April 17, 2012 (Vancouver, BC) – On Friday, April 13, the YMCA of Greater Vancouver launched a Staff Bike Share program for the first time. The purpose of the project is to inspire YMCA staff to take leadership by modeling healthy lifestyles and the use of environmentally sustainable transportation in the city.

Staff will have access to six new low-maintenance performance-oriented city bikes made by Giant bicycles, which can be signed out during the day for a variety of purposes, from attending meetings or work activities, to a lunch hour cruise around the nearby seawall. The program was made possible through the YMCA Innovation Fund which encourages staff to develop new and innovative ideas for the organization and the families it serves. The bicycles and supplies were purchased through Local Ride Bike Shop in Maple Ridge, one of the premier dealers of Giant bicycles in the Lower Mainland.

The YMCA is dedicated to improving the health of men, women, children and families through programs that help people live more active lives. With Canadians spending an increasing amount of time being inactive, the need for programs like the YMCA Staff Bike Share that model healthy behaviours is great.

The project began on Friday with an inaugural bike ride to promote the program, and gave staff the opportunity to take the brand new bikes out for their first spin in downtown Vancouver.