Meet our Members: Garret was the lucky winner of the 2015 BTWW Exodus Travels Vietnam Cycling trip
HUB members are passionate individuals, families and organizations who are committed to making cycling in Metro Vancouver safer and more accessible to everyone!
This month we caught up with lucky Bike to Work Week 2015 Vietnam Exodus Travels prize winner, Garret who, along with his wife Becky, holds a HUB family membership.
1) Why are you a HUB Member?
It’s a great thing to be a part of. HUB plays a big part in Vancouver’s bikeability. I ride everyday so I can definitely appreciate that. Plus member’s get an array of perks and discounts for different shops.
2) What was your favorite ‘bike’ moment on your 2015 Exodus Trip to Vietnam?
So many… One particular moment, I was cycling through a rural Vietnam village and a family pulled up next to me on their scooter. Beautiful people, big smiles, waving and practicing their “hello’s”. As we rode along laughing at each other the little girl on the back reached out and handed me a Guava. I biked the rest of the day with a Guava in my hand.
3) How does biking in Vietnam differ from biking in Vancouver?
We mainly cycled off the beaten path in more rural areas, we didn’t ride too much in the city. Google “Vietnam traffic” and you’ll see why. In city centre’s, traffic is dense and has a wild unpredictable flow. Traffic laws, traffic enforcement, and traffic safety were definitely lacking.
There weren’t any bike lanes that I saw, but Vietnam has it’s own rhythm and that’s part of its charm.
4) Are you a regular cyclist and where do you like to ride in Metro Vancouver?
I pretty much ride my bike everywhere. I always enjoy the usual highlights of Vancouver’s cycling, the sea wall, Stanley park, UBC, etc, even just riding through all the beautiful neighborhoods with all the diverse vegetation, tree tunnels and assortments of flowers. Biking is good for my soul.
5) Why do you think bicycle advocacy is important in Metro Vancouver?
Biking in the city can be intimidating, but it’s doable. Biking is cost effective transportation and fun exercise. The City of Vancouver and HUB are doing a good job providing bicycle lanes and keeping cyclists safe.
6) As a new member, what aspect of our work is most exciting to you?
I really like the idea of “UnGaptheMap”. It’s a large undertaking that will one day connect all the regions of metro Vancouver with cycling lanes. Bike to work week is always really fun too. It’s bike research for where to put bike lanes, and what the people need in their biking communities. Keep up the good work HUB!
7) Any cycle tips for someone planning a cycling holiday either to Vietnam or somewhere else in the world?
Just get out there and do it! The Vietnam Cycling trip with Exodus Travel was an amazing experience. It was manageable for all cycling levels, and truly an immersive experience. We learned so much, ate amazing local food at “off the beaten path” places and saw more than we ever would have on our own. It was a remarkable experience and I would recommend it to anyone! Thank you HUB, Exodus Travel and all the Bike to Work Week sponsors.
Want to #joinHUB? Memberships range from only $10-$40 a year and support better more connected biking throughout Metro Vancouver
Sign up or renew your membership today! https://bikehub.ca/get-involved/be-a-hub-member