Throughout history, walking has played a central role in grassroots movements. It’s a simple, accessible, and potent tool of “the people” to build political momentum. From student walkouts and labour strikes, to protest marches, demonstrations transform the public space into a platform for the collective voice. At rest, public spaces afford us the opportunity to socialize, play, unwind, and connect with community. But when politically activated, those same streets and sidewalks become platforms for change. Learn more about the connection between walkability, public infrastructure, and political agency in this blog!

Walktober has arrived! As the days get shorter and the temperature gets colder, everything can feel a little more isolating. What you may not know, walking, even in small amounts, offers powerful benefits for both physical and mental well-being that can help you beat the fall blues. Discover five reasons to get out and go for a walk this fall!

Just across the water from downtown, North Vancouver’s Shipyards is a summer must-visit — a lively mix of markets, music, and mountain views. Ride over, drop your bike or anything that rolls at the free Bike Valet, and wander through the buzzing night market before enjoying the waterfront without a worry!

Cycling to work is easier than ever! Enjoy a smooth, stress-free commute with FREE and secure Bike Valet right at Vancouver City Centre. Pair your ride with transit for a seamless multimodal journey!

Gastown is where history meets city buzz, cobblestone streets, cozy patios, street performers, and local shops. Explore what makes it a must-visit spot and how to get there easily with your bike and FREE Bike Valet!

What does your BEST Canada Day look like? This year we were at 6 different events in Burnaby, Coquitlam, New Westminster, Surrey, North Vancouver Shipyards, and Steveston where we parked a total of 652 bikes.

An exciting study on newcomer’s transportation experiences from Pegah Ghane, a UBC Sustainability Scholar, that helped inform BEST’s Eco-Voyage initiative.

Vancouver’s original and BEST personal mobility “perk” service on two wheels is still rolling strong and keeping bikes safe.

The Living Streets team is happy to share that this year’s Walktober and Autumn Strolls walks have concluded! Over 50 attendees had the opportunity to connect with their environment and each other across four hours of walking. We’d like to thank SFU's Graduate Student Society, DiwaliFest, and Translink for all the support!

The Bike Valet thrives thanks to our dedicated staff and volunteers. Whether with us for a season or years, each person's contribution matters. Among our cycling enthusiasts is Peter MacMartin, a longtime team member whose story we’re proud to share.

The U-Pass is a discounted transit pass included in tuition for post-secondary students in BC. It offers an affordable, sustainable way to get around while attending school. Even if some students use it less than others, there are still great ways for everyone to make the most of their U-Pass, and they should.

To continue providing safe and reliable bicycle parking service in BC, The Bike Valet™ is stepping up its game and partnering up with Optimum Security, who will bring industry-leading expertise to help ensure the safety and security of our patrons, staff, and bikes.

As a long-time resident and someone with a passion for cycling who both bikes and drives in this city, nothing is more annoying and frightening as a cyclist and a driver than witnessing someone else cycling without care. This post will outline some techniques for bikers to stay safe in Vancouver.

One of our key initiatives, Seniors on the Move (SOTM), focuses on expanding transportation options for older adults in BC, enabling them to continue leading fulfilling lives even after they stop driving. We understand the emotional and practical challenges of ceasing to drive, and we aim to facilitate a smooth transition to a new chapter of mobility.

Recently, the BEST team had the privilege of organizing - in collaboration with UBC’s Centre for Community Engaged Learning -  a thought-provoking workshop that delved into the rich tapestry of Indigenous practices and their potential applications within modern organizations, thanks to the generous funding of the British Columbia Multiculturalism Grant. 

You’re invited to come out and vote on our incoming Directors, hear about our results, challenges and achievements of 2022, alongside our vision for 2023. Some big and exciting changes are coming down the pipe and this is the best place to get a sneak peek at them.

From April 10-May 14, registered participants will track and share daily walking minutes online. Register now at www.walk30.ca

BEST (Better Environmental Sound Transportation) needs your help!

Please welcome to the team Serena You (Board Member), Karen Milde (Director of Marketing and Communications), and Saskia Asyari (Bicycle Valet Manager).

Our free downtown bike parking service Bicycle Valet is now open. It is a convenient and secure parking option for people riding and rolling. operating seven days a week until December 23 with expanded operating hours during summer months, including on Friday and Saturday nights.