Novice cyclist trying to route plan.

Willingdon has that nice newish MUP along the east side that stretches almost down to Loughheed. But after Brentlawn, it just kinda ends (and there's construction there too).

How would you recommend accessing the mall? Just dismount and walk the rest, maybe hopping back on at Halifax? Turn onto Brentlawn and go toward Beta?

An update on last week's post about the City of Vancouver's plan to tear out and relocate the Beach Avenue bike lane between Stanley Park and Denman for the benefit of rat-running drivers:

• We now have a price tag on this boondoggle of a project: $6 million. That's $6 million that won't be used for actual improvements to the waterfront parks, or for any of the pressing infrastructure needs in the city.

• The Park Board voted 4-2 with the support of the Green and independent commissioners not to endorse this implementation plan and to send it back to staff for further study! Thank you to everyone who wrote in in opposition—your voice made a big difference.

Unfortunately, the fight isn't over.

Because Beach Avenue is on city and not Park Board land, Council could still vote to proceed with this wrong-headed project which will add a net-zero amount of active transportation infrastructure while increasing the volume and speed of cars in one of Vancouver's most popular pedestrian environments.

Council meets on Wednesday, May 8 to consider the staff report. You can sign up to speak (by phone or in person) to Council before 5pm on Tuesday, or you can write an email to Council telling them not to touch the Beach Avenue bike lane:

Ken.Sim@vancouver.ca, CLRbligh@vancouver.ca, CLRboyle@vancouver.ca, CLRcarr@vancouver.ca, CLRdominato@vancouver.ca, CLRfry@vancouver.ca, CLRkirby-yung@vancouver.ca, CLRklassen@vancouver.ca, CLRmeiszner@vancouver.ca, CLRmontague@vancouver.ca, CLRzhou@vancouver.ca

Councillor Christine Boyle's OneCity also has a template letter that you can use to send an email.

Every single email and every single speaker counts! I've heard from Park Board commissioners last week that the emails they received were very persuasive. Let's keep up the pressure on the City and kill the $6 million boondoggle.

It's spring, you're in Vancouver, you're looking for a bike, and global bicycle price fluctuations have left you asking "WTF do I even do for a bike any more?". Instead of posting a new thread, look in here and see if people have answered your questions already. If not, ask away and we will answer!

< $500 Beater/Budgets/Used

This is a difficult price range to find bikes in. Here are your best bets:

• Ride On - Lots of used and low end bikes.
• Our Community Bikes is a cooperative bike shop. They sell refurbished bikes for cheap, drop in and check what they have.
• Kickstand is another cooperative bike shop. They also sell refurbished bikes for cheap, drop in and check what they have.
• Ride On has a selection of used bikes that have been properly checked by mechanics. The supply is incredibly limited, and I doubt you will find much here right now.
• The Bike Kitchen UBC's community bike shop. Much like the above, they're a good place for refurbished bikes.
• Craigslist is always a great source for cheap bikes, just be warned that you should assume a minimum of $100 on top of the price to get it checked by a mechanic and replace parts. Avoid "department store" brands like Supercycle, Infinity, etc. Things to watch out for are excessive rusting (surface rust is fine, but it you're seeing structural rust don't buy), bends, dents or cracks in the frame. Also keep in mind that new wheels will cost quite a bit, so be wary of excessively bent wheels.
• Facebook Marketplace has surprisingly good deals on bikes. Same caveats as Craigslist.
• Sportsjunkies sells bikes on a strange time based model, so the older it gets the cheaper it gets. Because of this, you can sometimes get some great deals on bikes. Not sure if you have a chance at under $500 right now, though.

500-1500 Entry Level

This is what you should be looking to spend at a minimum if you want a new bike. This won't get you a racing bike, but you can find some pretty great single speeds (and/or fixies), cruisers, general-purpose mountain bikes, cruisers, etc. You might even find an older touring bike if you're really lucky. Here's where I'd start my search:

• Denman Bikes
• The Bike Doctor
• Ride On - Lots of used and low end bikes.
• Decathalon - French outdoors brand. Their current line of Triban's are surprisingly good for the price. They now have a store in Metrotown.
  • Obsession - normally a high end bike company, but they have a surprising collection of decent bikes at just under the $1000 mark.

1500-3000 Mid Range

At this range you're starting to get some real quality parts, and more road-bike style builds.

• Sidesaddle
• Jubilee Cycles
• Kissing Crows
• The Bike Doctor
• Liv Bikes - This is Giant's brand focued on bikes for women. This doesn't mean "comes in pink and purple" or any of that shit. The geometry of bikes is often based on the male body, and as such women often have trouble with bike fit. Bikes designed for women is a very important thing, and if you are female bodied (or male with female proportions) and looking for a bike I highly recommend checking these out.

3000+ High End

• Bicicletta
• Caps Bicycle Shop & Original Bike Museum
• West Point Cycles
• Obsession Bikes
• Steed Cycles
• Pitt Cycles
• Landyachtz
• Steed
• Obsession

Ebikes

Afraid I don't know much about where to buy an ebike, maybe people could comment with their sugestions? Here's some places I'd start looking:

• Caps Electric Bike Shop Caps sells electric bikes out in Port Moody
• Cit-E Bikes
• RAD Power Bikes
• Ohm

Specialty

• Landyachtz Custom custom made bikes that are just god damned gorgeous.
• Dreamcycle Custom Bikes - Custom steel bikes are kind of their thing now?
• Lanesplit Cycles - Rebuilds of classic (and not so classic) frames.

Other/Misc

These are all good shops too, and you'll likely find something cool there, I just don't know them all that well (or don't really know where to place them):

• Mactalla Cycles
• Bikes for all

I was looking for ways to charge an e bike battery faster and came across this charger. Im wondering if it will work?

https://m.vevor.ca/battery-charger-c_11827/vevor-smart-battery-charger-35-amp-lithium-lifepo4-lead-acid-agm-gel-sla-car-battery-charger-with-lcd-display-trickle-charger-maintainer-desulfator-for-boat-motorcycle-lawn-mower-deep-cycle-p_010879794757?adp=gmc&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_id=21044403359&ad_group=157832993983&ad_id=691603677817&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwltKxBhDMARIsAG8KnqWXLgj_5WQlhIW_-OFPrRNRmibu2nWKUUXmmgpo0pvSXG4MLoGWEfQaAtLkEALw_wcB

Flew off my bike on my ride this morning 😔 Please comment if you see it! 🙏 (This is why I can't have nice things)

Hi fellow riders. I need to replace my crank arms and rear derailleur on my bike. I’ve been trying to get in at my LBS for about a month now but they’re just too backed up. I’m not willing to leave my bike there for a week or more. Any suggestions on mobile services that come to you and get the job done? Obviously, I want somebody with good knowledge and right tools, not a hack job.

A Vancouver-based non-profit is hiring for a frontline manager role to manage bike valet program in Metro Vancouver. If you or someone you know is passionate about enabling sustainable transportation access to more people in Metro Vancouver and beyond, is excellent in people, operations, inventory, and project management, and also wants to gain experience working with municipalities, crown corporations, and other public and private companies, please take a look at this job posting (it’s stated as closed but please contact the HR on the post or email bikevalet at best dot bc dot ca for further assistance and to apply):

https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/3902881488

They need to fill in the role ASAP! Please let them know if you or someone you know is interested in applying for this role. Thank you!

Those covers they have over the power cables for construction work are awful to ride over. They're basically like riding over a curb!

I need to ride from PoCo to New West tomorrow. I know Columbia St is closed between McBride and Elliott to vehicles underneath the Patullo Bridge, but is the path open to cyclists or do I need to go up and over? I know Front St is not a safe alternative.

Thanks!

Hey there, fellow Vancouverites

I'm kind of new to the city, and I'm buying a specialized gravel bike, which is in stock at both Comor Sports and Steed Cycle. I have been to both stores and liked their service in general. Since I'm new to the city, I thought I would ask where you would buy it if both had what you wanted available at the same price and why, if you don't mind. Thanks!

Edit: Thanks for all the insight! Today, I put down a deposit at steed cycle to get the bike built and stoked about it.

Not an ad, just curious what people think of their bikes and bike stuff... Looks like they've got a lot of parts and tools, but barely any workshop space, unless I missed something. Not good if they're selling bikes they can't fix. Lots of bikes that seem good value, and a couple ebikes (without wired-in lights though, so it's a no from me).

I'm hoping they allow test rides on the bikes, but also wondering how it's going to work (I've been told off pushing mine around a few malls before).

Enjoyed Fisherman's, but I can't do mtb trails or loose gravel with my 38c tires. OK to mix with paved roads for a bit. Never ridden a gravel route outside Vancouver yet.

I am looking to get a locking point mounted on the wall of my condo parking space so I can lock up a few bikes, or even mount my rooftop box.

I talked to my strata and I need to submit plans and information from the contractor doing the work, and it would go through a review/approval process. Strata seems supportive, but I need to find a contractor.

So a couple of questions:

1. How do I find a contractor who would plan/do a job like this?

2. Where can I find wall mount bike lock-up points? I was thinking of 2 6-foot horizontal bars a few feet apart (lower for bike locking, lower + upper for mounting roof cargo box vertically), but open to other ideas.

Any help or guidance would be appreciated, thanks!

I had this ebike stolen from me in September of 2023 and I'm a low income individual and it took me 8 months to replace it. I'd like to be able to get the original back and the idiot stole it without the keys so I still have the keys to the battery on the interior. The serial number is.

JDA620120406

If you've seen an e bike like this let me know

A ghost bike is also going to be installed at Clark/11th (also where the ride will end) to commemorate the loss of one of our fellow community members ❤️🚲

Come out and ride! 6pm, Vancouver Art Gallery

I am currently renting an apartment in a tower. Our landlord (the unit owner) did not provide us with a key to the building’s shared bike storage room. I asked for a copy of the key from our landlord back in February, but they don’t have a key. They said they’ll obtain a copy from the strata council. Well, that hasn’t happened. And our calls to the strata property manager have been ignored. I’m sort of at a loss because I have no experience with this type of situation.

Can someone explain to me how these shared bike storage lockers work? Are there assigned spots? Monthly fees? Do we have to wait for someone to give up a spot in order to finally get our key? I’m not getting answers from anyone involved here and not sure what my next move should be….

It's been hard to find Road shoes for wide foot. Bought a Lake on sale but it's small (43.5), right size (44.5) is too expensive ($500). Bont looks cheaper, but can't find where they sell it in Canada.

About HUB Cycling and Go by Bike Week (June 3-9, 2024):

HUB Cycling is Metro Vancouver’s cycling organization that encourages people of all ages and abilities to cycle more often. Go by Bike Week is a week-long event that encourages people to cycle more often. Activators set up and run the Celebration Stations, high-energy pop-up stations across Metro Vancouver where the public can receive cycling resources, free snacks, and bike maintenance.

HUB Cycling is offering two different contract types for this position. Please indicate your preferences in your application.

Contract A overview - Event Activator A (2 people needed)

Dates: May 30 to June 8, 2024

Compensation: $1380 (52 hours- includes 10 hours paid travel and rest time) 

• Week of May 27-31: Assigned drivers must pick up the keys for the rental van from 312 Main St, Vancouver. (on-site)
• May 30th, 5-7 PM: online training
• June 2nd, 12-3 PM: packing supplies at 312 Main St, Vancouver (on-site)
• June 3- 7 (Monday- Friday): estimated 6.5 hours daily between 5:45AM - 7:30PM (on-site). 
• June 8, 9-2 PM: Family day event, Downtown Vancouver. (on-site)

Final schedule will be shared after a candidate is hired.

Contract B overview - Event Activator B (4 people needed)

Dates: May 30 to June 8, 2024

Compensation: $1245 (47 hours- includes 10 hours paid travel and rest time) 

• Week of May 27-31: Assigned drivers must pick up the keys for the rental van from 312 Main St, Vancouver. (on-site)
• May 30th, 5-7 PM: online training
• June 2nd, 12-3 PM: pack supplies at 312 Main St, Vancouver (on-site)
• June 3- 7 (Monday- Friday): estimated 6.5 hours each day between 5:45AM - 6:30PM (on-site). 

Final schedule will be shared after a candidate is hired.

Must-haves: 

• Ability to lift 20 lbs
• Willingness to work rain or shine
• Excited to engage with the public! (prior customer service experience is preferred.)

3/6 contractors need to have: 

• Class 5 driver's license and two years of driving history in BC. Drivers will be compensated an additional $15 per day. 

Responsibilities - All contracts:

• Set-up and take down Celebration Stations
  • Drive equipment to each site location (vehicle provided)
  • Unload and set up the event tent, tables, and signage at each location
  • Take down each station and load the equipment into the van.
• Engage the public at Celebration Stations
• Chat with members of the public about cycling and work with volunteers (training will be provided). You’ll be the face of HUB Cycling!

How to apply:

Please email to Lisa Storey at  gobybike@bikehub.ca 

1. Your resume 
2. Your preferred contract (contract A or B)
3. A short paragraph introducing yourself and why you are interested in this position

Deadline to apply: May 1, 2024. Please submit your application early as interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. We will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. 

HUB Cycling’s commitment to equity:

HUB Cycling is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace and to working with people and communities to help them thrive and prosper. Diversity is integral to this commitment. Our diversity allows us to better understand, connect to, and respond to the needs of our members and communities. HUB Cycling encourages women, Indigenous people, people of colour, and LGBTQIA and individuals from other diverse communities to apply.

Came around the corner to this. Yeah yeah yeah I know I should have ridden up into the ramp but I've done that enough here that it is not funny anymore. Snapped a pic and just went around (as suggested by some in this group). Made it about mid block before a car came up, honked then yelled at me to use the bike lane.

Reported to bylaw enforcement and am now considering carrying lentils iny pannier.

I usually take Powell Street but it's quite dangerous to bike between parked cars and fast car traffic. I don't go on the sidewalk because that's not where bikes belong. Is there any way to bypass this dangerous stretch without taking the sidewalk?

Powell from Wall St to McLean Dr.

Does a cyclist need to stop at a 3 way (or 4 way) stop as in the example of the 2:57 mark of the video? The video is of a 3 way stop intersection in Nanaimo that has a protected bike lane. The pic is of the same thing.

https://youtu.be/fPGSuCVnmjk?si=xQJDPEEOZwipFiIc

Wow, does this letter writer ever hit the bike-hater bingo.

https://www.richmond-news.com/opinion/letters-all-richmond-road-users-need-to-obey-the-rules-8635537

Does anyone have any Information about the person who was killed? I can't find anything in the media. We would like to have a moment of silence at Critical Mass on Friday. We want to put up a ghost bike. Please join us at 6:00 pm at the Vancouver Art Gallery.