March 18, 2007 (Brussels, Belgium) — Here’s the latest news from Velolove: Call For Bike Shorts! – Pedal Revolutionary Bike Radio! – Join the VACC in the Celtic Fest Parade! – Freak Bike Sundays – Clean Air Commute Stop Windup – Vancouver Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting – Brakes Workshop — Bike Mechanics for Women (boys welcome too!) – Bike Fix and Skill Share – Midnight Mass Bike Ride – Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition AGM – Inaugural Surrey Critical Mass – Intro to Bike Mechanics for Women – Preparing for the Third Wave of Cyclists – Gateway Mass Rally – VACC Vancouver/UBC Committee Meeting

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Check these out:
www.epicvancouver.com
www.ebikes.ca/projects.shtml
www.carfree.com/cft/i045.html
www.aboutmyplanet.com/environment/bamboo-bikes
www.exacteditions.com/exact/browse/399/442/1952/2/2/0/

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Call For Bike Shorts!

It’s that time of year to turn your thoughts to making a GREAT (short) bike movie. Bike Shorts: International Cycling Cinema (aka Bike Movie Night) is coming up on its fourth straight year and it needs your film-making prowess to make it happen. The rules and regs are:

1. Movies must be bike-themed or bike-ish in some fairly obvious way.
2. They must be short: 2 min., 5 min., 8 min., and 20 min. only if it’s really interesting.
3. It’s easier if the movies are in digital media (like DVD or mini-DV). But if your art calls out for film, we’ll work with you.
4. Deadline for submissions is May 7, 2007.
5. The perks and benefits of participation are many (if somewhat obscure).

Here’s the website: http://bikeshorts.blogspot.com featuring the shorts from previous years.

Suggestions for films made by others or you’d like to see are also welcome.

For more information, and for submissions and suggestions, contact Tannis Braithwaite at tannis.braithwaite@gmail.com

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Pedal Revolutionary Bike Radio!
Thursday, March 15 (tonight)

And every other Thursday, from 5:00 to 6:00pm, on CiTR 101.9 FM

News about bike civic politics, chopper bikes, legal issues, bike maintenance, culture, fun and of course Critical Mass! Your hosts: Ifny, iamlachance@gmail.com, and Conrad Schmidt, ninemonkeys@blaze.ca, 604-537-2044.

Pedal Revolutionary Bike Radio needs to hear from you! If you have a bike related event or announcement, email pedalrevolutionary@gmail.com or during the show phone 604-UBC-CiTR (604-822-2487).

Web site: www.bikesexual.org/cm/radio
Blog spot: http://pedalrev.blogspot.com
Listen live over the Internet: www.citr.ca/default.asp?id=19&mnu=19


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Join the VACC in the Celtic Fest Parade!
Sunday, March 18

The Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition (VACC) would like to invite everyone to join us in the Celtic Fest Parade on Sunday, March 18, from about 10:00am for a couple of hours through downtown Vancouver. This parade is a lot of fun and you get to show off the joys of cycling to a huge and appreciative crowd. The VACC “float” entails all of us (kids more than welcome) riding our usual or less usual bicycles with the theme of: you can do everything by bike.

Last year we had a couple on tandem in full wedding regalia with child in tow, suited “office types” with briefcases, shoppers with baguettes and cheese, a gardener with gardening tools and flowers following, a mom with a double trail-a bike with 2 kids in tow, a high-bike, a low-bike, and lots of cyclists in green for St. Paddy’s . The fun will continue with a post-parade gathering at the Wolf and Hound on West Broadway (again, kids welcome).

Participation is free for VACC members and there is a $2 non-members insurance charge for others (or you can become a member and help keep Vancouver area cycling growing). Please spread the word and let us know if you can make it or if you need more information. All are welcome.

Hope to see you there,
Lisa Slakov, 604-732-5803, lslakov@telus.net

Celtic Fest Parade — www.celticfestvancouver.com/parade.html
VACC — http://vacc.bc.ca

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!!Freak Bike Sundays!!
Starting Sunday, March 18

Race Minis, Choppers, Utility Bikes, Trailers or Chariots.
Got an idea we will give it a shot, maybe.

Every Sunday Afternoon between 12-4 pm or til whenever.
194 West 3rd Avenue (alley entrance).

Some materials readily available. Welding and consumable donations sought and accepted graciously.
Hourly rate applicable/negotiable.

For details, phone 604-875-8679

Watch for special edition return of Closer to Heaven.
If a tall bike won’t get you closer to heaven, Maitlands welds will 😉

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Clean Air Commute Stop Windup
Wednesday, March 21

Amanda & Corinne invite you to welcome the arrival of spring during your morning commute with cappuccinos, lattes, espresso & muffins (bring your own travel mug) and warm cheer at the Clean Air Commute Stop Windup!

This Wednesday anytime between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m.
Place: 511 Union Street (at Jackson) on the Adanac bike route.

Cost is FREE for cyclists & walkers. By donation for drivers. Proceeds go to BEST (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation) at www.best.bc.ca . For more info or to RSVP, email amanda_pitre-hayes@vancity.com

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Vancouver Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting
Wednesday, March 21

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 www.vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/civicagencies/bicycle

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Brakes Workshop — Bike Mechanics for Women (boys welcome too!)
Wednesday, March 21

A class is to teach you all you need to know about your brakes (Rim Brakes only. For Disc brakes please contact us directly to set up a future course). You’ll learn what the different rim brake systems are, how to know when your brake pads are starting to wear out, how to replace them and set them properly, how to change your cables and housing (and when and why you would need to do that!), how to set your brake levers, and lots of other useful brake info!

The goal of Jett Grrl is to empower you on your bike; your brakes are one of the most essential and this class aims to give you the confidence to fix them yourself and keep them in good working order all the time. Classes are for all types of riders with all levels of mechanical ability, taught in a relaxed, friendly, non-intimidating environment.

Location: 1925 Adanac Street, BACK door (thru lane on right)
Time: 6:30 to 9:00 pm
Fee: $40.00

Questions? Call 604-255-5097, email jett_grrl(at)hotmail.com or check out www.jettgrrl.com

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Bike Fix and Skill Share
Wednesday, March 21

Missing the smell of molten metal? The sweet sizzle of vaporizing steel? The sirens song of the angle grinder?

Come to the Wednesday bike fixing/skills share night at Pedal Metal Studios & the Depot, 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.

Brought to you by the miracle of unemployment with Sailor Neale, Jim H and Maitland Wright present. For details, phone 604-875-8679

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Midnight Mass Bike Ride
Thursday, March 22

Do you have a bike? Do you like riding it? At night? Wear some warm socks, dig up some bike lights, and pack yourself a nice hot beverage — the next midnight ride is tonight, the night 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:
www.midnight-mass.blogspot.com
More photos at www.flickr.com/photos/midnightmass
http://bikescape.blogspot.com/2007/03/hybrid-shmybrid.html

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Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition AGM
Saturday, March 24

The VACC’s AGM is taking place on Saturday, 24 March 2007 from 12:00 to 3:00 pm at the North Surrey Recreation Centre (10275 – 135 Street, meeting room #2). Guest speakers are Jack Becker and John Fair, VACC members who rode from Vancouver to Madison, Wisconsin for the 2006 ProWalk/ProBike conference.

All are welcome but you must be a VACC member to vote for the board of directors.

Critical massers are welcome to attend and those participating in the inaugrual Surrey Critical Mass can attend that after the meeting.

For more information, visit www.vacc.bc.ca or contact Bonnie Fenton at blfenton@lightspeed.ca

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Inaugural Surrey Critical Mass
Saturday, March 24

Speak out against the gateway project and assert the presence of a bike community in Surrey!

The date and time is set for 3:30pm on Saturday March 24, rain or shine, meeting in the plaza outside the Central City tower (the big tower at Surrey Central Skytrain). There is a VACC meeting that ends at 3pm just across the street in the North Surrey Recreation Centre building.

Planning and promotion is taking place on the new Surrey Critical Mass email list! If you’d like to join, or if you live in Surrey, please email mailto:surrey-request@lists.velolove.bc.ca?subject=subscribe . You can also signup online at http://lists.velolove.bc.ca/mailman/listinfo/surrey

And check this cool site and graphics by Rhiannon:
http://surreycriticalmass.blogspot.com

Download and circulate/put-up Surrey Critical Mass posters and handouts!

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Intro to Bike Mechanics for Women
Thursday, March 27

Empowering women one bike at a time! Jett Grrl Bike Studio offers intro classes, covering flat fix, drivetrain maintenance, and basic brake adjustments. Advanced classes offered as well, plus a full service repair shop. All classes are hands on, 5 people max, w/ detailed written handout provided. Cost is $40/class.

Boys are welcome too :o)

Time: 6:30 to 9:00 pm
Place: 1925 Adanac Street near Victoria Drive (back door)

Check out www.jettgrrl.com for more details and to sign-up. Or call 604-255-5097 / email jett_grrl@hotmail to reserve a space.

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Preparing for the Third Wave of Cyclists
Wednesday, 28 March

In Vancouver, cycling for transportation has grown slowly over the past 20 years to a respectable level. To create a new wave of cycling growth, new cycling infrastructure design is needed. Speakers Jack Becker (VACC), Hans Groen (VACC) and Gordon Price (SFU) discuss North American and European innovations at this lecture at SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street in Vancouver.

7:00-9:00 pm. Free.

Reservations required: 604.291.5100 or cs_hc@sfu.ca.
http://upcoming.org/event/143063/

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Gateway Mass Rally
Saturday, March 31

Rally for Sustainable Transportation, for Wildlife Protection, for Agricultural Protection, for Neighbourhood Preservation, for Democratic Process.

2:00-5:00 pm
East Delta Community Hall, 10379 Ladner Trunk Road, Delta (Between Highway 99 and Burns Bog)

Speakers include Rafe Mair
Gord Price, Livable Region Coalition
Representative, BC Liberal Government (invited!)
Adriane Carr, Green Party of Canada
David Chudnovsky, NDP Transportation Critic
Jim Houlahan, CAW local 111 (Bus Drivers)
Donna Passmore, Gateway 30 Network

For more information, contact Susan Jones, 604-943-6406 or Donna Passmore, 604-536-2790

www.velolove.bc.ca/stop_gateway_rally.html
www.velolove.bc.ca/stop_gateway_rally.pdf

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VACC Vancouver/UBC Committee Meeting
Wednesday, April 4 (our March meeting is in April due to the SFU lecture above)

If you ride your bike in Vancouver or UBC, come meet and work with other cyclists to help improve cycling facilities. Your active participation can make a real difference. Lend your voice and your support and get involved.

6:30-8:30 p.m. (with a pub stop afterward)
Vancouver Public Library Firehall Branch, 1455 W. 10th Ave (the 10th Avenue Bike Route just east of Granville St.)

New participants are always welcome. These monthly meetings are open to all VACC members and non-members.

For more information, or if you have any items that you would like to have on the agenda, contact Jack Becker at 604-681-5744, vancouver@vacc.bc.ca

www.vacc.bc.ca/vancouver

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WEEKLY AND ONGOING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

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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 Clean Air Commute Stop. Amanda & Corinne invite you to stop by during your morning commute for cappuccinos, lattes, espresso & muffins (bring your own travel mug) and warm cheer Wednesdays anytime between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. until the last one (where we welcome the arrival of spring!) on March 21. Place: 511 Union Street (at Jackson) on the Adanac bike route.

Cost is FREE for cyclists & walkers. By donation for drivers. Proceeds go to BEST (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation) at www.best.bc.ca . Info or to RSVP: amanda_pitre-hayes@vancity.com

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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 bike fixing/skills share nights at Pedal Metal Studios & the Depot, 194 West 3rd (alley entrance). Usually from 6.30 until 9pm or so. Mostly it’s the bike polo folk coming in to build mallets and true wheels. Stand time by donation and some stock of used parts that sometimes has what you need. For details, phone 604-875-8679

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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 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 AT 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 AT 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 1:00 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).

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, maybe. Every Sunday Afternoon between 12-4 pm or til whenever. 194 West 3rd Avenue (alley entrance).

Some materials readily available. Welding and consumable donations sought and accepted graciously.
Hourly rate applicable/negotiable. For details, phone 604-875-8679

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Port Mann & Highway 1 Expansion -ˆ 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: 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.

www.gopetition.com/online/10170.html

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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

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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 a year.

For more information, visit the website at www.idlefree.ca

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Critical and Midnight Masses are places to meet awesome bikers outside of the web, but what about online?

Come check out www.fixedvancouver.com/ to chat and mingle with fellow cyclists from all over the city. Want to organize a bike ride? Post about it and get people to join you! Or talk about how the last ride went and share some of your pictures.

Despite the name it isn’t just for fixie riders — all bikers (of the pedal variety) are welcome.

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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


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! Critical Mass Vancouver vancouver@velolove.bc.ca !
! www.velolove.bc.ca !
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_ _ __.. .__o Last Friday of Every Month
– -_–.- _`<,_ 5:30 pm Van. Art Gallery
( ( (( (_)/ (_) Wear a Costume!

THE REVOLUTION IS NOT MOTORIZED