The Bike Valet Staff Spotlight: Peter MacMartin's Cycling Escapades

Our program, The Bike Valet, has a great group of staff and volunteers to help make our work possible. Whether someone has volunteered for one summer or has been with the program for several years, we value all the time people have dedicated to helping us offer a great service to our community. A love for biking is something many of the people on our team share, and Peter MacMartin is one of those people. As someone with years of involvement with The Bike Valet (BV), we wanted to highlight his cycling story.

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What got you into biking?

Well, I was a kid for one. I still am really. As a kid, biking was the way to get around. As an adult, I got a Miele road bike from my brother when I moved to Vancouver in 1996. However, about 2 months later, I incorrectly locked it up in Gastown and it got stolen. I gave up on cycling until 2009. I was 42 at the time when I was induced to do a TransLink Central Valley Greenway (CVG) cycle path timing project with a palm pilot. This meant that I had to time several rides in the summer of 2009 from Main Street-Science World SkyTrain station along the CVG to the Tin Man in New West. I had an old oversized Fuji 63cm frame which I rode from 2009-2010. I then bought the bike I have now.

As many back-to-the-bike adult riders will attest, I was hooked and started riding pretty much everywhere. During the recession, I had one job on Adanac St/Clark Dr and rode most days to and from New West. Starting cycling again saved me a lot of money and helped my moods,  A LOT. I got a desk job as a Salesperson at Novex Courier in 2010 and commuted almost daily along River Road in Richmond to and from New West. It was a lot of riding for me then; Now it’s a normal ride. I got a lot of on-road experience just from commuting.

As a food delivery courier, I got into riding for money with Foodora in February 2017 on a lark. It was an adrenalizingly curious but often scary gauntlet of on-road first experiences of many sorts. One can’t be trained per se to do bike delivery work. It’s a go-do-it thing. Tips and hints came from rider chats. Over the 2017-2020 time period, I started riding up to 300 km/week but on average 200 km or so. I even have the app logs to prove it. Food delivery bicycle riders devoured the road in those years before e-bikes. Then the pandemic came. This was a marathon of agency-fueled endurance. I rode 300-500 km/week from New West to Downtown Vancouver and around Vancouver delivering. For my shifts, I rode to Vancouver and then rode back to New West. This took a bit of a toll on me, but I was in a strong state and didn’t want to go on the SkyTrain during lockdown. Overall, I ended up riding 3,680 recorded urban kilometres from March 17 (during lockdown) until May 12, when Foodora left Canada. It was the most I’d ever ridden in 6 weeks. I've been in 7 years of work riding likely all over the city roads from 16th North between Alma and Victoria. Again, I’ve got the logs to prove it. Many bikers have this too so it’s inspiring.

On June 30, 2020, I crashed and broke my clavicle and was off the road for July and the first week of August. Then I started riding slowly and got back to bike and paper courier delivery in late August. Then, a guy on a bike hit me on Oct 5, 2020, and I was out until November. I finally started heavily riding Uber again until my heart condition over the last year or so cut my output. Now I’m on heart medication recovering and riding maybe 100-120 km/week. I can do maybe 50-60 km per day now but not consecutively like before. I need rest days a lot now. Important to listen to our bodies. We age but stay on the bike till we can’t ride.

So that’s that. With 7 years of almost daily urban courier riding while being middle-aged, I find people's reasons for not riding entertainingly misinformed. I’m very hyperactive so this is a natural bonus.

Do you have any tips for other cyclists as a longtime biker?

1. Smart, assertive riding. Take HUB Cycling classes if you aren’t confident yet. Another option is to find an experienced riding buddy or 2 and make it a social event to explore the city and trails.

2. Ride with others or alone, but just ride. I ride about 95% alone, however, it’s fun to ride with others too.

3. Face your fears through learning and step-by-step uptake. Process what scared you last time and listen to your gut, not your fears when it happens again because it probably will. Your gut will help more than anything else especially when you're calm. I’m calmer on the bike than in most other environments.

4. Develop fitness slowly. Be easy on yourself until you’re more fit, then do more if you want. It’s addictive to add load but be very aware of nutrition, rest, and recovery. Also, don’t forget about your ride pace. Be comfortable until you want to jazz it up with power. Exploring your body capacity which takes time.

5. TAKE HILLS PATIENTLY. The leg burn isn't on or off. It is a gradual process and sometimes the pain can be sustained for some time. It’s easier to find a lower pace and stick to it than to always want to devour, but that’s fun too.

How did you get involved with the BV?

I had met Stephanie Williams, the BV Manager back in 2010, somewhere at an event and got involved because it looked pretty cool.

What has been your greatest experience with BV?

Probably doing the Ride Don’t Hide event in the summer of 2010, which had well over 400 bikes and took the south side of the Swangard Stadium almost entirely.  Then other than that, I think July 1, 2023. The ride to and from New West to Steveston was one of the best days for me in 2023 across many aspects and from my BV involvement at the event. It was the first “long, aggressive ride” I could do since December 2022 as my heart meds were just kicking in. It was a very good day.

Why should someone volunteer/work with BV?

BV is composed of a great group of people who have varied histories, a shared love of biking, and advocacy for biking and multimodalism. The BV is also a fair employer and the purpose is real and honest, not something simply with a profit motive. I enjoy working here, and the people I work with make all the difference. BV users compliment us a lot for just being there. Sweet.

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It’s stories like Peter’s that encourage us to continue the work we do and encourage our community to choose more sustainable transportation options. If you want to get involved or stay up to date with The Bike Valet, follow our Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Any involvement opportunities or events we’ll be at will be shared there! If you also would like The Bike Valet at your event, public or private, click here to receive a quote. Let’s keep the bike love going!

Why and How To Take Advantage of Your U-Pass

A universal pass, otherwise known as U-Pass, is a transit pass offered to students in post-secondary schools in BC. By offering this pass at a reduced cost for students, included in their tuition, Translink provides students an affordable and sustainable method of transportation while attending school. The use of a U-Pass differs for students depending on their situation; whether they live close to their campus or not, whether they have access to a car or not, and so on and so forth. While some students employ their U-Pass more than others, there are still ways for all students to take advantage of theirs; Which they should.

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The Why

Cost Comparison: U-Pass vs. Adult Monthly Pass

The cost breakdown of a U-Pass is one of its main benefits to students. When you compare it to the cost of an adult monthly pass, the savings are significant. A U-Pass for a 4-month school term costs $180.40 for students, valid in all zones. On the other hand, an adult 3-zone monthly pass is $189.45. Isn’t that a crazy difference? A U-Pass valid for 4 months is cheaper than an adult pass that’s good for 1 month. Putting that into perspective, why wouldn’t you want to use your U-Pass while you can? When you don’t have access to the student pricing anymore, you’ll surely miss it. 

Easily Allows for Multimodal Transportation

You can easily combine multiple forms of transportation in your commute by taking transit. Transiting often requires walking a bit to make it to a station or stop. Got your bike with you? No worries. If you can’t bike through a certain area, take it on transit with you. Buses have front racks to store your bike on the ride, and you can bring your bike on the SkyTrain and SeaBus as well. You’ve already combined 3 transportation methods for your commute. Multimodal transportation promotes active living and sustainability; who wouldn’t want that?

The How

Always Load Your U-Pass Each Month

Even if you don’t think you’ll use it, load your u-pass every month. First of all, it takes very little time to do so. You even get an email reminder when you can load it to your compass card. Think of it this way: you don’t usually take transit, but one night you go out with your friends. You’re in no position to drive home so you decide to transit, which is a good decision. However, you realize that you forgot to load your U-Pass this month. So you load it hoping it’ll work in time, but it doesn’t, and you end up having to pay the fare despite already having paid for your pass. Therefore, always make sure to load it so when you do need it, it’s accessible to you. 

Take Advantage of No Time Limit

At the times when you might not have a U-Pass, you realize how fortunate you are to have a pass that doesn’t leave you constrained to 90-minute windows before you have to pay for transit fare again. With the U-Pass, you can tap in and out at whatever time you want for no additional cost. Whereas if you’re paying for regular fare, you pay once, and once it’s been 90 minutes since that initial tap, you’ll have to pay again. Rather than trying to rush so you don’t have to pay again, your U-Pass allows you to hang around campus, go out with friends, and take your time. Transit will be there when you’re done and at no additional cost.

Opt for Transit Over Driving Once in a While

Many students prefer driving over transiting when going to campus, which is understandable. It’s convenient, often quicker, and it’s more private. Despite these benefits, there are also some benefits in opting for transit. Not only that, since you’re already paying for a U-Pass you might as well use it once in a while. Taking transit allows you to explore the area by looking out the window on your bus/SkyTrain ride with no care for traffic, get some rest, and even get some work done for the class you’re about to attend. You can also skip out on the gas and parking costs you incur from driving, which tends to add up, especially on a student budget. Sometimes sitting on transit and taking in the area and people around you is much more peaceful than a traffic-filled car ride. 

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A U-Pass is one of the best perks you can get as a student attending post-secondary school in BC. The pricing is unmatched and the pass itself extends great benefits to students that can only be taken advantage of while in school. Not only that, but it’s a more sustainable transportation option in comparison to driving. To learn more about how to load or use your U-Pass, go to Translink’s U-Pass BC FAQ page.

Written by: Michelle Peng

Journey of Age: Navigating Transportation for Seniors in BC

We want to highlight the vital role played by non-profit organizations like United Way BC and BEST (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation), along with our community partners, in assisting seniors in finding environmentally friendly alternative transportation options. Through initiatives such as carpools and community shuttle buses, we strive to support seniors in maintaining their mobility and independence while being mindful of the environment.

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.

In honour of BC Seniors' Week 2023, which took place from June 4-10, United Way BC and BEST collaborated with various organizations, including Ask Friendship Society, South Vancouver Neighborhood House, Richmond Care, Richmond Gives, Seniors Services Society of BC, Dunbar Residents' Association, West End Community Centre Association, Vancouver Cycling Without Age Society, Westside Seniors Hub, SHARE Family and Community Services, Brightside Community Homes Foundation, and Collingwood Neighborhood House. We are grateful for the generous support from Vancouver Coastal Health and Vantage Point. Together, we aim to profile and celebrate community champions who advocate for alternative forms of transportation!

Visit our website to see our posters and read the inspiring stories of seniors featured throughout June and July by clicking here. Not only that, but keep an eye out for our posters around the city, community libraries, senior serving agencies, and more! Here’s an example: 

David Dunne’s poster

If you know a remarkable senior in our community who deserves recognition, we want to hear from you! Reach out to us with their story, and they could be featured in our campaign. Let's celebrate their achievements and amplify their voices! Thank you for your ongoing support as we work towards creating a more sustainable and inclusive transportation system for seniors in our community!

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Our work doesn’t end there! SOTM has been having some other exciting things going on, and we are eager to share them with you!

Back in March, SOTM started Systems Mapping, a collaborative mobilization effort among partners in British Columbia with the shared goal of mobility and transportation justice, particularly those from equity-deserving groups. Facilitated by BEST and United Way BC, this participatory approach involves a series of strategic visioning sessions that collect voices and visions from representatives across BC to catalyze systemic social innovation toward mobility for all. We aim to form a community-informed collective path toward a user-centred, equitable, and well-integrated mobility and transportation system that caters to older people of all abilities, regions, and backgrounds in BC.

The hotter weather has quickly approached us and BEST is working on a solution for our seniors. With Cool Riders, we’re identifying “hotspots” in Vancouver to save seniors from the heat and transporting them to cooling centres during extreme heat events. By collaborating with local senior serving agencies, we hope for Cool Riders to be a pilot project and spread to neighbouring communities. Email us at SOTM@best.bc.ca to stay up to date with this initiative!

BEST has partnered with TransLink to offer transit training workshops specifically designed for seniors and equity-seeking populations. These workshops will help participants become familiar with the transportation systems in Vancouver, learn how to plan and gain confidence in using public transit. That’s not all! The training will also include excursions, allowing participants to put their newfound knowledge into practice while exploring the city! With the support and guidance of knowledgeable instructors, older adults can feel empowered to navigate Vancouver's transit system with ease and independence. Want to join? The next workshop is July 19th from 10:30 AM to 12 PM at South Granville Seniors Centre! Email us at SOTM@best.bc.ca if you’re interested!

R.O.V.I.N.G. (Raising Our Voices in Support of Non-Ageist Ways of Getting Around) is a short documentary presented by BEST through our SOTM initiative, which highlights challenges and opportunities for seniors' transportation in BC. R.O.V.I.N.G. demonstrates how transportation options play a key role in giving lives meaning and purpose, and how they contribute to health and well-being. Our goal is to create a platform for these important discussions to take place and to gather feedback that can help guide future advocacy efforts. We are committed to improving senior transportation and believe engaging in an open and honest dialogue is an essential first step. Missed the last few screenings? No worries! Our plan for this year is to provide community centres, libraries, and senior centres with the opportunity to watch our documentary and engage in meaningful community dialogues about the needs and challenges of senior transportation. Interested organizations can contact us directly at SOTM@best.bc.ca  and we will provide the documentary along with a thoughtfully designed questionnaire.

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If you are a senior or know a senior, feel free to join our Seniors On The Move Facebook group! We want to build a community where seniors or those caring for seniors can hear more about our initiatives and share anything they want as well. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/seniorsonthemove.ca

Our Response to COVID 19

Like everyone, we have felt the repercussions of the current pandemic. Our team is healthy, which is the most important part. We’re taking it day by day.

Like most non-profit organizations, we don’t know what this will mean for our operations. BEST prides itself on offering valuable services, such as The Bicycle Valet and Parkbus, which operate as social enterprises. The Bicycle Valet provides free and secure bike parking for events, the vast majority of which will not operate this year. Parkbus provides bus transportation to mainly Provincial Parks, which are not currently open.

We’re adapting our other programs as best we can, like Living Streets and the Walk30 Challenge, to look to the future of how communities will move. Find out how you can help here. And our ParkPass program is working on ensuring parks are not over-crowded through innovative parking and day use management solutions.

We’ve also partnered with awesome organizations to create new initiatives, like Safe Seniors, Strong Communities. Thanks to all the cyclists and drivers who signed up!

Whatever happens, we know sustainable transportation will be more important than ever for people to get where they need to go and stay physically and mentally healthy. BEST has been around for almost 30 years and is a resilient organization. Help us stay that way by donating or becoming a member, if you can.

As always, thanks for your support.