March Newsletter & AT Advocacy Update

Make the Most of What You’ve Got.

Money and time—there’s never enough of either, and usually all at once.

Though sometimes that’s when opportunities for growth and progress are at their ripest, when you stop caring about money and stop worrying about time. When you start working on real change.

This year in B.C., active transportation will be short of money, this much we know. And time? Looking at the bigger picture—in life and around the world—we know there’s none to waste.

So this year we’re thinking carefully about the money and time we do have, and using them both to foster more connections, new relationships, and working together.

It’s working with what you’ve got, and it’s our 2026 focus at the BCCC.

It just might be enough…and it might also be the unwritten theme of our 2026 AGM, happening on Zoom on Thursday, April 9th.

If you’re a member—it’s still free, for now—our AGM might be the most bike-y, walk-y, advocacy-friendly meeting you attend all year. (Except for the Summit.)

Consider joining us, and learning how we’re spending our money and time to help move active transportation forward in B.C.

We don’t have much of either…but with your help, maybe we can make that change thing happen.

Budget: Active Transportation Squeezed

Advocates still holding their breaths as cuts threaten capital investments & program funding

The 2026 Budget was many things, including a projection of fiscal pragmatism and stability in the face of a massive debt accrued over the past few years.

Many transportation programs that have historically been considered part of the province’s sustainable future, like Vision Zero, the clean energy transition, and plans to support climate, economic and population health, are likely headed for the chopping block.

E-bike rebates, capital funding for AT-related projects on provincial highways and bridges, and grants for local governments and First Nations, remain unfunded for 2026 at time of writing.

The message being heard consistently about future AT funding? “Don’t count on it.” Read more →

BC Bike Valet Grant Program application intake open

Is there demand in your community for bike parking at local venues and events? You can support people taking a bike instead of a car, and give them a safe place to park, with a BC Bike Valet (BCBV) grant.

BCBV grants can help your organization start up a bike valet, build capacity, or to expand an existing bike valet operation.

Call for abstracts open!

Intake for first wave of speaker proposals ends March 31st.

If your community has a story to tell about its progress from good to great, consider a submission to speak at this year’s AT Summit, October 28-30th in Victoria. We’re looking for:

Experienced speakers and facilitators from diverse backgrounds and locations.
Content about best practices, case studies, research reports, success stories, and lessons learned.
Formats like slide presentations, expert Q&As, discussion panels, interactive workshops, and more.
A variety of topics, from community-led advocacy and cycling culture, to education, planning, engineering and policy-making, to systems-level thinking and data analysis (or surprise us!)

Do you know what’s moving active transportation forward in B.C.? Then make sure you apply by March 31st →

Province begins legislative review processes for Motor Vehicle Act, no fault insurance

The provincial government will conduct reviews of two important pieces of legislation affecting cycling & walking in 2026: the Motor Vehicle Act and the Insurance (Vehicle) Act.

The Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) was updated in 2024, with changes that included the recognition of vulnerable road users and minimum passing distances for vehicles. This spring, the provincial government is engaging with interest holders to discuss potential changes to the MVA for introduction in spring 2027, including rules of the road and potential new safety rules. Learn more about the engagement process →

In 2020, the Insurance (Vehicle) Act was amended to remove certain legal rights for people involved in motor vehicle crashes (“no fault”), as well as the introduction of Enhanced Care, operated by ICBC. Last month, a special committee was appointed by parliament to review how it’s been working. See the committee meeting schedule & contact info →

Tim Hewett: How “No Bike Route City” became BC’s Cycling Capital

Victoria’s lead transportation planner Time Hewett joins Peter to tell the story of how the compact capital pulled together and connected regional trails, ultimately building a series of urban AT routes that cross the city, and that people actually use—every day, all season long.

From the early days of bicycle planning to 2016’s Biketoria vision to today’s incredible mobility network, Tim tells the tale of how Victoria stole Vancouver’s crown as BC’s best bike-friendly city.

Alexis Thibeault: Anyone Can Ride! HUB Cycling Teaches Bike Skills for Life

What would it take to make cycling safety and skills education as normal as driver training or swim lessons?

Peter chats with Alexis Thibeault, StreetWise Manager at HUB Cycling, to dig into what cycling education looks like in British Columbia today, and what’s still missing—fom the earliest building blocks of learning to ride, to the use of structured coaching for adults embracing bike life for the first time.

LATEST PODCAST EPISODES

AT News Round-up

BEST’s WALK30 event—the friendly competition starts April 1!

More active transportation news and events

WALK30, an annual walking challenge that aims to inspire people in Metro Vancouver to establish a daily walking routine, launches April 1st in New Westminster with a walk hosted by Mayor Patrick Johnstone. WALK30 runs the entire month of April. Learn more →

Vancouver City Council’s Select Standing Committee on City Finance and Services met on March 11th, and BCCC Board Chair Peter Ladner spoke in favour of a motion entitled, “Cheap, Easy & Everywhere: Unlocking the full potential of shared mobility to reduce traffic congestion across Metro Vancouver”. It passed, with city staff directed to develop a Bike Share Growth Strategy and to advocate for TransLink to lead and fund a coordinated regional bike-share system. Read the full motion →

BCCC’s 2026 AGM is April 9th, and will feature Board and staff updates, guest speaker Paul Taplin of Into the Wild Cycling Tours, and proposed bylaw amendments, including changes to organization and individual member classes. Want to participate? Join BCCC for free, and then register starting March 19th →

There’s lots going on, and we’re hoping for your support.

Government doesn’t fund this kind of advocacy. By donating a few dollars each month to the BCCC, you can help advance AT in your community and across the province.

SUPPORT THE BCCC

One BCCC member will support the development of a provincial cycle tourism strategy, and will match every individual donation up to $10,000 to help make that happen. You could help too.

SUPPORT CYCLE TOURISM

Let’s keep moving forward—together!

Thank you,

Colin Stein | Executive Director
on behalf of BCCC Board of Directors & Staff