Exploring the TriCities on Two Wheels: Colleen MacDonald Shares Her Tips for Shopping by Bike!

As part of HUB Cycling’s August campaign, we’re excited to show you just how easy and enjoyable it is to shop by bike! 

Today, we’re featuring insights from Colleen MacDonald, a dedicated cycling advocate and author of the Let’s Go Biking series. Colleen has spent her retirement encouraging more people to embrace cycling, volunteering with HUB Cycling’s Local Committee and the Metro Vancouver Parks Committee.

Carrying Items on Your Bike

When it comes to transporting your shopping by bike, Colleen keeps it simple: "I have two panniers on the back of my bike, and I load them up! And when I find more than they can hold, I have a small folding backpack that I can put to use."

Shopping by Bike: A Longtime Habit

Colleen’s love for shopping by bike has been a lifelong practice. "I’ve always shopped by bike! I shop once a week or daily as needed," she shares. The convenience and ease of cycling to local shops have become an integral part of her routine.

Advice for Newcomers to Shopping by Bike

For those new to the idea of shopping by bike, Colleen’s advice is simple: "Just get started and see how much fun it is!" The key is to dive in and experience the benefits firsthand.

What Makes Shopping by Bike So Enjoyable?

Colleen finds numerous perks in shopping by bike. "What I like most is how convenient it is. With a bike, there’s no hunting for parking spaces—you can pop in and out of stores quickly," she explains. But what truly sets cycling apart is the slower pace: "I love the slow pace. I can window shop when I’m pushing my bike and often find new and interesting things to buy!"

Favorite Shopping Spots in the TriCities

Colleen’s favorite shopping destinations in the TriCities include:

• Port Moody: Newport, Suter Brook, St Johns, Brewery Row
• Coquitlam: Como Lake Village, Austin Heights, Coquitlam Centre
• Port Coquitlam: Shaughnessy Street, Fremont

If you’re new to the area, Colleen’s map of shopping spots in Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Port Coquitlam is a great resource to explore!

Join the Bike to Shop Campaign

HUB Cycling’s Bike to Shop campaign runs from August 1-31, promoting the joy and convenience of shopping by bike. Whether you’re running errands or picking up groceries, cycling can make the experience more enjoyable and stress-free. Plus, by taking the pledge to shop by bike this summer, you could win exciting prizes!

Embrace the benefits of shopping by bike and explore the TriCities with Colleen’s tips in mind—you might just find that your bike becomes your favorite shopping companion!