PRESIDENTS REPORT — Allan Buium
The falling leaves of Autumn are being raked away – most to the compost heap and some to a smouldering pyre where we can only dream of those baked potatoes of decades gone by. For some of our members these thoughts are probably insignificant when compared to the migration of our fine feathered friends heading to warmer climes and our snowbirds who will soon follow a similar path. For many of us the migration is only a passing thought and the weekly rides, camaraderie and chatter over coffee will continue to be looked forward to, regardless of the cooling temperatures.
The compost heap was the end of a lengthy campaign for many of the candidates on October 19th. But many of those elected support a more positive approach to lessening the carbon footprint on our environment. Is this of any interest to CCCTS members? Absolutely! With the promises of future investments in infrastructure projects and lobbying by cycling coalition groups; i.e. BC Cycling Coalition, maybe we will see some improvements in cycle routes within and outside the urban centres. Tours and Hub & Spokes that have travelled along Hwy. 1 and other well travelled roads can certainly attest to the need for shoulder improvements. Moving people in a more environmentally friendly mode should certainly be considered.
On this theme we should be cognizant of the upcoming international climate conference in Paris. Our support for the new Canadian governments promises are hopefully welcomed by CCCTS members. But why? Arent we practioners of a more environmentally friendly mode of travel? Will this debate also allude to the oft mentioned dilemma of modern society that is, excessive consumption of consumer goods? I could get into an extensive dialogue on this theme but will leave that to you and your conscience.
Over the years I have been caught up in a self-directed debate on inclusion/accommodation and the following is only a brief summation of those thoughts. As you have read in recent Board Minutes – a committee has been discussing amendments to a few clauses in our Constitution and By-Laws. These will be emailed in ample time for you to consider the wording prior to the AGM on December 7th. Im mentioning this because we are recommending that we retain the purposes of the Society; i.e. To encourage and assist its members to socialize and to remain healthy and active. and To encourage and support bicycling for transportation, recreation and sport. These objectives certainly enter into the international debate on climate change. They imply that our 500 plus members should be accommodated so as they will be encouraged to participate in more of our rides.
Dont forget that the AGM is on Monday, December 7th and if you, or someone you know, is interested in being involved in the workings of the Club, the nominating committee, chaired by Doug McIntyre, our Past President, is seeking volunteers to sit on the Board. Just contact Doug (604-987-3187) and he will be happy to explain what is involved.
General meeting notice
CCCTS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Monday, December 7, 2015, 11:00 am South Delta Baptist Church, 1988 56th St., Tsawwassen, B.C. Luncheon to follow meeting ($5).
Hub and Spoke Vernon 2016
A hub and spoke for Vernon area is in the works for the week of June 19th-24/16, . Following that, details will follow in future newsletters regarding reservations for the campground at the head of Okanagan Lake/or hotels in town. Ride length, ability, number of cyclists, etc. will be established and detailed then as well.
New Trip Reports
- B.C. Lakes and Mountains (Intermediate-Advanced bicycle tour: September 8-21, 2015)
- Three Cheers to Ruth Ann Stacey: Leader of the Hub and Spoke: Off the Beaten Paths of Kittitas County, Washington.by John Pringle
Vancou
ver Sets an Impressive Standard for Transportation Consultation
Written by: Hilary Angus
The City of Vancouver is about to embark upon a consultation project that will cement its reputation as a North American leader in bike infrastructure.
The municipality is in the early stages of a plan to improve the 10th Avenue corridor, currently a traffic-calmed local street bikeway which runs across 7.5 km (4.6 miles) of Vancouvers south shore. As it is a heavily-used corridor for both people on bikes and people in cars, the city is taking impressive initiative to ensure that the effort put into the corridor improvement produces results that meet the needs and expectations of those who use it.
Over the course of the following year or so, the municipality will be actively seeking feedback from people who walk, cycle and drive down the 10th Avenue corridor to better understand areas that work and areas that could use improvement. Their ultimate aim with the project is to make the corridor safe for people walking and biking of all ages and abilities, while still maintaining access for people that are driving, particularly in the area of the Vancouver General Hospital (VGH). By combining resident feedback with technical input and an analysis of usage patterns, they will be able to implement design solutions that maximize space, safety and traffic flow for all modes.
At a time when the need for better cycling and walking infrastructure is really being felt across North America, it is encouraging to see a citys leadership take such an active interest not only in improving the infrastructure, but improving it according to the particular needs of its residents. Vancouvers initiative could provide a benchmark for other cities undertaking similar projects in the future.
This article from Momemtum Mag, July 23, 2015 has been edited.
Upcoming Tours
- 2016 Tanzania Surf to Summit
- 2016 Tanzania Zanzibar to Moshi
- Italy – Apennines to Adriatic Tour
- Iran 2016: Ancient Persia and Modern Iran Bike & Van