BC Bike Valet Grants Return for 3rd Year

Funding supports valet bike parking operations across the province

Secure bike parking could be coming to your community this summer, and you could help make it happen.

The BC Bike Valet Grant program, which provides funding for secure bike parking services, is returning in 2026. Application intake for the $200,000 fund opened on March 4th, closing March 31st.

“If you’ve ever thought, ‘hey, we should provide more bike parking’, then this grant could be for you,” said Colin Stein, executive director of the BC Cycling Coalition.

The BC Bike Valet Grant program is open to First Nations and local governments, non-profits, clubs, co-operatives, associations, and private businesses. Last year, 14 organizations received over $280,000 in funding to support the operation of bike valets at events and public venues in 12 communities across British Columbia.

"Many outdoor attractions and events don't have enough bike parking - we want to remove barriers to active transportation, and a valet service is a great way to do that," said Stein. "A little financial support can help to keep bike parking free for some groups, or will allow others to pay their staff a living wage - that's why the BC Bike Valet Grant program is so important."

The BC Cycling Coalition administers the BC Bike Valet Grant program on behalf of the Government of B.C. Last year, grantees reported that bike trips associated with BC Bike Valet use offset 900,000 vehicle kilometres travelled (VKTs) and the equivalent of 222 megatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).

Overall, three-quarters of BC Bike Valet users said their bike trip replaced a motor vehicle trip on the day of bike valet use.

"If you need evidence that supporting active transportation also supports climate action, look no further than the numbers coming out of the BC Bike Valet program," said Stein. "Plus, riding a bike is so cost effective. With so many affordability concerns these days, programs that support active transportation—incentivizing people to buy, ride and park a bike for everyday needs—makes a lot of sense on all levels.”

Averaging $20,000 per grant, BC Bike Valet program funding can be used to support equipment rentals and supplies, staff wages, and promotions, plus operations planning and reporting.

"Seeing the grantee reports come in, as well as photos from all these community events and activities across the province, is its own reward," said Stein. "Bike valets are truly gateways to more cycling, more connectivity, and more possibilities in these communities. “