Happy 18th Birthday, Bike Valet! 🥳

We’re Celebrating 18 Years of Bike Valet™️

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

Vancouver, BC (June 13, 2024): Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) is proud to celebrate nearly two successful decades of one of its key initiatives in promoting active, sustainable, and accessible transportation across British Columbia.

Since 1991, BEST has been at the forefront of mobility justice initiatives, advocating for environmentally sound transportation options for all.
 
Bike Valet™️ is at the heart of BEST’s offerings. For 18 years, it has reduced bike theft and promoted active transportation by providing free, safe, and reliable attended bike parking services. During this period, Bike Valet™️ has safeguarded more than 320,000 BC bikes, providing riders with peace of mind.

What started as a social enterprise project has been nurtured, developed, and expanded since its inception in 2006. Bike Valet™️ proudly employed more than 85 individuals last year and continues to collaborate with staff and volunteers from diverse communities to serve hundreds of events throughout the year in municipalities around the province.
 
"We're pleased to witness the growth of the cycling community in BC," says Pablo Zacarías, Executive Director of BEST. "With this growth comes a heightened demand for safe, professionally staffed end-of-trip facilities like Bike Valet™️. Furthermore, we’re thrilled to see the Ministry of Transportation, TransLink, and several municipalities supporting these types of services through various initiatives and grant funding programs."

Customers who have used Bike Valet™️ recognize its name and outstanding service as head and shoulders above any other bike-parking offering. “We've worked tirelessly to establish Bike Valet™️ as a symbol of reliability, friendliness and safety,” says Ana Milosavic, Vice Chair, Board of Directors, BEST.

Bike Valet™️ continues to expand its services to more locations and municipalities. This summer, riders can find seasonal Bike Valet™️ services at locations such as BC Place, English Bay in the West End, and Steveston Village in Richmond, plus more locations, including pop-up Bike Valet™️ services at dozens of festivals and events across Metro Vancouver. Additionally, Bike Valet™️ and Capital Bike operate the City of Victoria’s ongoing location at Centennial Square.

BEST recognizes the significance of every individual choice in reducing emissions, supported by the organization’s steadfast commitment to addressing the climate emergency. The increasing preference for cycling, walking, and public transit represents a crucial step towards a more sustainable future.
 
"As our classic sticker proudly proclaims, 'ONE LESS CAR' has been our mantra since 1991," says Tylor Sherman, Chair of the Board of Directors. "We're excited to see more people across British Columbia embracing active transportation, and we remain steadfast in supporting initiatives that make sustainable commuting safe, enjoyable, and accessible for all."

About Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) 
Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable transportation options across British Columbia. Since 1991, BEST has been at the forefront of mobility justice initiatives, advocating for active, accessible, and environmentally friendly transportation solutions for all. Through projects like Bike Valet™️, Seniors on the Move, WALK30, Living Streets and EcoVoyage, BEST continues to empower communities to embrace sustainable modes of travel, reducing emissions and fostering a healthier, more vibrant future for all. best.bc.ca

A Walktober to Remember!

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 had the pleasure of partnering with the SFU Graduate Student Society for our first walk and Diwali Fest for our last 3 walks, tying in our activities to their events. We’d also like to TransLink for all their support!

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For our first walk, in partnership with the SFU Graduate Student Society, we met at the SFU Burnaby campus and walked through Burnaby Mountain Park. We took some scenic pictures and held a small pizza party and trivia session afterward!

Three weeks later, we started our community walks in collaboration with the Diwali Festival. Sponsored by Global BC, the Diwali Fest hosted an evening of South Asian performances at the Burnaby Public Library as well as a children’s art zone. We had the opportunity to connect our walk with the festivities by organizing a stroll in Burnaby Central Park that concluded at the Library!

The next week, we held another walk in conjunction with Diwali’s next event at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown. After taking a short stroll along False Creek, participants could attend a musical performance and join an arts and crafts activity, Community Rangoli, at the community centre. 

Finally, in early November, we partnered with Diwali Fest once again and hosted a walk around Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam. Living Streets participants could enjoy the beautiful fall scenery around the lake and had the option to attend a Haldi celebration at the Evergreen Cultural Centre afterward.

All in all, the Living Streets team had a wonderful time organizing these walks throughout the fall! We cannot wait to host our next walk series in the winter, Snowflake Strides, as we explore more of the amazing public spaces that Metro Vancouver has to offer.

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To stay informed when we announce the Snowflakes Strides events, follow us on Instagram @livingstreetsbc. If you have any questions about the Living Streets program, please contact livingstreets@best.bc.ca.

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

The Bicycle Valet x Optimum Security Press Release

The Bike Valet™ has been proudly providing safe and secure bike parking services across many community events and locations since 2006. We are poised to complete another successful summer season with 80+ events and 5 municipalities served, with our service consistently expanding to new events and returning to beloved ones, year after year. From our seasonal bike valet in the West End to Vancouver Pride Fest, we have seen the Bike Valet program grow over the last 17 years thanks to the great partnerships we have formed with various organizations and municipalities across the Province. At Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST), we look forward to continuing our mobility justice mission to make active, clean transportation more accessible to everyone for years to come.

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 one of the top security companies in Metro Vancouver, serving BC and Alberta, Optimum Security is committed to the communities they protect, taking pride in making them safer for everyone. 

The Bike Valet™ is committed to providing our patrons peace of mind when you entrust us with your bikes and micro-mobility devices. We are taking this step to reduce the risk of bike theft and offer enhanced protection of our Bike Valet™ facilities. We look forward to this partnership with Optimum Security to help enhance the Bike Valet™ experience for everyone. We are grateful to all our patrons for their ongoing support and will continue to dedicate our efforts toward improving our services. 

The Bike Valet™ is available in different locations across British Columbia. Check them out at www.bikevalet.ca

The Bike Valet™ is a social enterprise of Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST), a registered Canadian charity with over 32 years of experience promoting mobility justice through active and sustainable transportation options. Consider donating here.

Dos and Don'ts of Biking in Vancouver

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.

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The Dos:

Lock Your Bikes Up the Proper Way

Do invest in good bike locks. Notice how this is plural? That's because you need more than one bike lock and not the flimsy wish.com kind. Bike thieves in Vancouver are always hard at work, and they take their jobs very seriously. The proper procedure of bike locking demands at least two strong locks. The first lock is the most crucial; you must lock the body and your front tire to the bike rack. This will prevent anyone from detaching and stealing either your front wheel or the body of your bike. Locking only your front wheel would make your bike vulnerable to detachment, leaving you with only a wheel. The next thing you want to do is to lock the back tire to the body of your bike. Especially if you have a popular bike model, as many people steal bike tires to use on other stolen bikes that are missing tires. More often than not, people are not taking their bike locking seriously enough, resulting in their bikes being stolen.

If you want extra security for your bike, you should look into where our Bike Valet’s seasonal locations are by clicking here. Just drop off your bike, get your ticket, and go about your day with peace of mind that your bike, or anything that rolls, is safe. The Bike Valet also has a new layer of protection by partnering with Optimum Security, so you don’t need to worry about someone stealing your gear. Click here to see what events the Bike Valet will also be at!

Use the Right Lane

Make sure to follow the proper bike lane procedures. For instance, don't bike on a highway. Familiarize yourself with the locations that are good for biking and know the streets. Not all streets are the same; some are much quieter than others. Choose the streets more catered to bikers or streets with separate bike lanes. Avoid shared lanes when possible. Streets like the 49th are shared lanes that tend to get quite dangerous due to careless drivers and heavy traffic. Remember, they are in a metal box; you are not.

Stay Visible and Avoid Dark Streets at Night

This should be a no-brainer but know to have adequate night lights if you are biking at late hours. There are a lot of popular bike lanes with terrible night lighting to protect the ecosystem and nature. Areas like, for instance, North and West Vancouver, have really poor lights at night to ensure wildlife's habitats are not disturbed. It’s quite difficult for drivers to see you if you are wearing full black with no light. A good rule of thumb is to wear something reflective, usually on your riding shirt or carrying belt, and have backlights turned on. Avoid wearing dark colours, especially at night.

The Don’ts

Okay, now that we've talked about what to do as a biker in Vancouver, let's start talking about what NOT to do, which is just as important, if not more. There are tons of tips and tricks to ensure your biking experience is as safe and enjoyable as possible. Be sure to look out for things to avoid while on the road riding.

Focus on the Road, NOT your Music

We all love a good jam while riding, but please, do not blast the music with noise cancellation turned on. It’s crucial to listen to the street noise for your safety. Always maintain a healthy balance between biking and listening. A good playlist helps with the ride but can distract you and shift your focus away from the road. Using bone-conduction open-ear headphones or headphones with active ambient noise is better. The perfect balance between hearing your music and the road is a fine line; best to ensure you hear the road more than you do your music. Of course, it also depends on where you are biking. If you are biking in a very secluded area with low traffic, the situation changes compared to biking on a shared road.

Don't Go Riding Without Checking Tire Pressure

One of the worst things that could happen while riding would be your tire running out of air in the middle of your ride. The bike tires must have adequate pressure on both the front and back. A good rule for bike pressure is that it should be very stiff when applying pressure on them and that no air is lost. Ultimately, it depends entirely on personal preference, but it’s always better to have more air than not enough. Road bikes with 700C wheels demand higher air pressure than mountain bikes, depending on your bike model.

Avoid Bad Roads

Some streets in Vancouver, especially the more popular roads, have inadequate infrastructures for biking (such as Main and 2nd from personal experience) with far too many potholes. Especially for commuting city bikes, these potholes can result in a lot of inconveniences by causing flat tires. Out of the seven flat tires I've ever had, six times were caused by the same intersection on Main and 2nd. This one is especially applicable for city bikes with thinner tires, as those are far more susceptible to flat tires than mountain bikes. Be sure to look out for potholes on the ground for city bikers, as you definitely do not want to push your luck (don't be like me). Mountain bikes, on the other hand, don't have too much to worry about.

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These are just some pieces of advice for bikers, the common dos and don'ts. Biking is both a fun and convenient activity, but please be careful as it does carry a certain degree of risks that many underestimate. Remember, safety always comes first!

Written by: Raymond Wen

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

Paddling Together: Building Decolonization Practices for Mobility Justice and Sustainable Cities

In a world that seeks diversity, inclusivity, and sustainable practices, the exploration and integration of Indigenous wisdom and community values into organizational structures can offer invaluable insights. 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. 

The workshop titled “Paddling Together: Building Decolonization Practices for Mobility Justice and Sustainable Cities" aimed to foster understanding and appreciation for Indigenous cultures, while exploring how their profound wisdom can be incorporated into contemporary organizations. Paddling Together was organized in collaboration with UBC’s Centre for Community Engaged Learning, facilitated by the UBC Climate Action Mobilizers, and Led by Kathi Camilleri (Spotted Doe), who is of Metis/Cree Ancestry and holds a Master’s Degree in Leadership Studies. The workshop provided an engaging and enlightening platform for participants to learn, reflect, and reimagine their organizational paradigms from a community lens.

The workshop was held at the BC Hydro Theatre in CIRS Building on the UBC Vancouver campus. It is important to acknowledge that UBC’s Vancouver campus is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. Everyone who attended was fortunate to be able to deepen their understanding of Indigenous practices and cultures through the Paddling Together workshop and how these epistemologies relate to mobility justice.

Several key themes were explored:

1. Indigenous Wisdom and Sustainability:

The workshop emphasized the deep connection Indigenous communities have with the environment. By embracing sustainable practices and recognizing the interdependence of all living beings, participants were encouraged to rethink their approach to resource management, waste reduction, and ecological stewardship within their organizations.

2. Communal Decision-Making:

Indigenous cultures often prioritize collective decision-making processes that involve community members at various levels. The workshop explored consensus-building techniques, storytelling, and ceremonial practices that fostered a sense of shared responsibility and accountability within organizations. Participants gained insights into creating inclusive spaces where diverse voices are respected and valued.

3. Holistic Well-Being and Work-Life Balance:

Indigenous epistemologies emphasize the holistic well-being of individuals, recognizing that personal and professional lives are interconnected. The workshop highlighted strategies for cultivating work-life balance, promoting mental health, and fostering a supportive and nurturing work environment. Organizations can enhance mental health, satisfaction and productivity by incorporating Indigenous tools like the Medicine Wheel.

4. Indigenous Leadership Principles:

The workshop explored the importance of relationship-building by drawing on traditional Indigenous leadership models. Participants learned about the significance of mentorship, oral traditions, and intergenerational knowledge transfer. These principles provided a refreshing perspective on leadership styles that prioritize collaboration, empathy, and long-term sustainability.

The workshop proved to be a truly transformative experience, challenging conventional organizational structures and inspiring participants to rethink their practices. The facilitator’s deep knowledge, passion, and authentic storytelling created a rich learning environment that fostered meaningful dialogue and reflection.

One of the workshop's strengths was its practical approach, offering tangible strategies for integrating Indigenous practices into everyday organizational operations. The emphasis on community engagement, sustainability, and holistic well-being resonated deeply with participants, who left with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation. When asked what they liked most about the event, one participant offered: “the learning, healing, inspiration, the discussions, [and] relationships formed…”, while another was most impressed with the workshop’s “wisdom of the past while adapting to present needs.” Furthermore, the workshop's “experiential learning process [and] the emphasis on generous storytelling” encouraged open conversations about cultural appropriation, ensuring that participants approached the subject matter with sensitivity and respect for Indigenous cultures that are alive and should be a stronger part of our daily life.

As we strive to create a more just and sustainable world, exploring and embracing the teachings of Indigenous cultures can guide us toward a brighter future. Let us honour and respect the wisdom of those who have stewarded the land for generations and recognize the immense value that Indigenous practices bring to our organizations and communities as we walk towards reconciliation, decolonization, equity, diversity and justice in Canada.

Note: When discussing Indigenous practices and cultures, it is crucial to approach them with respect, sensitivity, and a commitment to learning. This blog post is intended to promote understanding and appreciation but should not be viewed as an exhaustive exploration of Indigenous knowledge systems.

Author: David Minic

Help Shape Best's Future - 2023 Annual General Meeting

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.

Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) Annual General Meeting
Thursday April 27th 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
RSVP to attend the Virtual AGM!

Please note that while anyone can attend the meeting, only members in good standing will have voting rights. Please make sure that your membership is up to date by emailing communications@best.bc.ca

Not yet a member? Join now!  

Please find the meeting agenda here, which includes a link to the minutes of the last AGM. We will also be sharing the event details on our social media channels, so keep an eye out for updates.

Thank you for your continued support to promote all forms of sustainable transportation. 

We hope to see you there!

WALK30 is now Underway!

MEDIA RELEASE

The WALK30 2023 Challenge Returns! British Columbia- Are you ready to join the biggest walking challenge in the Metro Vancouver region?

The annual WALK30 Challenge is back, and the competition is getting more exciting year after year! In an oath of a community effort, BEST is coordinating with partners from four different municipalities and two health authorities in a five-week campaign. Save the date, because from April 10 to May 14th we want to see if you walk more than 30 minutes a day.

We are all committed to promoting walking as a convenient form of transportation that anyone can participate in. It can be as fast and far as you can. Whether you do one or multiple walking trips in one day, ensuring you get 30 minutes of walking is key to adding points in the leaderboard!

Last year, a total of 1.03 million walking minutes were recorded by 882 WALK30 participants under the motto: Walk to school, work, shop, or to play - every minute counts!

Every year, the WALK30 Challenge promotes weekly “walking themes” to keep participants motivated and engaged by highlighting the benefits of walking, active transportation, and being outdoors. This year’s challenge will focus on walking to access daily activities, walking for health, walking to make community connections, walking for climate reduction and walking as an accessible mode of transportation.

“Taking part in the WALK30 Challenge is a fantastic way to stay active, build connections with your neighbours and show your civic pride,” said Mayor Mike Hurley, City of Burnaby. “I encourage all Burnaby residents to find some time to get outside and enjoy a healthy walk around our wonderful parks and neighbourhoods during the WALK30 Challenge!”

“The WALK30 Challenge is back for a 6 th year, bigger than ever. New West has established a reputation for walking the walk and winning this challenge, but 2023 brings some new competition. The challenge is upon us,” said New Westminster Mayor Johnstone. “Walking on more of your local trips means you are reducing the traffic in our community, and taking a step away from pollution. It also has numerous health and wellness benefits as well. WALK30 is a great opportunity to start a new habit, and have some fun.”

“Walking is a fun, active, and affordable activity that supports our individual health as well as our environment. That’s why the City is pleased to welcome the WALK30 challenge back to the community for another year. We have many parks, trails, and greenways that make for an excellent walk for people of all ages and abilities. I encourage everyone to participate in this challenge and incorporate more walking into their daily lives.” – Mayor Linda Buchanan, City of North Vancouver

“Walking is a great way to reduce your risk of many diseases. Walking is a fun social activity. It is great for your mental wellbeing and improves sleep quality. I am excited to join this year’s WALK30 Challenge, and I hope to see you out there walking alongside us!” - Dr. Lindsay Bowthorpe, Medical Health Officer, Fraser Health

“Walking has many health benefits, supporting heart health, mental wellness, social connectedness and more. The WALK30 challenge adds friendly competition between the neighbouring Regional Health Authorities of Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health, as well as local governments. Every minute counts toward the challenge: commuting, recreation or other reasons to walk or roll with a wheelchair.”- Vancouver Coastal Health Medical Health Officer Dr. Michael Schwandt

Taking a walk outdoors, even if it is brief, can be beneficial to break the monotony and ease the stress of virtual meetings and classes, all while adding a dose of physical fitness to your daily routine.

Now that we are heading into spring, days will become longer and brighter, and with that, more time to fit a sunny walk into your day. WALK30 participants can track their daily walking minutes using a watch, phone, or fitness device and register them in the platform.

Education institutions are invited to form classroom or staff teams to compete together. Companies and organizations can encourage their employees to walk more by challenging other companies or departments to see who can walk more during the Challenge. You can even get creative and have outdoor “walking meetings” with your team!

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

MEDIA CONTACTS:

BEST: Caroline Dunaux, Living Streets Coordinator 604-669-2860 walk30@best.bc.ca

City of Vancouver: media@vancouver.ca

City of North Vancouver: 604-983-7318 stremblay@cnv.org

City of Burnaby: 604-294-7468 po.sun@burnaby.ca

City of New Westminster: 604-515-3811 areynolds@newwestcity.ca

Vancouver Coastal Health: 778-237-2363 Navdeep.Nijjar@vch.ca

Fraser Health: 604-613-0794 media@fraserhealth.ca

The WALK30 Challenge is a program of Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST). BEST is a non-profit charity focused on walking, cycling, public transit and alternatives to privately-owned cars.

Call for Volunteers and Staff: Walk30 and The Bicycle Valet

BEST (Better Environmental Sound Transportation) needs your help!

Walk30 Ambassador Volunteers

Living Streets is looking for passionate volunteers to join our WALK30 promotional team as part of our Ambassador Program to advance the benefits and importance of active transportation. 

WALK30 is an annual challenge between Burnaby, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Vancouver and Vancouver Coastal Health that inspires people to walk more, increase overall wellness, make community connections, and rethink how we get around. Each week of the Challenge has a specific theme (the 15 minute city, physical and mental health, community connections, inclusion and accessibility, and climate action) which highlights the importance of walking and encourages participants to think critically about their transportation habits. We are currently looking for both high school and community volunteers to help with outreach and recruiting people to sign up and participate in the Challenge. 

Registration opens on March 10th, 2023. The Challenge runs from April 10th - May 14th, 2023.

Why should you get involved with WALK30?

• Become part of a larger movement to bring better active transportation habits to our towns and cities

• Support the environment and take action against climate change by walking

• Walking fosters better physical and mental health, which can lead to better performance at school

• Opportunities to engage with your community 

• Meet like-minded people and make new friends

Why should you help WALK30 get registrations?

• To help positively impact the community and encourage a lifestyle change in both yourself and others

• Get practice in community engagement, speaking to others, and working with a team

• Promote the values you stand for (sustainability and environmental action, physical and mental health awareness, etc)

• Gain volunteer credits (high school students)
  

What do you have to do?

Volunteer shifts are 2 hours long. Dates TBD. We have a variety of roles and tasks available:

QR code holder: You will be stationed at a specific location in Burnaby or New West (a transit stop or station, a park, etc) and given a sign with a QR code to the registration link for people to sign up with their phones. 

Manual registration: Using paper and pen, get people without phones or who cannot access QR codes to sign up manually. 

Engager: You will have the chance to explain the WALK30 Challenge to passersby and encourage them to sign up! Tell people why you are there, what we’re all about, why you’re taking part, etc. You’ll have a chance to chat with people, be friendly, and be passionate! You would need to explain that:

WALK30 is a free program, Only one email address is needed from registrants (name optional), It is a challenge organized by the City of New Westminster and the City of Burnaby. 

What do I get for volunteering?

• Community pride

• A fun token of our appreciation

• Snacks are on us on your volunteer day!

Contact us at walk30@best.bc.ca to sign up to be a volunteer.

Bicycle Valet Paid staff and Volunteer positions

Hey there fellow bike enthusiasts! Are you ready to join the BEST team and make a positive impact on our environment? We're currently looking for Bicycle Valet Paid Staff and Volunteers to join us on this exciting journey, and we're thrilled to welcome anyone with any background and level of expertise to our team.

As a Bicycle Valet Staff or Volunteer, you'll get to interact with event attendees and provide them with top-notch customer service. You'll be responsible for parking and securing their bikes in a safe and efficient manner. And let's not forget the best part - you'll be promoting biking as a sustainable mode of transportation and helping to create a better environment for our community.

We're proud to have collaborated with PosAbilities, an employment service for people with disabilities, up until now. It's been an amazing experience working with them, and we're grateful for the opportunity to provide a welcoming and inclusive work environment for everyone. Moving forward, we're excited to continue promoting diversity and inclusion in our team by welcoming anyone who shares our passion for sustainable transportation.

At BEST, we believe that everyone has something valuable to bring to the table, and we're committed to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment. So, if you're ready to join our team, head over to https://thebicyclevalet.ca/were-hiring to apply for a paid position or https://thebicyclevalet.ca/volunteer to apply for a volunteer position. And if you want to learn more about the Bicycle Valet and our organization, check out our website at https://thebicyclevalet.ca/. Let's bike our way to a better future together, and show Vancouver how amazing sustainable transportation can be!

Welcome to the Team!

Our team just keeps on growing, and we welcome 3 new members:

Serena You, Board Member

Read my bio

Karen Milde, Director of Marketing and Communications

Read my bio

Saska Asyari, Bicycle Valet Manager

Read my bio

For a complete list of our team members visit https://www.best.bc.ca/about-us/who-we-are.

If you are interested in becoming a Board Member, click here.

For a list of current job openings visit https://www.best.bc.ca/work-with-us

Free downtown bike parking returns to Victoria - March 17 - April 30

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.

The free bike valet accommodates all active transportation devices including adaptive bikes, cargo bikes, bike trailers, jogging strollers and other personal mobility devices. 

For more information, visit
https://www.victoria.ca/EN/main/news-events/news/news-archives/2023-archive/free-downtown-bike-valet-returns.html

Thank you for supporting our initiative!

Sakura Walk 2023 - Come out with us and enjoy the spring colours!

Come join us outside for an approximately 1 hour guided walk where you will get to network with other participants and chat about how walking makes you feel connected or anything else. If we are lucky the cherry blossoms will have arrived or we will have to settle with enjoying the spring colors.

• Each of the three walks is accessible to All Ages and Abilities. None of the routes has a too steep draft.

• Everyone is welcome on our walks. We cherish the value of intergenerational activities.

• This is an outdoor activity.

For more information about our upcoming walks and to sign up please visit https://www.best.bc.ca/4seasons-sakura

About Sakura Walk
Sakura is an event part of 4 Seasons Walks, a series of walks led by Living Streets (BEST).

The goal of this program is to promote walking all year round and moving without relying on driving. The focus is on how Active Transportation connects communities. The way this season is planned is for enjoying spring colours.

We will cover three routes, within the City of Vancouver.

WALK30 is back!

The annual WALK30 is back! This competition is getting more exciting year after year. In an oath of a community effort, BEST is coordinating with partners from four different municipalities and two Health Authorities in a five-week campaign. The goal is for participants to walk every day for 5 weeks and track their progress, to see which municipality can walk the most total minutes and win awesome prizes from local businesses too!

Signing up is easy!

Simply register for free here. You can sign up as an individual or join a team and walk with your friends, family, or coworkers! Follow the instructions on the website to learn how to record your daily walking minutes and how you can earn extra points to be entered to win cool prizes every week. Register now and start tracking on April 10th.

WALK 30 partners include the City of Vancouver, City of Burnaby, City of New Westminster, City of North Vancouver, Vancouver Coastal Health, Burnaby School District 41, New Westminster School District 40, Fraser Health, the Walkers’ Caucus and is hosted by BEST (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation). 

For more information or help signing up for the Challenge, contact BEST at walk30@best.bc.ca.

Walking and health: Why designing streets for walkability is beneficial for public health

The current design of our city streets not only prioritizes cars but discourages walking and other forms of active transportation, creating a landscape ill-suited for walking.

We at Living Streets see an exciting opportunity for cities to improve the design of streets to make people want to walk, thereby improving mental and physical health outcomes.

We believe that walking is much more than its movement and utilitarian purposes; it is a means to socialize with others and feel belonging in your community, equitably access key destinations, contribute to sustainability outcomes, and improve physical and mental health. 

It goes without saying that getting up and walking is a fantastic way to improve your overall health. With just 30 minutes a day, walking has been proven to improve cardiovascular fitness, reduce body fat and reduce the risk of developing health conditions. Unlike other forms of exercise, walking is low impact, can be done at any time at any pace, and is free.

Research has also shown that walking is an effective activity to reduce stress, even more so when adequate access to green spaces is available. Walking in green areas can alleviate depression and anxiety while also reducing feelings of low self-esteem, loneliness, and social isolation. 

Characteristics of walkable communities 

When it comes to the design of our streets, there lies the incredible potential for streets to serve people on a human scale. Streets can be so much more than means of transportation; streets are capable of unlocking inclusive, accessible, and sustainable community spaces. 

However, people will not willingly take to the streets and/or shift away from automobile travel if the streets are not designed to support their needs. Streets must catch human interest beyond curbside appeal, provide safety and security, be designed for All Ages and Abilities, and support human interaction. In shifting away from auto-oriented travel towards multi-modal transportation systems that prioritize walking over cars, cities have a unique opportunity to contribute to community health and well-being.

Density and Multi-use Zoning

If cities want to increase walking, people need destinations that they can walk to. Streets can be so much more than means of transportation; streets are capable of unlocking inclusive, accessible, and sustainable community spaces. Building visually-appealing shops, parks, and other recreational facilities within walking distance would reduce the need of owning a car. More importantly, walkable neighborhoods need to pair destinations with density. By increasing density, more people have access to the amenities and services they need in everyday life. Economically, density is valuable for businesses by supplying a critical mass of people to support a vibrant community and making business more viable. 

Connectivity

A well connected network of streets goes hand and hand with increased walkability. Having a complete network of pathways linking key destinations makes it more convenient for walkers; It allows for many different routes to a destination instead of just one, inviting walkers to explore.

Walkers have numerous opportunities to vary their route, to stop and chat or to link their trip to another location, or shorten or lengthen their walk without retracing their steps along the same roads. Without a connected network of paths, walkers are forced to take circuitous routes to reach their destination at the expense of time and distance. 

Safety

Safety is often cited as one of the key barriers to walking on the streets, especially for young children. In an ideal walking environment, pedestrians are clear of traffic. This is important for a few reasons. First, exposure to air pollution is really damaging to health.  According to the World Health Organization air pollution is one of the leading causes of global mortality, with cars being one of the biggest contributors to that. Over reliance on cars on the streets has increased the risk of a number of avoidable health conditions. 

Second,  concerns for pedestrian safety aren’t entirely unfounded.  In North America, the vast majority of serious cyclist and pedestrian accidents involve a vehicle. CAA(2022) found that nearly 30% of drivers reported they have witnessed a near miss or collision in a school zone.  To keep pedestrians safe, streets need to be designed with ample protection away from the dangers of cars. 

Happy Walking!

New Year, More Walking!

Happy 2023! We hope everyone had a relaxing and eventful holiday season, and are entering the New Year refreshed! We here at Living Streets are thrilled to have a fresh calendar year of fun walking events and opportunities to explore our communities at your own pace. We know the start of a new year can be a time for setting personal resolutions and goals- improving physical and mental health can be a big one for many of us! Fortunately, walking has it all, and can be easily implemented into your daily life and schedule without learning anything new! 

Some physical health benefits of walking include:

• Maintaining physical health 

• Preventing various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer and type 2 diabetes

• Improving cardiovascular fitness

• Strengthening your bones and muscles

• Increasing energy levels

• Improving your balance and coordination

• Strengthening immune system

The longer and faster you walk, the more physical benefits you will receive. But sometimes, all you need is a short, low-pace stroll!. Even that will bring immense benefits! 

Some mental health benefits of walking include:

• Mood: Walking helps boost your mood because it increases blood flow and blood circulation to the brain and body. It has a positive influence on your hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is your central nervous response system. 

• Stress relief: walking can release stressful emotions and feelings bottled up in the body. Walking increases endorphin release in the brain, which is known to help reduce stress and lighten your mood to build positive emotions throughout the body. 

• Better sleep: one of the best ways to get good sleep every night is to walk regularly. Walking is a physical activity, but it also exhausts the mind. So after a long walk, you can rest assured that you will get good sleep.

• Loneliness: Walking with a friend or a group can help reduce loneliness and isolation. Walking outside also gives you a chance to connect with someone you may not otherwise!

• Creativity: walking, especially outside, can get creative juices flowing and trigger creative thoughts. It can also help process emotions and feelings.

Although walking in general will reap these benefits, walking in nature or exploring a new neighbourhood at your own speed will increase the enjoyment of your walk, create opportunities for social connectivity and allow you to discover new sights and sounds! 

Starting to walk on a consistent basis doesn’t have to be difficult! To set yourself up for success, start with simple goals; make walking more enjoyable by walking with a friend or choosing a nature route; make it comfortable by wearing the proper gear; and vary your routine to keep things interesting.  Just switching part of your commute to walking makes all the difference, and you know it feels way better to walk!!

Keep an eye out for our 2023 MeetUp walking events and opportunities, and we look forward to seeing you out there!

Safe Driving for Seniors on the Roads

With age comes new limitations, which can be both physical and cognitive in nature. Physical and cognitive limitations can cause serious problems on the road, while environmental factors also have an impact on one's driving condition. The effects of new limitations caused by age (interpersonal factors) and environmental factors can be especially severe for senior drivers. As a result, safe driving practices are especially important for senior drivers. 

Image by kues1 on Freepik

There are approximately 2.7 million drivers over the age of 65 on Canadian roads today, and by 2040, the number of older drivers will nearly double (Lindstrom-Forneri, 26). As the number of older drivers increases, so does the demand for stability and safety. The impact of health changes on driving may be severe as we age. These health changes may manifest as hearing and vision deterioration, a decline in physical abilities (e.g., strength, reflexes), and a decline in cognitive abilities. However, some seniors may not be deliberately aware of the effect on driving that these health changes pose. 

Following are some useful driving tips for seniors who are driving, are thinking about stopping driving, or are in the process of doing so.

Have your driving evaluated 

When an injury, disease, illness, or aging may impair your ability to drive, a thorough driving evaluation should be performed. These are not the same as license renewal screening tests. This type of evaluation can help determine whether your medical condition or age is interfering with your driving ability. ICBC provides a self-assessment exam to assist senior drivers in determining their fitness to continue driving safely.

Take a driver refresher course 

Taking a refresher course, such as those offered by ICBC and Trinity Driving School, will teach you about warning signs that your driving is no longer safe, conditions and behaviours that can impair your ability to drive safely, and strategies to improve your driving skills. ICBC offers an on-road evaluation to help drivers identify aspects of driving that they are struggling with.

Find more information at the ICBC website.

Prepare for ‘hang up your keys’ 

All drivers must consider the possibility that their ability to drive will deteriorate over time. That being said, there may come a time when you no longer feel safe driving, or you may be told that continuing to drive is no longer a safe option. Before aging impairs one's ability to drive safely, older adults should begin the transition to driving retirement and explore the mobility options available in their community.

Explore alternate modes of transportation 

It is recommended that older drivers become acquainted with and comfortable with alternative modes of transportation in their communities. Alternative modes of transportation include public transportation, community shuttles, taxis, volunteer drives, and community rideshare groups. Learn more about available options by visiting the Seniors on the Move website.

Living Streets are grateful for having many walkers this year and hopes to engage the community even more in 2023!

What a fantastic year of walking it has been! Living Streets had an eventful and successful 2022, and we are grateful to have engaged with so many walkers and promoted the benefits of walking. Let’s take a walk down memory lane to explore the various walking programs we hosted this year!

Walk30

In April, we kicked off the Walk30 2022 challenge, with Burnaby, New Westminster and North Vancouver participating. Every year, the Walk30 Challenge promotes weekly “walking themes” to keep participants motivated and engaged in walking by highlighting the benefits of walking, active transportation, and being outdoors. Walk30 participants worked in teams or individually to track their walking minutes and upload them on our challenge platform. Living Streets is in the process of planning another exciting year of Walk30, and we are excited to get even more people involved in walking in 2023 and to continue promoting the benefits of walking for mental and physical health, social connectivity, and climate. 

Mayors of the City of Burnaby and New Westminster holding the trophy with the teams.

Walktober

Walktober is a program that takes place throughout October that encourages people to walk when they need an extra incentive to get outside and be active! Recognizing Latin American Heritage Month, Living Streets partnered with Latincouver to host 3 walks around Vancouver, integrating walking with cultural awareness.  Each walk started at different Translink stops, the first starting at Olympic Station, the second at VCC Clark Station and the third at Yaletown/Roundhouse Station. Each walk saw around 20 participants, and we look forward to increasing participation next October!

4 Seasons Walks 

Each season, Living Streets, with the support of Translink, organizes and hosts guided walks throughout different locations across the Metro Vancouver area to get people engaged in walking while experiencing the beauty of the current season. In April we hosted Sakura walks to experience the beautiful cherry blossoms across the city, in June, we hosted walks around different bodies of water for the start of summer. In the fall we took walkers on crisp autumn strolls, and this winter we are hosting walks at various locations across the area to experience festive holiday cheer! 

Our most recent walk on December 3rd took around 10 walkers from Waterfront Station to the Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. We walked along the Spirit Trail, then made our way to the Shipyards to experience the Spirit of the Seasons Festival and enjoy a warm cup of hot cocoa! Thank you to all walkers for a great afternoon!

The last Winter Festive Walk of the season will be on December 17th in Downtown Vancouver- click the link for details and registration. We look forward to seeing you there!

Your support is important to us!

All of our events are free, and would not be possible without the generous support from our supporters, and sponsor Translink. We invite any amount of donation to help us continue providing these types of walking events to the public! We wish everyone a happy holiday season, and a healthy 2023 full of walking!

Be part of BEST history and join the #GivingTuesday global movement

Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) is part of GivingTuesday, a worldwide campaign that happens on November 29th and encourages people to help non-governmental institutions through donations and other acts of generosity. 

DONATE NOW

JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER TEAM

Why help BEST? 

Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) is a non-profit organization that has been working to combat climate change and achieve mobility justice in the Lower Mainland of BC since 1991. We do this by removing barriers to low-carbon and green travel options such as cycling, walking, and transit riding. Our mobility justice focus seeks to address the various systemic barriers and inequalities that impact people’s access to these means of transportation and achieves this by educating and servicing individuals that face these barriers.  

Currently, we run three programs and serve thousands of people annually. 

The Bicycle Valet is one of 3 BEST-run initiatives and our only social enterprise. The Bicycle Valet offers a free, “coat-check” style valet service at various events and locations across British Columbia between March and November each year. Patrons are welcome to park their bikes and micro-mobility devices (skateboards, scooters, or anything environmentally friendly that rolls) while staff keep an eye on them. It gives patrons the peace of mind of not having to lock up their bikes and encourages them to bike to their destination rather than drive, especially with our seasonal valets at locations such as the City of Victoria, Granville Island, and Steveston.

Seniors on the Move is an active seniors-driven program co-managed by United Way BC. The program focuses on providing more transportation options for seniors and equity-seeking populations. According to the 2021 census, people 85 and up are the fastest-growing age group in the country. For the first time, the number of seniors in British Columbia surpassed one million, accounting for 20.3% of the province's population. There is a clear need to assist the aging population. We intend to continue improving the quality of life for seniors and others in British Columbia through Seniors on the Move.

Living Streets promotes walking to enrich people’s lives, experience public space, create community ties, as a feasible way of transportation, and as a catalyst for improved physical and mental health. Living Streets is a program that identifies opportunities for education and public engagement in the pedestrian realm. 

Currently, BEST is undergoing a huge expansion. With such numerous and wide-reaching initiatives, we need more than volunteers - we need a solid and dedicated team of full-time staff. BEST is dedicated to being a living wage employer, and so we’re asking for your help to fund these positions.