December 18, 2007 – Are You A Bike Riding Artist? – BEST Seasonal Celebration (correction, see below) – Vancouver Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting – Pedal Revolutionary Radio Show – Solstice Secret Lantern Procession – Seasonal Sights Ride Unsilent Night – Vancouver Buy Nothing Christmas – Love Your Bike Midnight Mass Bike Ride – Solstice Critical Mass Ride and Roll – Basic Bike Repair Workshop – Womyn on Wheels – B:C:Clettes at the UBC Sustainability Conference – Bike Locking Infrastructure Project – Bike route remains unplowed or uncleared?
Check these out:
http://www.avaaz.org/fossils
http://bike-sharing.blogspot.com
http://www.pasifik.ca/?q=node/130
http://www.sustransconnect2.org.uk
http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/jun07/5128
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rwwxrWHBB8
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6240288.stm
http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=308563299&size=l
http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=1645149560&size=o
http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=177767
http://peswiki.com/index.php/Directory:MPK_Co%27s_Litroenergy
http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2007/12/10/video-japans-dekocha.html
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200180212033
http://hooptyrides.blogspot.com/2007/05/mister-jalopys-urban-guerrilla-movie.html
http://cycleliciousness.blogspot.com/2007/12/intelligent-sensors-and-diodes-save.html
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070906.wnorwaycars0906/BNStory/Science/home
Are You A Bike Riding Artist?
Momentum magazine wants to talk to you about your vision of the world, about biking, art and biking art, for the purpose of:
1. art in our publication 2. profiles of bike riding artists 3. our upcoming art show
Call 604-669-9850 Or email amy@momentumplanet.com http://www.momentumplanet.com
BEST Seasonal Celebration Tuesday, December 18 (*Correction*)
Better Environmentally Sound Transportation’s (BEST’s ) holiday party is this Tuesday night, December 18th! We’ll be in the private lounge of the Railway Club, 579 Dunsmuir Street (on the corner of Dunsmuir and Seymour), from 6 pm and on into the night. Hope to see you there!
www.best.bc.ca
Vancouver Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting Wednesday, December 19
On the third Wednesday of every month (except August) the Vancouver Bicycle Advisory Committee meets 5:30pm in Committee Room 2 (on the third floor) at Vancouver City Hall (453 West 12th at Cambie) to address cycling-related issues in the city of Vancouver and advises City Council on those issues.
Guests are welcome. If you’d like to speak to the committee, please contact Nicole Ludwig at 604-871-6399 or nicole.ludwig@vancouver.ca
For more info, see http://www.vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/civicagencies/bicycle
Pedal Revolutionary Radio Show Thursday, December 20
5:00 to 6:00 pm, and every other Thursday on CiTR 101.9 fm.
The revolution will not be motorized! Double-plus-good radio waves of bike culture, politics, music, events, bike traffic reports, and voices direct from the front lines.
!!! Now archived for your listening pleasure !!!
Archive: http://www.citr.ca/podcast.php Listen Live over the Internet: http://www.citr.ca/livestream.php Blog: http://pedalrev.blogspot.com
The Revolution needs your input! If you have a bike related event or announcement, contact Ifny at pedalrevolutionary@gmail.com or 604-690-7372. During the show phone 604-UBC-CiTR (604-822-2487).
Solstice Secret Lantern Procession Friday, December 21
Procession begins at 6pm at 2 locations: The Vancouver Aquatic Center and Coopers Park (see map on website http://www.secretlantern.org/events_yt.html )
Both Parades meet at David Lam park (about 6:30 pm) where we are going to knock their socks off with an amazing fire show. This show is for family audiences and includes a 27-foot dragon who steals the sun. The fire performers work towards distracting the dragon with their talents to get their sun back.
It’s free and it’s going to be amazing! Hope you can make it, Katia with Radiant Heat and the CinderBellas
www.secretlantern.org
Seasonal Sights Ride Saturday, December 22
Look at some of the seasonal light displays on view around Vancouver. We will see many different aspects of Vancouver after dark including Gastown, Chinatown, the West End and the Downtown Eastside before we head out to Trinity Street in East Van.
This is an easy ride. We will be pausing regularly to admire the views and we can pull into a warm coffee shop at any time if the participants get cold. There are no significant hills on this ride and it’s entirely on pavement so road bikes will work.
The duration of the ride is going to depend on how often we stop to look at the sights, but it’s anticipated to be finished by 9:00pm.
Wear extra pairs of socks and gloves – it can get cool in the evening. Also, please use your bike lights – white in front, red behind – and wear bright clothing. We want to be especially conscious of safety when riding at night at this time of the year.
Note: Unlike most Biking Meetup rides, this one will be weather dependent. It doesn’t matter how cold it is but if there is any precipitation the ride will be rescheduled or called off.
Meet in front of the main entrance to the Via Rail Canada “Pacific Central” Railway Station, 1150 Station Street. The ride leaves at 6:00pm sharp, so be at the train station earlier than this.
More information about this ride or to see if the ride is on or off, visit http://bike.meetup.com/145/calendar/6788389/
Unsilent Night Vancouver Sunday, December 23
Unsilent Night started in 1992 in New York, and has become incredibly popular, often attracting crowds numbering in the thousands. Participants carry boomboxes, each playing a separate track of music contributing their own voice to the sound that is Unsilent Night.
Start 7:00 pm at English Bay Park (Beach Ave and Bidwell Street). End at the Robson Square Underground Skating Rink.
http://vancouver.metblogs.com/archives/2007/12/unsilent_night_vancouver.phtml www.unsilentnight.com
Buy Nothing Christmas Tuesday, December 25
This Christmas we’ll be swamped with offers, ads and invitations to buy more stuff. But now there’s a way to say enough and join a movement dedicated to reviving the original meaning of Christmas giving.
Buy Nothing Christmas is a national initiative started by Canadian Mennonites but open to everyone with a thirst for change and a desire for action.
Buy Nothing Christmas is a stress-reliever, and more people need to hear about it. You can change your world by simply putting up one of the posters (or make your own) in your church, place of worship, home or work. Be sneaky about it if you have to. The point is to get people thinking. It’s an idea whose time has come, so get out there and make a difference!
See www.buynothingchristmas.org
Love Your Bike Thursday, December 27
Clean off the grime and get your ride spiffed up before the Midnight Mass and the Critical Mass! On the last Thursday of every month, join Momentum and Bikes on the Drive for a free, fun evening of bike cleaning, lubing, and loving. All supplies provided by Bikes on the Drive.
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Location: Bikes on the Drive, 1350 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
For more information, call 604-215-7433 or email self-propelled@telus.net
Midnight Mass Bike Ride Thursday, December 27
Do you have a bike? Do you like riding it? At night? Dig up some bike lights, warm socks, and pack yourself a nice hot beverage — the next midnight ride is the Thursday before Critical Mass.
Meet 11:45 pm at Grandview Park (Commercial Drive at Charles Street — across from the Havana and Turks) and ride at midnight.
The ride happens the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month, so mark your calendars. Tell your bike loving friends, and hope to see you there!
For more information and videos: http://www.midnight-mass.blogspot.com More photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/midnightmass
Solstice Critical Mass Ride and Roll Friday, December 28
Join fellow bicyclists, skaters, and bladers for this leisurely and spirited ride and roll through the streets of Vancouver for the last Critical Mass of 2007! Meet at the Vancouver Art Gallery on the Georgia Street side between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m. — and roll and ride at 6:00 p.m. The ride is on rain, shine, or snow! Decorated bicycles, trailers, signs, flags, noisemakers, gettoblasters, sound systems, drums, and wildly modified bicycles are, or course, highly encouraged.
Pre-rides to Critical Mass:
UBC riders meet at the UBC Bike Hub, on the north east end of the Student Union Building, at 4:30 p.m. for a group ride to the Vancouver Art Gallery. Phone 604-822-BIKE for details.
East Van riders meet 4:00 p.m., leaving 4:30 p.m., from Grandview Park, 1200-block Commercial Drive, for a group ride to the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Celebrated around the world, Critical Mass is a grassroots reclamation of public space — on the last Friday of the month — which allows cyclists and other self-propelled people to move safely and comfortably through city streets in a car-free space. Non-polluting forms of transportation are promoted.
For more information: www.velolove.bc.ca http://vancouvercm.blogspot.com velolove@velolove.bc.ca
Worldwide details may be found at: http://criticalmassrides.info or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_Mass
Upload/View Vancouver Critical Mass Photos at Flickr.com: http://www.flickr.com/groups/vancriticalmass/
Basic Bike Repair Workshop Thursday, January 3
Offered by PEDAL (Pedal Energy Development Alternatives), an organization that develops and promotes the use of pedal powered technology, on the first Thursday of every month from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The course covers drivetrain maintenance, brake and gear adjustment and flat tire repair. Courses are held at Our Community Bikes, 3283 Main Street near 17th Avenue.
Cost is $40 plus tax. Bring your bike and a snack.
For more info or to register, phone 604-879-BIKE (604-879-2453), email learn@pedalpower.org, or visit www.pedalpower.org
Womyn on Wheels Monday, January 7
Starting January 2008, Ladies fix your bike night at Our Community Bikes (OCB) is now the first and third Monday of every month (except holidays).
3283 Main Street (between 16 and 17th Avenues) 6:30 – 9:30pm $5-10 dollars
This is a trans-inclusive space.
For more information, phone 604-879-BIKE (2453) www.pedalpower.org
B:C:Clettes at the UBC Sustainability Conference Saturday, January 19, 2008
The B:C:Clettes are performing at the UBC Sustainability Conference on Saturday January 19. The performance is 3-3:30 pm and is the final event before the ending keynote speaker.
Plus, for the first time ever, the ‘Clettes we’ll be holding a presentation/ discussion session!! 1:45pm-2:45pm.
More details to come!
http://www.bcclettes.ca/performances.html http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=70542587&blogID=336885324
Bike Locking Infrastructure Project
The VPSN (Vancouver Public Space Network) is currently assessing the quality and quantity of bicycle parking infrastructure in Vancouver’s commercial and entertainment districts to determine the need for more, or different, cycling infrastructure. We are conducting background research of municipal plans and current parking options, as well as conducting a case study of a sample area. Our aim is to assess this data and determine what, if any, advocacy work needs to be conducted around better biking infrastructure.
We could use help with this project — which could mean anything from spending a couple of hours on an inventory-mapping stroll, or taking on a bit of web-related research. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, please let us know.
More info: Additional details can be found on our Bike Lock web-page: http://vancouverpublicspace.ca/index.php?page=bikelock Or contact project lead Karen at karen@vancouverpublicspace.ca
Bike route remains unplowed or uncleared?
Although bike routes are not a priority during the initial days following a storm, they should be cleared or at least receive cursory salting. If not, contact your city or municipality engineering department. If you live in Vancouver, contact the Neighbourhood Transportation Branch of Engineering Services at 604-871-6070 or cycling@vancouver.ca
And remember, many European cities keep bike paths clear in the winter. Make sure your mayor and council know that. For Vancouver, send an email to mayorandcouncil@vancouver.ca or contact individual councillors at http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/councilmembers.htm
WEEKLY AND ONGOING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Mini Bike Mondays. Random Monday rides of the Mini Bike Army. Meet noon at the Science World gazebo and go on a mini-bike ride of the seawall and downtown. Ride leaves at 12:30. See http://minibikearmy.blogspot.com for details.
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Tuesday Fixie Ride. Meet 7:00 p.m. at the Science World Gazebo (1455 Quebec Street). Info heyfixie@gmail.com http://fixedvancouver.com/Forums/forums/3/ShowForum.aspx http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/fixedvancouver/
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Wednesday Pie Rides. around Stanley Park, over to Canada Place, across to Kits, and out around UBC (if desired). Afterwards, a bite at Calhoun’s on West Broadway. Meet 5:30 PM at Canada Place (west side). Info: Henry H at hulbert AT vcn.bc.ca or http://vbc.bc.ca/upcomingrides.shtml
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Wednesday night Pedal Play Bike Fix and Skill Share. 6:30 til 9:30pm at Pedal Metal Studios, 194 West 3rd (alley entrance). Open to all Pedal volunteers — if you aren’t one already we’ll make you one. Expect to join the bike polo folk truing wheels and building mallets. Stand time is by donation, $5 per hour suggested. A small stock of used parts available for rummaging futilely through. For details, phone 604-875-8679.
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Fast Night Thursdays! Every Thursday, 9pm at Grandview Park. Ride fast & hard. See you there. http://fixedvancouver.com/Forums/forums/12/ShowForum.aspx http://fixedvancouver.com/Forums/forums/thread/1591.aspx
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Friday Cruiser Ride. Weather permitting, meet 7:30pm at the Lost Lagoon Roundabout. We won’t stay past 8:00pm so don’t be late! Get your weekend rolling! Info: bryn@vancruisers.ca or http://www.vancruisers.ca http://vancruisers.ca/Members/bhughes/events
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Saturday Morning Trails Ride. to the UBC Endowment Lands, Stanley Park, or another destination. Meet 9:45 am at the Coffee Shop at 6th and Arbutus. Info: Mark F at vbc@vbc.bc.ca or http://vbc.bc.ca/upcomingrides.shtml
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Saturday Leisure Ride. following bike routes around Vancouver, going to Iona Island or crossing to the North Shore. Meet 10 am by the coffee shop at 6th and Arbutus and ride till about 1:30 pm. Info: Richard W at wardric@vcn.bc.ca or http://vbc.bc.ca/upcomingrides.shtml
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Saturday EastVan Bike Polo. Hot bike polo action every Saturday on the tennis courts at Grandview Park around 2:00 pm (we go elsewhere in bad weather, but usually meet at Grandview first or send someone by to grab stragglers). Bring your own bike (but not your pretty one — the game is a little rough on bikes). Mallets are supplied (though if you get hooked, as many of us have, you’ll likely want to build your own).
http://www.bikepolo.ca http://www.myspace.com/vanbikepolo http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eastvanbikepolo http://fixedvancouver.com/Forums/forums/thread/194.aspx
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Freak Bike Sundays. Race Minis, Choppers, Utility Bikes, Trailers or Chariots. Got an idea we will give it a shot. Every Sunday afternoon between 12-4 pm or til whenever. Staffed by Jim and/or Sailor Neale. Some materials readily available. Welding and consumable donations sought and accepted graciously. Hourly rate applicable/negotiable. 194 w 3rd ave in the alley. For details, phone 604-875-8679. http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/1678/choprv6.jpg
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KILL BILL 43! – Starring Kevin Falcon
A gang of ruthless global corporate yakuza fronted by the evil Falcon are out to DESTROY DEMOCRACY! Can the Deadly Viper Highway Assassination Squad, in league with hundreds of thousands of angry citizens and one raging granny, save the day?!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CHBNGqXJNQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpQOoa3eaQI
For more info: http://www.keeptranslinkpublic.ca http://www.gatewaysucks.org
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Sign the Petition: Better Transit, Not Freeways
If you care about living in one of the most livable cities in North America, now is the time to take action to keep it that way!
The Provincial Government’s plan to expand Highway 1 and twin the Port Mann Bridge will result in more air pollution and more danger from increased traffic in neighbourhoods. It will fuel urban sprawl and erode our valuable farmlands. It will cost $2 billion or more and will not solve traffic congestion or lower greenhouse gas emissions. No city has ever built its way out of congestion.
Take action now and sign the “Better Transit, Not Freeways” petition at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/882355425
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Port Mann & Highway 1 Expansion — Charge Up the Opposition
As you may know, although the provincial NDP has been raising some good questions regarding the Port Mann Bridge and Highway 1 expansion — they have not taken a firm position against it, for fear of losing voters in Surrey. This stands in contrast to the strong position they took in opposition to the proposed coal fired power plants in Princeton and Tumbler Ridge — which they have raised repeatedly, and which seem to be in serious jeopardy now. Given the increased awareness of climate change issues, there will be an internal debate within the NDP about whether or not to change their position on the Port Mann issue (i.e. To stand up in opposition to the twinning and highway expansion).
Please email your MLA (find contact info here: http://www.leg.bc.ca/mla/3-1-1.htm), with a copy to transportation critic David Chudnovsky at david.chudnovsky.mla@leg.bc.ca , would be very helpful right now. Please send letters as soon as you’re able. Just something simple is all that’s needed — expressing your opposition to the expansion and your wish that the NDP take a strong stand.
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On-line Petition Asking For Cycling Tax Incentives
An on-line petition has been created that calls for the Canadian Federal Government to create cycling related tax incentives. Please consider signing the petition and passing this on to your friends and other lists.
http://www.gopetition.com/online/10170.html
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Eco-rage and Idling Hot Line
There’s an idling complaints hotline at > 604-257-2404 < where you can phone-in licence plate numbers of offenders. Better to make a quick phone call than suffer a coronary from Eco Rage! For issues regarding idling transit busses, in addition to the hotline you can call Translink at 604-953-3040 with your concerns.
In July, 2006, Vancouver City Council unanimously passed an anti-idling bylaw to cut air pollution. Drivers who leave a car running for more than three minutes face a $50 fine and the fine doubles to $100 for anyone caught leaving a car running. As of January, 2007, fines are to be imposed. The District of North Vancouver passed a bylaw against idling in 2000, but has yet to ticket anybody with a $45 fine. The City of North Vancouver has had the bylaw on its books for more than a year.
For more information, visit the website at www.idlefree.ca
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Want to talk about bicycle issues and Critical Mass in Vancouver? Are you planning bike related events or have announcements?
Join the Velolove discussion list!
For more information or to join, visit: http://lists.velolove.bc.ca/mailman/listinfo/discuss Or email vancouver@velolove.bc.ca