Monday, November 30, 2009
Solar Panel Prices Dropping Fast
Good news for a rare autumn sunny day in Vancouver! Turns out solar panels are lasting longer than expected and that fact, coupled with strong incentives from some European countries means prices are going to fall on the photo-voltaic panels that turn sunshine into electricity.
full story via the Beeb
full story via the Beeb
Labels: bbc, bike sales figures europe, electricity, power prices, solar power
Friday, November 27, 2009
Free Bike To Work Presentation, Thursday, Dec. 3
Beat 2010 Traffic. Bike To Work!
Getting around the city? It may end up being the toughest event of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Metro Vancouver commuters are facing nearly two months of road closures and traffic challenges. But, there's one way to avoid the chaos. Consider biking to work. It's easier than you think and way more fun than fuming in traffic! Join MEC and the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition (VACC) Thursday, Dec. 3rd, 7pm at the Vancouver store (130 West Broadway) for great advice on:
Getting Your bike Ready
The Best Gear for Winter Riding
Safe routes in the City
Riding in Traffic
Realistic Expectations
The one hour presentation will be followed by a short question and answer session.
Are you going to be stuck in traffic, jammed onto overcrowded transit, or enjoying the peaceful, healthy experience of biking to work? Get the information you need to make the best choice for your daily commute.
Getting around the city? It may end up being the toughest event of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Metro Vancouver commuters are facing nearly two months of road closures and traffic challenges. But, there's one way to avoid the chaos. Consider biking to work. It's easier than you think and way more fun than fuming in traffic! Join MEC and the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition (VACC) Thursday, Dec. 3rd, 7pm at the Vancouver store (130 West Broadway) for great advice on:
Getting Your bike Ready
The Best Gear for Winter Riding
Safe routes in the City
Riding in Traffic
Realistic Expectations
The one hour presentation will be followed by a short question and answer session.
Are you going to be stuck in traffic, jammed onto overcrowded transit, or enjoying the peaceful, healthy experience of biking to work? Get the information you need to make the best choice for your daily commute.
Labels: 2010 olympics, cycling, mountain equipment co-op, sustainable transportation
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Canadian Track Cycling Gets A Boost With Pan-Am Games announcement
November 25, 2009 (Hamilton, ON) - The announcement by the Pan American Sport Organization on Nov. 7 awarding Toronto the 2015 Pan-Am Games is welcome news in Canadian track cycling circles. As part of the games, Hamilton will get a new 250m indoor velodrome built to meet international competition standards. It's a much-needed facility according to Andrew Iler, president of the National Cycling Centre.
"It's a gaping hole in our cycling infrastructure in this country that we can't host a major event," says Iler. "Our athletes have to go away to other countries to compete." He points out that Canada lags behind other nations in building the necessary infrastructure to foster the development of its track riders.
full story here
"It's a gaping hole in our cycling infrastructure in this country that we can't host a major event," says Iler. "Our athletes have to go away to other countries to compete." He points out that Canada lags behind other nations in building the necessary infrastructure to foster the development of its track riders.
full story here
Labels: athlete development, hamilton, medals, national cycling centre, pan-am games, track cycling, velodrome
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Vancouver in Video
The City of Vancouver has just launched its new Media Room. A great resource for learning about city initiatives, finding out more about the public art in our midst, and delving into the history (and current events) that have shaped Vancouver.
My contributions as a writer-producer and/or editor include:
Cycling Network
Hinge Park
Bridge To A Cool Planet
But there are lots of other interesting and informative videos to enjoy as well. Check it out!
My contributions as a writer-producer and/or editor include:
Cycling Network
Hinge Park
Bridge To A Cool Planet
But there are lots of other interesting and informative videos to enjoy as well. Check it out!
Labels: city projects, climate change, history, media, Olympics 2010, public art, streaming video, Vancouver
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
WINTER BIKE TO WORK CAMPAIGN TACKLES 2010 COMMUTING WOES
Nov. 17, 2009 – Getting around Vancouver will be challenging during the Winter Olympics. To address the issue, the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition is encouraging commuters to consider biking to work. Thanks to positive feedback from cyclists during Bike to Work Week (Nov. 2 - 8) and continuing support from TransLink, the VACC is extending its commuter station program for cyclists until the end of December and offering workplace programs to educate commuters on the 'how-to' aspects of riding their bike to work. Six additional stations (dates and locations below) will be available in the coming weeks, for commuter cyclists to stop by and enjoy a hot drink and free snack, get advice on winter maintenance and equipment suggestions, and enter to win a variety of bike-friendly prizes. In addition, special holiday themes at some of the stations will help reinforce the fun aspects of cycling, regardless of weather conditions.
"There's no doubt that cold and wet weather can be a barrier to winter bike commuting," says VACC representative Lisa Slakov. "The commuter stations are a way to reward those year-round cyclists who stick with sustainable transportation choices. They are also a great place to provide advice on equipment, clothing, and safe routes for those who are just starting out."
In addition to the extra commuter bike stations, the VACC is offering riding workshops designed to help those looking for an easier way to get around during the 2010 Olympic Games. Workplaces and other organizations can take advantage of the program's sensible advice on safety and equipment, promoting realistic expectations, and offering potential cycle commuters the moral support they need to overcome perceived barriers.
"How do I get started? Not being able to answer that question seems to be the biggest roadblock to those wondering if biking to work is right for them," says Slakov. "Our workshops help people find the right answers. With the Winter Olympics coming and road closures soon to be affecting many parts of the region, we want people to know that getting to work by bike is a great way to avoid the frustration of traffic jams and transit overcrowding."
WINTER BIKE TO WORK COMMUTER STATIONS
Date: Friday Nov. 20
Location: Central Valley Greenway at Gilmore Way (Home Depot)
Time: 07:00-09:00
Date: Thursday Nov. 26
Location: SW corner of Burrard Bridge
Time: 16:30 - 18:30
Date: Friday Dec. 4
Location: Cambie and 10th Ave (West side of Cambie)
Time: 07:00-09:00
Date: Thursday Dec. 10
Location: Frances/Union bike route between Fell Ave and Kensington Ave
Time: 16:30 - 18:30
Date: Friday Dec. 18
Location: Ontario and 33rd, Vancouver
Time: 07:00-09:00
Date: Tuesday Dec. 22
Location: Union and Main (Adanac/Union bike route)
Time: 16:30 - 18:30
For more information on getting your organization involved in Bike to Work programs, please visit: http://www.biketoworkmetrovan.ca/
WINTER BIKE COMMUTING WORKSHOPS
For more details on the Winter Bike Commuting Workshops, including how your company or organization can participate, visit http://vacc.bc.ca/cycling/cycling.php?pageID=39#2 or contact the VACC office:
Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition
Phone: 604-878-8222
Email: admin@vacc.bc.ca
Website: www.vacc.bc.ca
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Contact: Chris Keam
ckeam@telus.net
604-780-6125
"There's no doubt that cold and wet weather can be a barrier to winter bike commuting," says VACC representative Lisa Slakov. "The commuter stations are a way to reward those year-round cyclists who stick with sustainable transportation choices. They are also a great place to provide advice on equipment, clothing, and safe routes for those who are just starting out."
In addition to the extra commuter bike stations, the VACC is offering riding workshops designed to help those looking for an easier way to get around during the 2010 Olympic Games. Workplaces and other organizations can take advantage of the program's sensible advice on safety and equipment, promoting realistic expectations, and offering potential cycle commuters the moral support they need to overcome perceived barriers.
"How do I get started? Not being able to answer that question seems to be the biggest roadblock to those wondering if biking to work is right for them," says Slakov. "Our workshops help people find the right answers. With the Winter Olympics coming and road closures soon to be affecting many parts of the region, we want people to know that getting to work by bike is a great way to avoid the frustration of traffic jams and transit overcrowding."
WINTER BIKE TO WORK COMMUTER STATIONS
Date: Friday Nov. 20
Location: Central Valley Greenway at Gilmore Way (Home Depot)
Time: 07:00-09:00
Date: Thursday Nov. 26
Location: SW corner of Burrard Bridge
Time: 16:30 - 18:30
Date: Friday Dec. 4
Location: Cambie and 10th Ave (West side of Cambie)
Time: 07:00-09:00
Date: Thursday Dec. 10
Location: Frances/Union bike route between Fell Ave and Kensington Ave
Time: 16:30 - 18:30
Date: Friday Dec. 18
Location: Ontario and 33rd, Vancouver
Time: 07:00-09:00
Date: Tuesday Dec. 22
Location: Union and Main (Adanac/Union bike route)
Time: 16:30 - 18:30
For more information on getting your organization involved in Bike to Work programs, please visit: http://www.biketoworkmetrovan.ca/
WINTER BIKE COMMUTING WORKSHOPS
For more details on the Winter Bike Commuting Workshops, including how your company or organization can participate, visit http://vacc.bc.ca/cycling/cycling.php?pageID=39#2 or contact the VACC office:
Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition
Phone: 604-878-8222
Email: admin@vacc.bc.ca
Website: www.vacc.bc.ca
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Contact: Chris Keam
ckeam@telus.net
604-780-6125
Labels: 2010 olympics, bike commuting, bus overcrowding, sustainable transportation, traffic jams, translink, Vancouver, winter games, winter riding
Monday, November 9, 2009
The New York State of Mind
My latest article is online at the Tyee. Find out who's behind the Big Apple's transportation system reboot.
Why New York Enticed Translink Chief
When Translink CEO Tom Prendergast starts running NYC's transit system, he'll have a visionary ally in Janette Sadik-Khan.
By Chris Keam
Translink's challenges are once again in the spotlight, with a damning ministry report preceded by last week's announcement that CEO Tom Prendergast is leaving Vancouver to become the president of New York City Transit. The reasons for Prendergast's decision, rumored and official, include Translink troubles and Big Apple opportunities. But one largely unmentioned reality that surely played a role in Prendergast's decision is the powerful compatriot he will have in Janette Sadik-Khan. (Read the full article)
Why New York Enticed Translink Chief
When Translink CEO Tom Prendergast starts running NYC's transit system, he'll have a visionary ally in Janette Sadik-Khan.
By Chris Keam
Translink's challenges are once again in the spotlight, with a damning ministry report preceded by last week's announcement that CEO Tom Prendergast is leaving Vancouver to become the president of New York City Transit. The reasons for Prendergast's decision, rumored and official, include Translink troubles and Big Apple opportunities. But one largely unmentioned reality that surely played a role in Prendergast's decision is the powerful compatriot he will have in Janette Sadik-Khan. (Read the full article)
Labels: commuting, cycling, new york city, sustainable transportation, translink, Vancouver
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Mountain Equipment Co-op Unveils New Bike Line-up
A big development in the Canadian bike industry. Will it be a game-changer? MEC began offering repairs and servicing earlier this year. Now they will begin selling their own line of bikes. Add a comment and tell us your thoughts. Official MEC release below.
Official Release from MEC
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Outdoor retailer brings MEC bikes to co-op members
MEC bikes defined by ‘quality, value and performance’
Vancouver – Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) today unveiled its inaugural line of bicycles, online at www.mec.ca/bikes. The move reflects the co-op’s ongoing efforts to respond to its members’ needs and signals another step by the outdoor retailer to encourage Canadians to make cycling an integral part of their lives.
“Bicycles have a timeless appeal that we believe MEC bikes will honour and reinforce,” said CEO David Labistour. “Quality, value and performance are hallmarks of MEC-brand products, and these same traits define MEC bikes. We are confident that our members will be very satisfied with MEC bikes.”
With eleven styles in four categories – mountain, road, specialty and urban – MEC-brand bikes will appeal to all manner of riders. Each style is available in a unisex frame; three are also available in frames that are specifically designed for women.
The MEC bike line consists of two hard-tail mountain bikes, three road bikes and five urban styles. A folding specialty bike rounds out the line, which will also see a kids’ bike introduced in early 2010.
MEC bikes were designed in-house by seasoned Canadian bicycle designer, MEC product manager Tim McDermott. The line has a strong urban focus that aims to provide bike commuters and other city cyclists with a great riding experience, ease of use and low maintenance.
“The MEC bike line is geared to what our customers want,” said McDermott. “A majority of MEC members stated a preference for urban bikes, and we worked hard to push the bounds of what urban bikes can be.”
The Shadowlands model illustrates the urban focus. Featuring a lightweight aluminum frame, 27 gear options and hydraulic disk brakes, the Shadowlands makes ascending and descending even steep city streets easy. The bold, bright finish and unique graphic illustrations sets it apart from other bikes.
MEC’s entry into bike sales and repairs is a logical extension of the outdoor retailer’s 38-year history of supporting its members’ pursuit of self-propelled outdoor recreation. It is also part of the co-op’s long-term goal to get more Canadians, and youth especially, active in outdoor recreation.
“Our objective is to see more Canadians riding bikes – any bikes – and we welcome opportunities to work with the cycling industry and community partners to make that happen,” said CEO Labistour.
MEC’s community grants program has provided more than $450,000 to date in support of cycling advocacy and infrastructure projects across Canada.
MEC bikes are presently being sold at select Mountain Equipment Co-op stores, in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Winnipeg as well as the co-op’s new Longueuil, QC store. MEC’s Burlington, ON and Montreal (Marche Central) stores will also be selling bikes, beginning in February 2010.
Each of these stores has a full-service repair shop staffed with at least one certified bike mechanic. The in-store bike shops and a rigorous cycling training program for MEC store employees are fundamental elements in supporting members’ purchases of MEC bikes.
MEC’s reputation for making products that last is evident in the quality parts that were chosen to complement name-brand components. MEC bikes are equipped with parts that should limit maintenance to only normal wear and tear.
Detailed product information – including a complete list of specifications, dynamic comparison charts and high-resolution images – for all MEC bikes is available at www.mec.ca/bikes.
About MEC
Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) is Canada’s leading retailer of outdoor clothing, gear and services for self-propelled activities like hiking, cycling and snowsports. Established in 1971, MEC operates 13 destination stores in central locations across Canada. MEC has more than 3 million members throughout Canada and around the world. Widely recognized for its commitment to sustainability, MEC is a member of One Percent for The Planet and supports various community-based outdoor and environmental initiatives through its grants program. Anyone can join MEC and become part-owner in the Co-op, by purchasing a $5 lifetime individual membership. Members are entitled to buy gear and to vote on how MEC is governed. More information about MEC is available at www.mec.ca.
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Labels: bicycle business, bike industry, canada, commuting, cycling industry, healthy bicycle market, mountain equipment co-op
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