Annual Report (2022-2023)
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
HUB Cycling’s 2022/2023 year saw our organization’s continued growth. Our revenues were up significantly due to increased Provincial funding, increased Sponsorship, and increased Membership revenues. Many
programs and events are migrating back towards in-person events, while some retain a virtual format.
One program that we are very excited about is the expansion of our Everyone Rides Grade 4-5 bike education program in schools, reaching ever more elementary students across the province. This program will help to raise a generation of people equipped with the skills to ride confidently and safely and is the result of years worth of work. We want to see every elementary school student in the province have access to this program, and we are well on our way.
Another very significant achievement this past year was the decision by the BC Government to update the BC Motor Vehicle Act. This advocacy effort has spanned many years and involved other advocacy groups and individuals as well. The changes being brought in will put people riding bikes on more of an equal footing with vehicle operators, with defined rights and responsibilities. A key aspect is the recognition of Vulnerable Road Users in the Act and the inclusion of a duty of care towards Vulnerable Road Users by vehicle operators. There will be further work with the Provincial Government as regulations are defined, and then an education and public awareness campaign. It will be worth it.
We were able to continue our history of sound financial stability despite the rapid growth of our organization. There are more details on this in the Treasurer’s report in this report and in our AGM presentation.
On behalf of the board, I want to thank all staff and volunteers, ranging from Go By Bike Week Celebration Station workers to Local Committee advocates, to Board Members, and all the other people working in support of our mission, for their efforts in helping us grow and continuing to help us get more people cycling more often.
- Jeff Leigh
President, HUB Cycling
MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
It is HUB Cycling’s 25th anniversary of advocating for better cycling conditions across the region and the province, and progress is picking up momentum. In my 14 years in the movement, this is the most exciting season yet for large-scale cycling policy and investment from a regional and provincial level.
In early 2023 the Government of BC committed a new $100 million to fill the gaps in their own cycling network, allowing for important connections like cycle highways between communities. After decades of HUB and partner organization advocacy, the BC Government also started to reform the BC Motor Vehicle Act, approving new laws to make vulnerable road users safer on our streets and to hold all users more accountable. ICBC has also asked for the cycling community’s input to improve the insurance coverage and post-crash support for people cycling in BC. Due to HUB’s many years of relationship building, evidence-based efforts, and perseverance, important decision-makers seek our collaboration.
Together with the Government of BC, TransLink, and local municipalities, we are on our way to realizing our goal of reaching all BC school children with cycling education so they feel confident riding for transportation. This is raising a new generation of more active, respectful, and sustainable road users. HUB’s adult and family-oriented training are expanding as well, with permanent cycling centers that provide loaner bikes, helmets, and gear, removing barriers for transporting those things to course locations. We seek to better reach disproportionately impacted communities and were proud to partner with the Katzie First Nation and Red Fox Healthy Living Society to reach youth with cycle training in 2022. In 2023, we will be working with other Nations, and we will be working with partners across the province to deliver adult-oriented and e-bike education in person and online.
HUB produced important research on cycling network equity as well as the potential for cycle highways in Metro Vancouver, integrating and building upon past data collection and benchmarking of the State of Cycling and local bike route mapping. We did original research on the barriers and opportunities of cycling end-of-trip facilities in older buildings, which is a significant factor when people decide whether or not to cycle, and particularly impacts folks with lower incomes and more limited transportation options. Our Bike Friendly Building consulting service provides assessments and recommendations for developers to improve existing and new buildings to include better bike parking, access, and support, and influenced infrastructure in major institutions, including multiple hospitals and other workplaces, in 2022.
The 2022 municipal elections brought significant change. Many suburban communities have shifted to support more cycling, and there were exciting infrastructure improvements approved or built in Surrey, Tri-Cities, New West, Langley, Burnaby, and more. There are still many gaps in the cycling network, and HUB Cycling will continue to push for connectivity and comfortable cycling options, but let’s also celebrate the successes!
Over the past quarter century, hundreds of people have contributed to the progress of cycling in the region. Volunteers, board members, staff, and participants have all had a role in moving cycling forward so that everyone can access this healthy, affordable, sustainable, and joyful way of getting around.
- Erin O'Melinn
Executive Director, HUB Cycling
Our Voice: Supporters Make a Difference
HUB Cycling supporters, volunteers, and members continue to help give us a strong voice to positively impact the cycling landscape of Metro Vancouver.
Learn more about how you can join our team of dedicated supporters and make cycling safer here.
Last year, HUB Cycling’s close collaboration with decision-makers included one-on-one meetings with Ministers Fleming, Ma, and Heyman, meetings with TransLink’s senior leadership team, Municipal staff and elected officials and numerous meetings with local, regional, and provincial key stakeholders and decision-makers.
HUB Cycling's feedback led to improvements in provincial active transportation policies and funding, including:
- $100 million in new funding for active transportation over the next three years in the 2023-24 Provincial Budget
- Increasing funding for 2022-2023 BCAT grants to $60 million over the next three years
- Developing the implementation plan for Clean BC Action Plan
- Feedback on the BC Road Safety Strategy 2025 and Motor-Assisted Cycle Regulations
- Successful passage of a 'safe passing distance' motion at the Union of BC Municipalities
- Commitment to legislative reform was evident in its active involvement in the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) reform, garnering endorsements and support from various organizations and mobilizing 1,100 people across party lines to write to their MLAs, all working towards a 'yes' vote in the Legislature's spring session.
- Ongoing positive changes in ICBC's policy, resulting in better protection for cyclists
- Feedback on Metro Vancouver’s Climate Action and Land Use Planning Roadmap and their Social Equity in Regional Growth Management Study.
- Recommendations to TransLink for:
- the launch of the Bike Bus project,
- improving the cost-share funding for cycling, and
- support for the launch of Transport 2050.
At the federal level, we provided recommendations to Infrastructure Canada on the new permanent public transit funding, ensuring the interests of people cycling were considered in broader environmental and transportation planning efforts.
By fostering robust partnerships and engaging in meaningful dialogue, HUB Cycling continues to be a leading advocate for active transportation, making significant strides toward creating a greener, healthier, and more connected future for people cycling.
Infrastructure Successes
In 2022 - 23, Metro Vancouver took steps to #UnGapTheMap and enhance key cycling routes' connectivity, comfort, and safety. Through the collective efforts of HUB Cycling working with municipalities, and government agencies, bike lanes were expanded and improved, separated cycle tracks were introduced, and critical connections were established, encouraging a more cycling-friendly environment and promoting cycling as an eco-friendly and healthier mode of transportation. The progress achieved in 2022 paves the way for further advancements in the region's cycling infrastructure, supporting a shared vision of a more interconnected and multi-modal urban landscape.
Two of these infrastructure projects were recognized at HUB Cycling’s tenth annual bike awards for improving cycling in the community:
City of Port Coquitlam | Prairie Avenue Multi-use Pathway
This 3.0-metre-wide multi-use path on Prairie Avenue between Coast Meridian Road and Freemont is a game-changer for the city. It provides Port Coquitlam's first east-west paved and lit crosstown connection and fills a crucial gap in the city's active transportation network.
PRAIRIE AVENUE AT REGINA STREET (LOOKING WEST)
PRAIRIE AVENUE AT NEWBERRY STREET (LOOKING EAST)
The City of Langley | Glover Rd Protected Bike Lanes
This $2.9 million project has transformed the biking experience in Langley. The unidirectional protected lanes on each side of the road go from the Langley City boundary to the downtown core, providing protected travel for people cycling. The planter boxes and raised bike lanes effectively separate people on bikes from motor vehicle traffic, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
GLOVER ROAD AT KWANTLEN CRESCENT (LOOKING SOUTHWEST)
Other Notable Infrastructure Successes from 2022:
The impact of these infrastructure upgrades extends beyond mere convenience; they contribute to mitigating traffic congestion, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting active and healthy lifestyles. The increased focus on improving cycling connections also facilitates a more integrated transportation system, ensuring seamless transitions between cycling routes and other modes of transit.
#UnGapTheMap, presented by FedEx
Following last year’s Cycle Highway report, we developed a Cycle Highway Working Group to strategize on how to move the project forward.
The concept of cycle highways continues to gain support. HUB has received endorsements from Vancouver Bike Share (Mobi), the car-sharing group Modo, BC Cycling Coalition, Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST), and the Surrey Board of Trade. Staff have presented on cycle highways to various groups around the region including municipal representatives on the Transportation Planning Sub-committee (TPSC), the tourism group Destination Vancouver, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI), Experience the Fraser and Moving in a Livable Region.
Throughout the year, we maintained close collaboration with decision-makers, including the provincial government, TransLink, Metro Vancouver, and municipalities, to drive positive change for cycling.
There are over 300 priority gaps in Metro Vancouver's broken bike network identified by HUB Cycling's Local Committees in critical need of upgrades.
You can help by adopting a gap for as little as $50.
Local Committee Highlights
HUB Cycling’s 11 Local Committees continued their tireless efforts to push for better regional cycling infrastructure. Committees were actively involved in providing feedback and pushing for improvements in future active transportation projects, including:
- Massey Tunnel Replacement project,
- Surrey-Langley SkyTrain corridor,
- the Upper Levels Greenways in the City of North Vancouver,
- 80th Ave project in Surrey,
- 123 Avenue development in Maple Ridge,
- Steveston Highway multi-use path in Richmond,
- and pushing for active transportation infrastructure on Broadway in Vancouver.
Over the past year, committees have started ramping up their in-person engagements, including:
We want to thank our 2022-23 Local Committee Chairs:
- BURNABY: Josh Lemer, Blake Standard
- DELTA: Neil Pope, Roel Schootman
- LANGLEY: Tony Bisig (until Nov 2022), Geraldine Jordan (until Mar 2023)
- MAPLE RIDGE - PITT MEADOWS: Jackie Chow, Jenny Wright
- NEW WESTMINSTER: Andrew Feltham, Heidi Hizsa (from Jan 2023), Garey Carlson (until Dec 2022)
- NORTH SHORE: Don Piercy, Paul Janzen (from January 2023)
- RICHMOND/YVR: Donna Kwan, Anna Chow, Jesse Li (from March 2023)
- SURREY / WHITE ROCK: Tim Yzerman
- TRI-CITIES: Andrew Hartline, Colin Fowler
- VANCOUVER / UBC: Jeff Leigh, Anthony Floyd (from Mar 2023)
- YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE (YAC): Nic Huige (until March 2023)
HUB Cycling has 11 Local Committees across Metro Vancouver, made up of volunteers working to improve cycling in their communities. The committees meet monthly and work to make cycling safer and more attractive for everyone. We're always looking for more people, and no experience is required to join!
Join a Local Committee near you.
HUB’s Research Program
In 2022-23, HUB’s research program developed two more municipal cycling maps and completed and released the Cycling and Older Buildings research report.
HUB Cycling has now created updated cycling maps for:
- Surrey
- Burnaby
- Tri-Cities
In November 2022, the HUB planning team released pioneering research: Cycling and Older Buildings: Exploring the Impacts of Outdated Building Design on Access to Cycling. This report shines a light on the role of older buildings in limiting equitable access to cycling. HUB Cycling’s goal is to inform all stakeholders and to encourage positive policies and best practice responses.
Bike-Friendly Building Consulting
HUB’s provided our unique Bike Friendly Building consulting services for diverse clients and projects in 2022 and 2023, including:
- BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital,
- Vancouver General Hospital,
- Boffo Developments’ “Smith and Farrow” in Burquitlam,
- Grosvenor America’s major Burnaby Brentwood area development,
- an affordable North Shore rental residential development for Apex Western,
- the office building for General Fusion, and
- the exciting redevelopment of the historic Downtown Vancouver Hudson’s Bay Building.
HUB has secured a strong market niche with our specialized Bike Friendly Building services, as evidenced by positive client feedback and effective working relationships with major architecture and engineering firms. Some of our clients include:
Does your building project require our cycling expertise? Book a free consultation with our Bike Friendly Building Consulting team today.
Spring and Fall Go by Bike Week
May 30-June 5, 2022, and October 3-9, 2022
Go by Bike Week in Metro Vancouver is a bi-annual event that encourages residents to embrace cycling for their daily trips. Since 2007, over 170,000 participants have joined the campaign, including 25,000 individuals trying cycling for transportation for the first time.
Bike to Shop
August 13-21, 2022
Bike to Shop is designed to encourage residents to visit their local stores across Metro Vancouver by Bike. Since 2016, Bike to Shop has encouraged over 25,000 people to cycle to local businesses. This behavior change campaign aims to encourage residents to continue biking to shops after the event by sharing knowledge of bike routes, safe bike parking & how to transport items by bike.
2022 Key Highlights:
Bike Awards
February 23, 2023
This February, HUB Cycling celebrated its 10th annual Bike Awards. We awarded 20 organizations and individuals that made cycling more comfortable and safer for people of all ages and abilities across Metro Vancouver in 2023 as well as showcasing personal stories, and highlights of the community successes over the past 10 years.
All of our winners can be found on our website.
Bike to School Week
May 31-June 3, 2022
Bike to School Week is a cherished annual event that unites students of all ages from across Metro Vancouver in an exhilarating celebration of active transportation. The event is a great way to enhance green initiatives already happening at schools, build community, and highlight the benefits of active transportation - like less congestion and healthy, energized students.
Since its inception in 2016, Bike to School Week has witnessed an impressive growth trajectory, engaging nearly:
- 700 schools
- 54,000 students
- 160,000 memorable bike trips
2022 Key Highlights:
StreetWise Cycling Courses
StreetWise programs aim to get more people cycling more often, through supportive and engaging on-bike programs or fun and interactive virtual courses. With less health restrictions in place during the summer months, we were able to run more in-person courses throughout 2022, as well as expand participation in our virtual course offerings. In May of 2022, we launched our first-ever StreetWise Cycling Education Centre at the Trout Lake Community Centre in Vancouver.
In-Person Courses Key Highlights:
StreetWise Cycling Online provides instantly accessible theory and background information to those ready to ride on the road.
Online Course and Ride Your Path Key Highlights:
Finally, over 100 racialized and Indigenous youth participated in the Ride Your Path program, delivered in partnership with Red Fox Healthy Living Society and the Katzie First Nation. Youth aged 9-12 years, along with older teenage mentors, receive cycling safety training along with a refurbished bike, helmet, lock, and lights to keep after the program.
Newcomer Bike Mentorship Program
In 2022 HUB Cycling built on our success from the previous year to expand our Newcomer Bike Mentorship Program with our service delivery partner, the Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC). Together we match experienced local cyclists with recently arrived immigrants and refugees to learn all about getting around by bike in our region. In total, across Spring and Summer in the two locations we matched 71 newcomers with 56 mentors.
Bike to School
HUB Cycling’s Bike to School program enables and encourages thousands of Metro Vancouver youth annually to see cycling as a safe and enjoyable mode of transportation in their community. Program participation grew over 60% in 2022 to reach a record number of students, or 75% of the necessary public school students to meet our goal of universal cycling education for all Metro Vancouver youth. Bike to School teacher surveys reported more students biking to school and students participants indicated that the program has encouraged them to ride their bikes more often.
Everyone Rides Grades 4-5
Thanks to our sponsor, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, together with our delivery partners, Everyone Rides Grade 4-5 delivered 94 courses to almost 9,141 students over the spring and fall of 2022 in and around Metro Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast, Squamish, Kelowna, the Kootenays, and Southern Vancouver Island. In the spring of 2022, we established a new program site in Rossland with delivery partner Kootenay Mountain Biking. Additionally, we consulted with many worldwide cycling programs and undertook research to understand how this program can best reach the smaller and more rural communities throughout British Columbia. With that research, HUB will be piloting a new train-the-teacher model in several smaller communities in early 2024.
Financials
To view HUB Cycling's financial position from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023, please click here.
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