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.

Vancouver Sets Climate Targets for 'How We Move'

Transportation Enters the Public Consultation Phase of Climate Emergency Action Plan

Between 2007 and 2018, Vancouver did something remarkable. Guided by its Greenest City Action Plan, the city and its residents cut carbon emissions by 12%.

During that time, council and staff began to envision using that plan’s success to inform the next plan, which would become the most ambitious yet in terms of making our communities safer, healthier, and greener.

It would become the Climate Emergency Action Plan — announced just months after City Council declared a climate emergency — which proposes to mitigate some of the causes and effects of climate change by focusing on providing services and amenities close to where people live.

Sustainable transportation plays an integral part of the plan, which is why calls one of its strategic pillars How We Move. As the city states in the How We Move targets and actions document released last month:

We can reduce the number of single occupancy vehicle trips by increasing the convenience of active transportation and public transit and then support the rapid transition to electric vehicles for those remaining trips.

How We Move is all about embracing this next 10-year challenge — accelerating our collective and individual actions to further reduce carbon emissions, and achieve 2030 targets:

• 90% of people will live within an easy walk and roll of their daily needs.

• 2/3 of trips in Vancouver will be by active transportation and transit.

• 50% of total distance driven on Vancouver’s roads will be by zero emissions vehicles.

Actions proposed by the city's Transportation team vary, including transportation pricing in core areas, expanding and improving the active transportation network, improving bus service, and expanding the electrical charging network and its facilities and fleet support.

While we wait for some of these actions to take shape in the city, what can you do?

• From now until April 22, participate in the City's Climate Emergency Survey - your feedback will help inform the 5-year Climate Emergency Action Plan that will be brought to Council in October 2020.

• Attend the Climate Emergency Online Public Dialogue on "How We Move" - Tue, March 31, 2020 7:00 PM – 9:00

For more information, visit the City of Vancouver’s Climate Emergency Action Plan webpage.

The State of Cycling in Metro Vancouver

HUB Cycling releases ‘Benchmarking the State of Cycling in Metro Vancouver’ report

Developed in partnership with all Metro Vancouver municipalities and TransLink, the regional transit authority, the State of Cycling report provides a snapshot of the extent and quality of the region's bikeway network.

Over 18 months in the making, the State of Cycling does more than just provide an up-to-date picture of the lower mainland's route infrastructure.

The report shows that in areas where the network has grown and improved, the rate of collisions involving people who cycle has dropped, and cycling trips have increased significantly. It also suggests that where cycling rates are highest, local economies are strongest, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from transportation are lowest, collision rates involving vulnerable road users are lowest, and health outcomes are the best.

What else does the State of Cycling have to tell us about the growth of cycling in Metro Vancouver?

• The region is home to approximately 16,000 bikeways, totalling 4,600 km (almost 200% growth since 2009)

• Approximately half of all regional bikeways are rated "Comfortable for most"

• From 2006-2016, the region saw a 35% increase in the percentage of commuters who cycle

• Among 23 local governments, Vancouver rated highest for ‘supportive policies and practices’’; Surrey boasted the highest proportion of the region’s bikeways (25%)

In addition to providing useful and easy-to-read graphs and charts chronicling the state of Metro Vancouver’s cycling facilities and opportunities for growth, the report also includes a new, standardized bikeway ‘quality ranking’ classification system, and a glossary of bikeway facility types.

Download the full report here.

Courtesy of HUB Cycling.

The hydrogen fuel cell NEXO

Transit and Modo and bikes… Oh my!
by Mackenzie Fleming

The first things most people picture when we say ‘sustainable transportation’ are greenways full of happy bikers and track networks humming with solared-powered light-rail. While this is certainly a future to strive for, our present reality is a little more complicated. In a busy and burgeoning city, a rich mosaic of ethnicities, ages, incomes and cultures sustainable transportation transcends greenhouse gases and comes to be a comprehensive framework for community connection, environmental conservation and civic coherence. Given the inclusive nature of sustainable transportation, it’s only natural that here at Better Environmentally Sound Transportation, or BEST, we’re proponents of multi-modal transit, and that includes our friends at Modo!

Vancouver is a sustainable transportation dream; bike lanes galore, efficient bus and skytrain systems and densely situated enough to facilitate walking in most neighbourhoods. What’s more, we’re flanked by enticing parks, hiking, the ocean and a myriad of other outdoor activity options, but they’re not always a bus ride away. That’s where car sharing companies like Modo come in; the ability to access the best of what BC has to offer is made easier by Modo, which offers a varied fleet of cars and trucks for use across the Lower Mainland.

This morning, we tested Modo out for ourselves the best way we know how: with a rainy ride around Vancouver to Stanley Park in a sleek, grey, zero-emissions vehicle. 

Are we going to space?! - that was my first reaction upon arrival the NEXO, as I reached for the futuristic, retractable e-handle. As the 5 of us piled in and set off through the drizzle, we were immediately awed by the gentle hum of the hydrogen cell fuel engine (a first for car-sharing in Vancouver!) and we marveled at how quiet the car was. The comfy interior was complemented by the pleasant new car smell, which we attested to the “Fragrance-Free” sticker on the dash, a welcome note for those with scent sensitivities (scent-sitivities?). 

Driving through the city, we had the misfortune of hitting some traffic heavy areas, with pedestrian volume to boot. Luckily for us, the Modo NEXO comes equipped with a driver’s assistance feature, meaning that no matter what surprises popped up we would have a series of sounds and dash lights to warn us of any impending collision. A pretty nifty feature when you consider the array of boards, bikes, buses and bodies making their way through the city. The clouds parted ever so slightly as we made our way through Stanley Park, giving us a nice reprieve from the rain and even better views of the towering trees alongside us and the Northshore mountains across the Burrard Inlet. We all admitted to not getting out into the park as much as we would like, so we made a few well-appreciated stops at the local landmarks to take it all in before we cruised home. 

We got back to BEST just in time to meet up with our colleague Stuart as he greeted our 4 wheels, on 2! Not surprising, as many of us are avid cyclists. He was just as impressed by the hydrogen fuel cell engine as we were, and we had just enough time left on our reservation for one last photo. We said our final goodbye to the NEXO as our GM Alan drove it off into the sunset (okay, it was actually very cloudy, but you get the idea) and it’s quiet thrum faded off into the parkade. We’re excited to take another Modo vehicle out, although next time we might swap the summer students in the trunk for camping gear!

"It saved my life"

“It saved my life many times.”
Cancer, e-bikes, and meditation

This summer, Lisa Lambert turned 60, fought her way back from colon cancer, and became a cyclist. Like many adults, she’d owned bikes, but when she needed to get somewhere, she drove. At 49, she became seriously ill. She was treated for colon cancer, and as she puts it, bounced back pretty quickly. Eleven years later, the cancer returned. Complications in her second round of treatment led to seizures, which forced her to surrender her driver’s license. “After I had my surgery back in April, it was really difficult for me to regain some feel good in my body.” 

At first she relied on her partner to drive her to appointments, but soon realized she needed more transportation choices, and more independence in her mobility. For her 60th birthday, her friends and family chipped in and bought her this speedy little electric Volt bike. “It saved my life many times,” she tells me. "When I was sick, it saved me from thinking I was never going to get better, or that’s it: I’ve hit 60 and I’m done.” 

She recalls her dad losing his driving licence: he came to live with Lisa and her partner when he was terminally ill and no longer able to drive. "That was one of the bigger disappointments of his life. It said to him, my life is just about done.” Lisa has had a lot of time to consider this: Independent mobility is essential, and not just for older people. Her friend with a depth perception issue who cannot drive? She can ride a bike. People using medication, people carrying kids and groceries? Electric bikes are the way to go. "We all want to stay as healthy as we can, and as youthful as possible, but you know, when you’re popping around a corner and suddenly there’s a hill right in front of you, you’d be happy to have this.” When her friends hear about her new e-bike, they ask if she’ll ride it over so they can try it. 

So how did Lisa choose this e-bike? Following the advice of a friend — who owns 2 e-bikes — Lisa chose this one, and spent about $1500 after tax. She likes that the Volt is small and BMX-y — perfect for city riding — and folds. And yet, it is sturdy and can carry so much that she’s going to give away her Honda scooter. It has fenders, lights, and the battery is inside the body so it is protected from the rain - and not easily stolen! She can ride it like a regular bike, shifting gears without power, or turn the battery on. She can use the throttle, which delivers more power, or just pedal assist, which is a little boost to help get her going. She is thrilled to report that she’s reached 35km/h! 

Do you get exercise on an e-bike? “Absolutely," Lisa says. She doesn’t always use the motor, and she can feel her legs working either way. She is now happily cancer free, but lost a lot of weight and muscle mass during chemotherapy. Riding her e-bike is helping rebuild that strength.   

What’s it like to ride an e-bike in traffic? Lisa enjoys using Vancouver's bike routes - especially the quieter ones south of 33rd Avenue. She does frequent shoulder checks: "I’m way more alert on a bike than I ever was driving." On the whole, she feels safe and confident. “Now that I know how easy this is, I’d make the extra effort. Every day is a gift.” What about the winter? She’s not sure she’ll be a rainy day rider, but is still committed to getting around on her on steam: "Transit is great, and I have really good sneakers. I plan on walking.”  

Riding a bike, managing pain Whether she’s walking or riding, physical activity helps Lisa with focus and mindfulness; the self care that is essential for her recovery. On her e-bike, she’s focused and moving; literally riding away from her discomfort. It isn’t a distraction — hello Netflix — but a pleasurable and self-paced therapy; her riding meditation. 

"And that is helping me: it makes me feel better and it makes me hopeful.”

Margaret loves her e-bike

Newsletter editor Margaret Miller bought an e-bike in the spring and has been raving about it ever since. Seniors transport coordinator Janette talked with her:
What made you decide to get an e-bike?
I’ve been a cyclist for years but found I was coming up with more reasons not to use it. It was just seeming like too much effort. I tried a friend’s e-bike and loved it and thought that having one would help keep me cycling longer (hopefully forever).
How did you choose this model?
I tried different e-bikes at stores around Vancouver. I thought about balance (some were front heavy), weight (they are all heavy but some more so), throttle, womens styles, maneuverability, and cost (they ranged from $3000 to $6000).
Are there any drawbacks to riding an e-bike?
They are heavy so getting it up and down stairs or onto the bus can be challenging. Also, I think that because drivers expect me to be moving at the speed of a regular bicycle they may misjudge their timing when they cross or turn in front of me.
How do you ride it? Pleasure? Daily transportation? Exercise? How often?
I use it for everything. If I have spare time I go out for a pleasure ride along the Arbutus Greenway or around Stanley Park. I use it to go shopping. I use it for exercise. Since I bought it I have used it just about every day. It is so much fun.
Have your cycling habits changed since you started riding an e-bike?
I am definitely cycling further than I used to. Recently a friend and I went out to Steveston. I had never tackled anything like that before. I am no longer held back from going somewhere because there are pesky hills in the way.

E-bikes are everywhere lately, playing an important role for older cyclists or people problem-solving around illnesses and mobility limitations.

Are you thinking of buying an e-bike? Do you have a new-bike story? Let us know: sayhello@best.bc.ca

The Bicycle Valet goes further

This summer, we parked 1785 bikes at the Squamish Constellation Festival, and 949 bikes at the Prospera Valley Gran Fondo in Fort Langley. We’ll be at events throughout Metro Vancouver this month including the Eastside 10k, the Westward Music Festival, the Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival, and a Whitecaps game, to name just a few! Get in touch with Erik if you’d like to hire us, sign up here to volunteer, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

No parking, no waiting.

Have you been surprised by a road closure this season? A marathon with an endless stream of runners, or yet another construction zone, leaving you waiting, then rushing, and still late? How did I not know about this? Can they really just close a road with so little notice? Well, not everybody is sitting in traffic, fuming over the frustrations of city life. Tony figured it out earlier this spring.  

Tony is a performer in the Vancouver Bach Choir and various local theatre groups. He has studied and performed in opera and other theatrical productions for over 60 years, and attends many perfomances by other groups. At 78, he is bemused by my careful age-related questions, by anyone's idea that being older means slowing down. He studies musical scores, leads a performance group, travels to international festivals, and makes frequent trips throughout Metro Vancouver to practices, rehearsals, and performances. He is quick, warm, friendly, and clearly connected in his neighbourhood, social and cultural groups. Tony’s concerns, if he has any, are how to maintain the quality of his movement on stage with his vertigo. Should he change the choreography? Sign up for Tai Chi or some kind of movement class? He’s got plenty of options in his lively West End neighborhood. That, and the traffic. 

He drives mostly, but on one morning in May, he knew he needed another plan. It was the weekend of the Vancouver Marathon, which meant the roads he would usually take to get to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre would be closed to car traffic. What to do. A quick check of the TransLink website provided an answer: bus routes are pre-planned around event road closures to maintain travel schedules. Which means, Tony felt fairly sure he would arrive at the matinee without getting stuck in traffic. In fact, the bus made better time, nimbly making its way through an alternate route without delay. Delivered to the right spot as promised; so far so good. What Tony didn't anticipate was how relaxing his trip would be. He didn't have to navigate, focus, or worry; just pick a seat and let the driver do the work. He saw the marathoners — including the 70-year olds in the Masters category, he grins when I pipe up with that — he saw the ocean, the apartment shapes, and the streets shift from beachy, leafy residential to tall gleaming offices, the Playhouse, the Queen E. And then he was there. No parking, no waiting, just a small flush of new knowledge. A good trip. 

Commuter Challenge 2019 impacts

Happier teams, healthier travel, and fewer GHGs! This year, 451 workplaces from across the province joined BEST’s 2019 Commuter Challenge to build team spirit and lighten our environmental impact. We also had 2,299 individuals go multi-modal with their commutes. By bike, train, carshare, or on foot, we avoided 41,025 kgs of CO2 and covered a total of 251,893 kilometres. That’s like going around the world over 10 times!

Congratulations to TransLink

Our regional transport authority — and all-round group of amazing people! — was just named 2019 Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award by the American Public Transportation Association! Well done! https://buzzer.translink.ca/2019/07/translink-awarded-transit-system-of-the-year/