Meet our Members!
HUB members are passionate individuals, families and organizations who are committed to making cycling in Metro Vancouver safer and more accessible to everyone!
This months we caught up with HUB Member and Maple Ridge committee member Kino R. on what he likes (and dislikes) about cycling in Metro Vancouver and why he loves our #ungapthemap campaign!
How long have you been cycling in Metro Vancouver?
I’ve been cycling in Metro Vancouver for about two years.
Is biking your main mode of transit and what is your most regular route?
Usually it is a mix of transit and cycling. It’s really awesome to be able to take my bike on the bus or SkyTrain if the weather gets really bad or I’m just feeling tired. My most regular route is from Maple Ridge to SFU on Burnaby Mountain.
You live in Maple Ridge - what is the biggest change you’ve seen in the cycling landscape in your neighbourhood since you first started biking there?
Well I’d say the biggest change is the city is currently constructing our first protected bike lane and another one is in the planning phase! It’s great to have a council that is interested in improving safety for vulnerable road users.
You are also on the Maple Ridge Committee, what are some things that the committee is working on?
In the Maple Ridge Committee we're currently working on a proposal for Maple Ridge's first 30 km/hr speed zone!
Which of the issues that we work on is most important to you?
Definitely UnGapTheMap! The most frustrating thing is being on a nice bike route and having it abruptly end with nowhere to go or having to merge with high speed and heavy traffic!
What is your favorite bike route in Metro Vancouver?
I really like the Adanac Bikeway in Vancouver. They’re constantly improving it, and it makes an uninterrupted connection to the Francis Union Bikeway in Burnaby and takes you all the way to SFU! It’s great when cities work together like that.
What is your least favorite route and what would you like to see changed on it?
123 Ave Bikeway in Maple Ridge. It’s a signed bike route but really it’s a major road with parking on both sides and no separation from traffic. Thankfully, the city is considering protected bike lanes on the corridor in the future.
How did you get the confidence to ride your bicycle as your main mode of transit (or on a regular basis if it’s not your main method of transit)?
I actually first started biking because I really wanted to ride the Pacific Coast Highway (US 101). So I bought a bike and I did it! It hardened me up I guess because I had to share the road a lot with big RV's, and trucks, and sometimes the shoulder was non-existent!
If you had a tandem bike who would you most like to ride with?
Tanya Paz! (Chairs CoV Active Transportation Policy Council) She’s awesome.
Want to join HUB? HUB Cycling memberships range from only $15-$40 a year and support better more connected biking throughout Metro Vancouver Sign up or renew your membership today!\
HUB's local committees meet regularly to discuss cycling issues specific to each municipality. You are welcome to join! Each committee also has an online discussion group. Click here for more information.