Explore every episode of the podcast Bike Sense
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How Bike Friendly Community Awards give municipalities a boost | 25 Sep 2024 | 00:24:56 | |
Subha Ramanathan, Manager of Programs and Partnerships for the Share the Road Cycling Coalition in Ontario, explains Ontario's transformative Bike Friendly Community Awards – touching on how municipalities achieve scores (The Five 'E's), how the awards competition boosts active transportation, and how we might bring this program to BC.
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| Salt Spring's Crucial Bike Route Gap, and BC Transit's Vision | 29 Jul 2024 | 00:31:37 | |
An eye-opening conversation with Steve New, board member of Island Pathways and former Chief Operating Officer of BC Transit.
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| Dr Trent Smith has a prescription: School Streets for Kamloops | 30 Jul 2023 | 00:31:47 | |
Kamloops Pediatrician Dr. Trent Smith is a passionate advocate for active transportation, starting with the basics: how our kids get to school. Kent talks to Peter about the benefits of getting kids out of cars, building safe routes to school, changing cultural norms around cycling, the success of this spring's 'Drive to 5' pilot project, and how we can start moving the needle beyond major urban centres.
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| Riding the Okanagan Rail Trail with Matt Vader | 19 Jul 2023 | 00:19:06 | |
Peter Ladner talks to Matt Vader, Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture, District of Lake Country, about the amazing 50-km Okanagan Rail Trail starting at the north end of Kalamalka Lake and ending at Okanagan Lake in downtown Kelowna. Okanagan Rail Trail - Where Will It Take You?
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| MLA Josie Osborne on biking the Pacific Rim | 23 Jun 2023 | 00:25:22 | |
As Mayor of Tofino, Josie Osborne was a prime mover of the spectacular multi-use trail from Tofino to Ucluelet, through Pacific Rim National Park on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Join host Peter Ladner in conversation with Josie, who tells us which MLAs ride their bikes to work, her reaction to the huge uptake on the province's e-bike rebate program and her favourite sections of the trail.
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| From Smithers to Telkwa with Allan Cormier | 10 Apr 2023 | 00:29:18 | |
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| Welcome to Bike Sense! Show trailer. | 07 Apr 2023 | 00:01:03 | |
Welcome to Bike Sense: the podcast of the BC Cycling Coalition.
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| The Dutch Cycling Revolution: Lessons for BC | 07 Jun 2024 | 00:34:04 | |
Consul General for the Kingdom of the Netherlands to BC, Sebastiaan Messerschmidt, shares his firsthand experiences of growing up in a country that prioritizes cycling. From his nostalgic childhood memories of biking freely and safely to his current efforts in promoting active transportation projects globally, Sebastiaan offers a unique perspective on the transformative power of cycling-friendly infrastructure, what we can do to up our game, and where BC is getting it right.
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| Bike Valet! It's simple, it's cheap, it keeps your bike safe. | 07 May 2024 | 00:35:28 | |
How does a fleet of cyclists lobby City Hall at a meeting where there's no bike parking? BCCC Bike Valet Grant Administrator Sam Holland explains how that bike parking gap in San Francisco in the 1970s led to an explosion of bike valet parking around North America. He explains how bike valets change the way people get to festivals, sporting events, town hall meetings and shopping destinations, including a couple who ride from Saanich to downtown Victoria to shop just because their bikes are protected by a bike valet.
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| Powell River's lone protected intersection: hot potato, or sign of things to come? | 10 Apr 2024 | 00:28:29 | |
Welcome to Powell River: home of BC's first small-city semi-protected intersection! It may be one small step, and it didn't come without controversy — but Anastasia Lukyanova, Sustainability Planner for the City of Powell River, sees it as a victory. What will it take now, to satisfy the City's demands for transportation alternatives and build a comprehensive cycling network in Powell River? Read about the controversial Manson and Duncan intersection project: HERE
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| Penticton: the city that banned discussion of bike lanes | 05 Mar 2024 | 00:33:17 | |
The City of Penticton gained infamy when its City Council tried to ban discussion of bike lanes until 2026. One Councillor's political about-face almost stopped the bike lanes, but a clever amendment and determined advocates got the project back on track. Matt Hopkins tells the story of how four friends and their farmers' market bike valet kick-started cycling improvements in Penticton. Now, the 6.5 km Lke-to-Lake route is nearing completion.
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| Copenhagen in New Westminster? The Mayor of New West says YES! | 08 Feb 2024 | 00:33:02 | |
New Westminster Mayor Patrick Johnstone answers the $4 billion question: What would happen if the BC government spent as much on active transportation as it is does on one tunnel crossing? Answer: Castlegar would have a full bike and pedestrian network, and New West would be Copenhagen.
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| Busting myths and crunching numbers: what really adds up to safe cycling? | 16 Dec 2023 | 00:36:13 | |
Is helmet-wearing the key to safe cycling ? Maybe NOT! Kay Teschke, retired UBC Prof in Occupational and Environmental Health, joins Peter to debunk misconceptions and talk about what really makes cycling safe. Whether it's helmet laws, safe passing distances, bike lights, or cyclist-pedestrian conflicts — Kay's got the data and she's not afraid to use it. Read about the BC Government's controversial Bill 23 legislation regarding safe passing distances around cyclists HERE.
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| Shared mobility rocks! Bringing shared e-bikes, cars, scooters and buses into the mix | 09 Nov 2023 | 00:33:52 | |
Shared Mobility Architect Sandra Phillips believes in connecting the dots between shared transportation modes to help people get around safely and quickly, while reducing dependence on privately owned automobiles. Movmi, her BC-based consulting firm, has worked with communities from Switzerland to Vancouver, and from Moncton NB to Portland, Nelson, Osoyoos, and New York state — helping communities structure and finance shared cargo bikes, e-scooters, cars, and even electric autonomous on-demand buses to enable shared mobility at every scale. Future Mobility expert Jennifer Dungs also talks about Ossining in this WEBINAR on Lower Density and Bike Revolution, moderated by Sandra and including Kassandra McCleery from Copenhagenize and Ashley Finch from Atlanta.
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| 2 Kids, 2 E-bikes, No Car: A year-round cycling family in Whistler | 10 Oct 2023 | 00:36:52 | |
Peter Ladner brings in son Brendan and daughter-in-law Amanda to dish on the reality of life as a bikes-only family in Whistler, BC. We talk ice, snow, studded tires, e-bikes, irate drivers, singing kids, and Whistler's political will — or notable lack thereof.
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| Trailblazers Unite! Connecting the Sunshine Coast from Langdale to Lund | 22 Oct 2024 | 00:29:56 | |
Tannis Braithwaite, retired lawyer and director with the Connect the Coast Society, shares her passionate advocacy for the Connect the Coast Trail — a visionary cycling project linking Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, and the Sunshine Coast along the Highway 101 corridor.
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| Lower Speed Limits, Safer Streets: Unleashing the power of 30 km/hr Zones in BC | 01 Dec 2024 | 00:33:20 | |
What if a simple policy change could dramatically decrease road injuries and elevate community well-being? Dr. Michael Schwandt, Medical Health Officer for Vancouver Coastal Health, helps us unravel the transformative potential of a 30 km/hour speed limit on residential streets in British Columbia. We examine how this seemingly small adjustment could significantly reduce traffic fatalities and injuries, while fostering a safer environment for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
Got feedback or ideas for future episodes? Please drop us an email at admin@bccycling.ca. | |||
| Accessibility, Equity, Joy, and Fun: E-bike subsidies can take us there | 23 Dec 2024 | 00:32:15 | |
UBC Prof and Transportation Engineer Dr. Alex Bigazzi explains how e-bike rebate programs are transforming the transportation landscape in BC. Bigazzi has all the data on who gets the subsidies, how the bikes are being used, whether anyone is taking a 'free ride' on the program, and whether e-bikes are actually replacing cars ... or bikes.
Got feedback or ideas for future episodes? Please drop us an email at admin@bccycling.ca. | |||
| Indigenous Communities moving ahead with Active Transportation | 27 Jan 2025 | 00:20:37 | |
Active transportation in Indigenous communities isn't just a matter of movement — it's also about culture, identity, and safety. Aaron Pete, Chawathil First Nation Councillor (and Podcaster!), shares how the Chawathil are forging partnerships to support the Coast to Canyon Trail near Hope, BC, identifying the changes necessary for safe travel within the region, and integrating traditional values into modern transportation plans.
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| Cycling Without Age: How trishaws are reconnecting seniors to community life | 20 Mar 2025 | 00:39:34 | |
Find out how the simple act of feeling wind in your hair can transform a day of isolation into one filled with joy, connection, and even awakened memories. Jennifer Reid, Co-Founder and Director of Vancouver Cycling Without Age Society, joins us to explore how specialized three-wheeled 'trishaws' are creating magical moments for seniors across British Columbia. What began with one bike named after Jennifer's mother has grown into a fleet of six trishaws serving 12 partner facilities throughout Vancouver, and chapters operating in 14 communities across BC. The program, which started in Denmark, now thrives in 41 countries with 3,500 chapters worldwide. To learn how you can help bring the wind-in-your-hair experience to seniors in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia visit cyclingwithoutage.ca/vancouver facebook.com/cwavancouver Global Film Contact Jennifer Reid at jenreid@cyclingwithoutage.ca
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| The End of Bike Theft Anxiety: New insurance solutions for cyclists | 03 Apr 2025 | 00:28:07 | |
Nick van Egmond, CEO of Bicycle Broker, introduces 'Sundays' — a comprehensive insurance solution designed specifically for cyclists that covers theft and damage for all types of bikes across Canada. Traditional home and tenant insurance typically demands a high deductible and leaves gaps in bicycle coverage. This new product provides 24/7 protection both on and off your property, with much lower deductibles. Nick also offers a few pro tips on new ways to keep your bike safe and recover a stolen bike.
Got feedback or ideas for future episodes? Please drop us an email at admin@bccycling.ca. | |||
| Electric Cargo Bikes, yours for free – from the local library! | 29 Apr 2025 | 00:28:08 | |
Curious about cargo e-bikes but hesitant to invest thousands without trying one first? North Vancouver has created an elegant solution that's transforming how families approach transportation decisions. All you need is a library card to check one out. Duncan Wilcock, co-founder of Better North Shore, joins Bike Sense to share the story behind North Vancouver's groundbreaking cargo e-bike library program. Contact Duncan at duncan@wilcock.ca More info for people wanting to start up a cargo bike lending program in their own municipality: DNV Libraries Cargo Bike Program
Got feedback or ideas for future episodes? Please drop us an email at admin@bccycling.ca. | |||
| Balance Bikes to Bike Buses: Turning kids on to cycling, for life! | 17 Jun 2025 | 00:37:09 | |
How can we transform young children into lifelong cyclists? Maya Goldstein's innovative Kids on Wheels and School Bike Bus programs teach biking to children as young as age two, and bring out as many as 60 kids at a time to ride to school together. Listen up to find out how you can get your local young'uns on two wheels before car culture takes hold – wherever you live! Bike Bus resources: SUPER CUTE Gordon Elementary Bike Bus CoV video June 2023 Check out Maya's Bike Bus musings on Linkedin . Contact Maya at maya.goldstein@bikehub.ca
Got feedback or ideas for future episodes? Please drop us an email at admin@bccycling.ca. | |||
| Trials and Tribulations on the Trans-Canada Trail | 28 May 2025 | 00:35:56 | |
Conflicts between motorized vehicles (ATVs, dirt bikes) and non-motorized users (cyclists, hikers) present ongoing challenges for multi-use trails – particularly when the trail spans almost 30,000km! Trails BC Director Léon Lebrun shares his 29-year journey with the Trans-Canada Trail, revealing how this ambitious project went from concept to reality while still facing significant challenges in British Columbia. We also explore the evolution of trail management from grassroots engagement to centralized control, with Léon advocating for a return to more local involvement and partnership. You can find out about the Trans Canada Trail and other BC Trails at TrailsBC.ca.
Got feedback or ideas for future episodes? Please drop us an email at admin@bccycling.ca. | |||
| How cycling advocate Eleanor McMahon changed laws to save lives | 18 Jul 2025 | 00:50:11 | |
What does it take to transform personal tragedy into meaningful policy change? Eleanor McMahon's story provides a masterclass in effective advocacy that transcends political divisions while saving lives on our roads. Visit Share the Road Cycling Coalition HERE
Got feedback or ideas for future episodes? Please drop us an email at admin@bccycling.ca. | |||
| Rails vs Trails: Re-imagining Vancouver Island's 289-km rail corridor | 02 Jul 2025 | 00:28:52 | |
Is it all over for trains on the abandoned E&N Rail line stretching 289 kilometres along Vancouver Island? Check out Friends of Rails to Trains Vancouver Island HERE and be sure to watch their delightful video. For another view on the corridor's future, see https://www.islandrail.ca/.
Got feedback or ideas for future episodes? Please drop us an email at admin@bccycling.ca. | |||
| The Trail Builder's Playbook: Allan Kindrat's Guide to Making Paths Possible | 08 Aug 2025 | 00:27:45 | |
Transportation Engineer Allan Kindrat's groundbreaking work on the Cycle 16 multi-use path connecting Smithers and Telkwa recently earned a Gold Award from the Planning Institute of BC, recognizing two decades of persistent community advocacy finally bearing fruit. ********************** Find out more about Cycle 16 (Smithers to Telkwa) HERE Find out more about Sunshine Coast: Connect the Coast Trail HERE Visit Allan Kindrat HERE Learn about B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants (and find out which projects have received them) HERE
Got feedback or ideas for future episodes? Please drop us an email at admin@bccycling.ca. | |||
| A Cycling Champion in a Pickup Truck Town | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:25:23 | |
What does it take to transform a car-dependent small town into a place where cycling feels safe and accessible? Ruth Lloyd is finding out firsthand in Williams Lake, BC. Find out more about Streets For All Williams Lake HERE.
Got feedback or ideas for future episodes? Please drop us an email at admin@bccycling.ca. | |||
| When E-Bikes Become Motorcycles: The Gray Areas of Electric Transportation | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:36:26 | |
Trail Rep for the Fraser Valley Mountain Bike Association, Founding Member of the Mission Community Cycling Coalition, former bike-shop owner, and also motorcycle enthusiast Rocky Blondin reveals how the once-clear distinction between motorized and non-motorized vehicles has become dangerously blurred. In BC pedal-assist e-bikes are classified as bicycles, but this has opened the door to much more powerful devices exploiting regulatory gaps. From teenagers racing modified e-scooters at 80km/h on sidewalks to disguised electric motorcycles damaging mountain bike trails, these situations create real safety hazards. Despite these concerns, Rocky remains enthusiastic about electric mobility's transformative benefits. Listen in to hear his innovative solutions such as a "green sticker" system to identify compliant devices, and how 'right to repair' can support the cycling industry as well as making e-bikes more sustainable. Reach out to Rocky at bruce.rockford@gmail.com
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| BC's Future as a Global Cycle Tourism Destination | 01 Oct 2025 | 00:36:26 | |
Imagine riding along dedicated trails through ancient forests and pristine valleys, stopping at local cafes and wineries along the way. This vision of cycle tourism isn't just a cyclist's dream – it's a billion-dollar economic opportunity, as Let's Go Biking author Colleen MacDonald reveals in our captivating conversation. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast planning your next adventure, a community planner interested in sustainable tourism, or simply someone who appreciates BC's natural beauty, this episode offers a compelling vision of how cycle tourism could transform our province while preserving what makes it special. ************** To read more about Colleen's adventures, order her books, or connect with her about Cycle Tourism, visit www.letsgobiking.net
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| Is BC's New Minimum Safe Passing Law Working? The RCMP Weighs In | 14 Oct 2025 | 00:35:08 | |
The width of a queen-size mattress. That’s the picture we keep coming back to when we talk about BC’s new minimum safe passing distance for cyclists. But how can police actually prove a too-close pass, and what tools — from dashcams to clear signage to fines — will result in safer daily rides? Corporal Michael McLaughlin, Media Relations Officer for BC Highway Patrol (RCMP), joins us to unpack what’s enforceable, what’s cultural, and where advocates can focus to move the needle. Bill 24 (safe passing distance legistlation) Share the Road Cycling Coalition (ON) Cops for Cancer fatality Prince George
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| New West Mayor talks Funding Freeze, Speed Cameras, Car Brain, and Safer Streets | 27 Oct 2025 | 00:28:26 | |
'Slow down cars and save lives' sounds obvious, but how do we actually make that work on the ground? Where does funding for speed enforcement come from, and when fines are charged, where does the money actually land? New Westminster Mayor Patrick Johnstone debunks the myth of the speed-trap 'cash cow' and takes a clear-eyed look at BC’s pause on active transportation funding, the politics of 30 km/h residential limits, and why automated speed enforcement could be the fastest way to real safety gains.
Got feedback or ideas for future episodes? Please drop us an email at admin@bccycling.ca. | |||