Welcome to Bike to Shop: Your Guide to Shopping by Bike!
About Bike to Shop
This August, immerse yourself in the joy and convenience of shopping by bike with Bike to Shop, a Metro Vancouver-wide initiative presented by HUB Cycling. Whether you're a seasoned bike commuter or new to cycling, we're here to make shopping by bike easy and fun! On this page, you'll find information about the event, participating neighbourhoods, how to plan your route, tips and tricks on carrying items by bike, and secure bike parking options.
How To Participate
1. Explore Interactive Maps: Check out our interactive maps showcasing participating neighbourhoods, bike parking, safe routes, and bike-friendly businesses. Link coming soon!
2. Plan Your Adventure: Choose a neighbourhood, plan your route, and get ready to bike to local shops. Use resources on this page for tips.
3. Share the Fun and Win Prizes: Take selfies with your bike and shopping haul, and share your experiences with #BikeToShop for the chance to win prizes. More information below!
4. Visit us at a Market: We're popping up at events in Vancouver and Coquitlam and Steveston farmers markets this summer. Take a look at the schedule below for more information.
Visit Us!
Come visit HUB Cycling at our three booths during the event! Get advice on shopping by bike, pick up cycling maps, and get your bike checked for free by a mechanic.
- Thursday, August 15 - From 1-3 PM, Sustainability Fair, West Plaza of 1177 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
- Sunday, August 11 from 9AM to 1PM at Coquitlam Farmers Market (Dogwood Pavilion Parking Lot at 1655 Winslow Ave)
- Sunday, August 18 from 10:30AM to 3:30PM at Steveston Farmers & Artisans Market (4320 Moncton St, Richmond)
Discover Vibrant Neighbourhoods- 2024 Map COMING SOON!
Zoom in to discover these vibrant neighborhoods participating in Bike to Shop 2024:
Coquitlam: Austin Heights
Port Moody: Central
Richmond: Steveston
Vancouver: Gastown and Downtown
Each map showcases:
- Cycling routes within a 10-minute radius of the neighbourhood, sorted by comfort level
- Convenient bike parking options by your favorite stores and at SkyTrain Stations
- Local bike shops
- Local businesses to explore
Plan Your Route
Best and safest routes to visit the Bike to Shop neighbourhoods, check out our great bike map resources at bikehub.ca/maps.
Tips on how to inspect your bicycle or how to plan the best route to your favourite shops, check out HUB's free online educational resource called StreetWise Cycling Online! Learn how to get started at bikehub.ca/swco
If you’re entirely new to biking to shop, don’t fret! Follow HUB Cycling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for tips and tricks on how to easily make cycling to shops a part of your routine, or check out The Commuter Bike Shopper’s Checklist or How to Shop by Bike.
Pack Smart
Consider how to transport your goodies home. Any standard bike can be used for your shopping trips and the accessories needed aren’t expensive. Follow these simple steps for a safe and convenient shopping experience:
- Secure Your Load: Ensure your rack or basket is firmly attached before each use. Give it a good tug to check. Use bungee cords, nets, or adjustable straps to keep your items secure, which will come especially handy if you hit any bumps or potholes along the way.
- Balance and Grip: Be mindful of the added weight on your bike and keep a firm grip, especially when stopping or loading/unloading. Remember, your bike will handle differently when carrying goods, so take it slow and steady.
- Installing Gear: Consider adding gear to increase how much your bike can carry
- Bike Racks - versatile and allow you to safely attach various accessories
- Bike Baskets - can be mounted to the front or rear rack
- Panniers - fully sealable and easily detachable bags provide ample storage space
- Get Creative: If you don’t have bike-specific gear, you can adapt and improvise. Milk crates, wooden crates, and reinforced reusable grocery bags can serve as makeshift baskets. Just ensure your setup is safe and secure before riding.
- Backpack or Walk: If you don't have a bike rack, a big backpack can still do the job. Be cautious of balance changes and ensure it doesn't interfere with your movements. Alternatively, you can use your bike as a shopping cart on wheels, loading grocery bags on the handlebars and walking it back home.
- Consider Trailers and Cargo Bikes: Trailers attach to your bike's rear and can handle larger loads, while cargo bikes offer built-in compartments for convenient shopping trips with ample space. Perfect for families and if you’ve got lots to carry!
- Get Advice: If you're new to biking to shop, don't fret! Follow HUB Cycling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for tips and tricks on how to easily incorporate cycling into your shopping routine. You can also explore The Commuter Bike Shopper's Checklist or How to Shop by Bike for helpful guidance.
Secure bike parking options
We understand that bike security is crucial to encourage more people to cycle. That's why we've got you covered with various secure bike parking options across Metro Vancouver.
Park your bike near your closest bus stop or station at a bike parkade or bring it with you on transit (100% of TransLink's fleet is accessible to bikes). Three different types of bike parking are available at SkyTrain stations, bus exchanges, and West Coast Express stations across Metro Vancouver.
1. Bike Lockers
Reserved or on-demand lockers for your bike. Available at most SkyTrain stations and some bus exchanges. Learn More.
2. Bike Racks
Standard outdoor racks for locking your bike up. Available at all SkyTrain stations and most bus exchanges. Learn More.
3. Bike Parkades
To make shopping by bike even easier, TransLink has built bike parkades so now you can park your bike and hop on the SkyTrain! Located at Main Street–Science World, King Edward, Commercial–Broadway, Joyce–Collingwood, Metrotown, Maple Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Bridgeport, Lafarge Lake-Douglas, Burquitlam and King George stations. Bike Parkades are indoor parking facilities where customers can lock up their bike for the day. Learn More.
4. The Bicycle Valet
The Bicycle Valet offers FREE bike parking at locations across Metro Vancouver. Just like a coat-check, they’ll tag your bike and provide you with a claim stub to pick up your bike later on.
Help spread the word
Help spread the word about Bike to Shop! Share ways that you like to bike to shop, products that make it easy to do so or your favourite bike-friendly businesses with us on social media Check out our Media Kit for example text and images your can use.
Don’t forget to tag us and use the hashtags: #Bike2Shop
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Bike to Shop?
Bike to Shop is a month-long celebration of cycling and shopping in Metro Vancouver presented by HUB Cycling, promoting the joy and convenience of shopping by bike and supporting local businesses.
2. When does Bike to Shop take place?
Bike to Shop takes place during the entire month of August. It's a month-long celebration of cycling and shopping in Metro Vancouver.
3. Do I need to register to take part in Bike to Shop?
No, Bike to Shop is a free event, and there is no need to register.
4. How do I participate in Bike to Shop?
Participate by exploring interactive maps showcasing participating neighborhoods, bike parking, cycling routes, and local businesses. Plan your adventure, choose a neighborhood to explore, and bike to local shops. Share your experiences on social media using #BikeToShop for the chance to win prizes.
5. Can I participate in Bike to Shop if I don't own a bike?
Yes, you can still participate in Bike to Shop even if you don't own a bike. Many cities offer bike rental services or bike-share program, where you can easily rent a bike for your shopping adventure.
6. Do I need to follow a specific route during Bike to Shop?
No, you have the freedom to choose your own route using the interactive maps and ‘Plan Your Route’ section above. Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover new places on your bike!
7. Are there any organized group rides for Bike to Shop?
Yes! Check we'll be hosting group rides throughout August. Check back for more details soon
8. What should I bring while shopping by bike?
Bring your bike, helmet, reusable shopping bag, personal items, and a water bottle for a comfortable ride. Visit our ‘Pack Smart’ section above for more tips.
9. How can I share my Bike to Shop experience on social media?
We encourage you to share your Bike to Shop experience on social media! Use the hashtag #BikeToShop to share your photos, stories, and shopping hauls. Don't forget to tag HUB Cycling on social media, and you might even get featured on our channels!
10. Is Bike to Shop suitable for families with children?
Yes, Bike to Shop is family-friendly, and families with children are encouraged to participate. It's a great way to introduce kids to the joys of cycling and explore the city together as a family.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or need assistance regarding the Bike to Shop event, feel free to reach out to us. We're here to help!
Contact Information:
Email: events@bikehub.ca
You can also connect with us on social media for the latest updates and news:
We value your feedback and are committed to making Bike to Shop a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any inquiries or suggestions. Happy cycling and shopping!