Who's Cycling?
Active transportation is easy, efficient, safe, and affordable, and now it's becoming more accessible to more people.
People of almost any age and ability level can learn to ride a bicycle. Local governments are also helping to improve cycling conditions for everyone, from the most vulnerable to the most experienced riders, helping to redefine how we all get around in British Columbia.
There’s no minimum or maximum age for cycling—it can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
If you can manage a few basic motor skills, you can cycle — no special training is required to ride most types of bicycles.
Many people with disabilities can cycle using modified, ‘adaptive’ bicycles, tricycles, and e-bikes; adaptive bikes can support competitive cycling for athletes with certain visual or physical impairments, and some can even be used on mountain bike trails.
Children & Seniors
Children as early as preschool age can ride bicycles, often starting with pedal-free balance bikes. For young ones lacking skills or stamina for longer rides, cargo bikes, child seats, and trailers are useful.
Recreational trails and quiet neighbourhood streets are often suitable for families with young riders, or older riders with less confidence or experience.
For seniors, cycling is a healthy, low-impact form of exercise and a great way to maintain independence.
Look for Cycling Without Age in your area.
Adult tricycles, including recumbent tricycles, offer additional stability to reduce risk of falls due to balance concerns—some people ride bikes into their nineties!
B.C. Cycling Statistics
22.4% of B.C. commuters walk, bike, or use public transit.
2.5% of British Columbians commute by bike—top cycle commuting cities in B.C. include Revelstoke (14%), Victoria (11%), Whistler (10%), Vancouver (6%), and Kelowna (4%).
93% of British Columbians expect to spend more time walking or cycling in the future.
British Columbians spend about one-sixth of their travel time walking or cycling to typical destinations.
One-third of B.C. households have at least one school-aged child walking or cycling to school.
SOURCES: B.C. Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure 2019 Active Transportation Population Survey Report; Statistics Canada, 2016 Census.
