria are particularly resistant, he said.
The Province likes to say it's doing a lot for cycling, he said, "but they're really not."
Past-president of the Comox Valley Cycling Coalition, Schum said members are still fighting to get safe river crossings in Courtenay but they've made some progress in terms of road surfaces and converting car lanes into cycling lanes.
Safety is the biggest barrier to cycling, he said. Most people don't cycle because they don't think it's safe, he said, and they don't let their kids cycle to school, either.
But there are big cities, like Paris and Portland, where lots of people cycle because there are beautiful, dedicated cycling paths, safe cycling routes to school, safe intersections, secure parking and a cultural recognition that cyclists have a rightful place.
Portland, Schum said, is "the most cycling-friendly city in the world."
He likes to quote Portland Mayor Sam Adams from a city planning document (available at www.crazyguyonabike.com): "You just can't get a better transportation return on your investment than you get with promoting bicycling."
Schum urged the 40 or so people at the Oceanside meeting to form a public advocacy committee, offer instruction, hold special rides (like a Mother's Day ride), and work with schools to offer things like bike rodeos.
"That's the best way to develop a cycling culture," he said.
Oceanside Cycling Coalition members voted to join the BC Cycling Coalition and to elect a formal board at their next meeting.
Schum said a cycling coalition in Nanaimo is active once again and people in Campbell River and the Cowichan Valley are interested in forming coalitions in their areas as well, creating the possibility of an Island "cycling mecca."
For more, see http://oceansidecyclingcoalition.yolasite.com or email oceansidecyclingcoalition@shaw.ca.
© Oceanside Star 2011
Brian Wilford, Oceanside Star
Published: Thursday, April 07, 2011
Cycling is healthy and environmentally friendly and cycling infrastructure doesn't cost a lot.
"These are things that should be easy to sell to the politicians," cycling legend Ed Schum told the Oceanside Cycling Coalition last Thursday, "but don't count on it."
Schum, a national and provincial cycling coach who has cycled across Canada and Europe, said decades of automobile-centric planning have created communities that are one-third roads, one-third parking and one-third buildings, with little room for trees and cycling.
The new priorities, he said, should put pedestrians, cycling and public transportation first and the single-passenger automobiles last.
Cycling infrastructure, such as dedicated lanes, signs and parking, is cheaper to build and maintain than that for cars and trucks, he said, but it takes a lot of public pressure to develop the political will and to overcome bureaucratic resistance at all levels.
Ministry of Transportation officials in Nanaimo and Victoria are particularly resistant, he said.
The Province likes to say it's doing a lot for cycling, he said, "but they're really not."
Past-president of the Comox Valley Cycling Coalition, Schum said members are still fighting to get safe river crossings in Courtenay but they've made some progress in terms of road surfaces and converting car lanes into cycling lanes.
Safety is the biggest barrier to cycling, he said. Most people don't cycle because they don't think it's safe, he said, and they don't let their kids cycle to school, either.
But there are big cities, like Paris and Portland, where lots of people cycle because there are beautiful, dedicated cycling paths, safe cycling routes to school, safe intersections, secure parking and a cultural recognition that cyclists have a rightful place.
Portland, Schum said, is "the most cycling-friendly city in the world."
He likes to quote Portland Mayor Sam Adams from a city planning document (available at www.crazyguyonabike.com): "You just can't get a better transportation return on your investment than you get with promoting bicycling."
Schum urged the 40 or so people at the Oceanside meeting to form a public advocacy committee, offer instruction, hold special rides (like a Mother's Day ride), and work with schools to offer things like bike rodeos.
"That's the best way to develop a cycling culture," he said.
Oceanside Cycling Coalition members voted to join the BC Cycling Coalition and to elect a formal board at their next meeting.
Schum said a cycling coalition in Nanaimo is active once again and people in Campbell River and the Cowichan Valley are interested in forming coalitions in their areas as well, creating the possibility of an Island "cycling mecca."
For more, see http://oceansidecyclingcoalition.yolasite.com or email oceansidecyclingcoalition@shaw.ca.
© Oceanside Star 2011
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