May Newsletter: Bike Valet Grant Awards, AT Summit Program and more

Fulfilling demand, celebrating excellence.

We don’t usually build a thing without knowing it’ll get used. Nobody ever said, “Let’s set up a bike valet and see if they’ll come.”

The best investments are driven by demand, and predictable growth. That’s why we’re so excited by attended bike parking—more and more cities, towns and communities want it. They’re seeing the people…and they’re bringing their bikes.

Because of this phenomenon, the BC Bike Valet Grant program has already had its biggest year yet—more applicants than ever before, and with the support of the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit, we’ve awarded the most grants yet.

It’s about fulfilling demand for more bike parking, and that can only be a good thing. Read more about that below.

Speaking of building things that work, we like it when that happens…and in transportation, we also like seeing it in AT education, policies, laws, plans, and all the stuff of AT infrastructure. Once it’s been studied, proven, and done successfully, it’s important to get together to celebrate and talk about it. To talk about excellence, and to figure out how to do more of it.

That’s the objective at this year’s AT Summit, to recognize all the ways we’re moving from good to great in B.C. (and in in all the places), and to learn from one another about how it’s all done.

We’re excited to give you a sneak preview of the 2026 conference program, with our first wave of session topics, speakers and sponsors— please scroll on.

Biggest year yet: BC Bike Valet grants supporting 17 different communities

Funded by the B.C. government, the program has awarded 45 grants for attended bike parking in communities across the province since 2024.

In total, $200,000 in funding was awarded to community groups, event organizers and local governments to support the operation of free, attended bike parking services.

Over three years, BC Bike Valet Grants have provided almost $700,000 in funding to grantees in seven different regions.

This year's cohort was the largest yet, with grants ranging from $3,500 to over $20,000, helping offset the costs of staffing, promoting and setting up attended bike parking operations at public venues and events.

Read the announcement & see the list of locations →

Sneak Preview: 2026 AT Summit Program

The first 10 session topics and speakers of this year's AT Summit program has just been released!

See the confirmed 2026 AT Summit topics & speakers →

With the support of local host partner Capital Bike, Zero Emissions Innovation Centre (ZEIC), the Government of B.C., and a growing list of partners and sponsors, we’re organizing a mix of workshops, conference sessions, social events and meeting opportunities designed specifically for B.C.’s active transportation community.

The 4th AT Summit takes place October 28-30, 2026 at the Victoria Convention Centre—the first time the conference will take place in the provincial capital.

Join the mailing list for registration updates, and see you there!

Provincial gov’t seeking public input on no-fault insurance & Enhanced Care

In 2020, the B.C. Government amended the laws that determine ICBC's ability to award damages for crashes on BC's roads, or "no-fault" insurance.

The changes to the Insurance (Vehicle) Act restricts the ability for anyone experiencing injury or other losses resulting from a crash to sue for damages, except in certain circumstances (such as criminal offences).

In 2021, ICBC’s care-based auto insurance model ‘Enhanced Care’ was also introduced, impacting all British Columbians regardless of their auto insurance status.

This past February, the province appointed a special committee to examine the impacts of these changes, and has asked us to share the Parliamentary Committee’s Consultation process to ensure that, as they conduct their review, feedback from vulnerable road users is considered.

Register on the Portal & provide your feedback →

Podcast episode round-up

Putting Nelson on the Map: Bikepacking for All in the West Kootenays

In this episode, Peter chats with Nelson’s Moe Nadeau, active travel route builder (and newest member of the BC Cycling Coalition board). Her work made the West Kootenays one of bikepacking.com's featured route network hubs, and helped put B.C.'s AT scene on the global map.

They talk about e-bikes in the backcountry, and how welcoming all kinds of riders brings much-needed diversity to the cycling community.

Whether you're an experienced bikepacker or just getting started, this episode will have you eyeing the West Kootenays for your next two-wheeled adventure!

The Road Nobody Repaves: Rural B.C. Highways and the Active Transportation Gap

Andy Davidoff, Area Director of the Regional District of Central Kootenay tells Peter about a problem hiding in plain sight in rural communities: the provincial highway is often the only available route for people who don't drive. And when the road surface deteriorates, it doesn't just inconvenience cyclists; it doesn’t just impact cyclists—it cuts off walkers, mobility device users, and anyone without a car.

"In rural B.C., the road is never just a road. It’s everything: a sidewalk, a bike path, a school route, a lifeline…and sometimes a barrier."

One solution proposed by Davidoff? A resolution at the upcoming Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention, calling on the province to formally recognize rural highways as active transportation infrastructure.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

AT News Round-up

More active transportation news and events

Spring GoByBike Week is coming up—whether you live in one of BC’s dozens of GoByBike communities or not, you can log your ride to compete for prizes. In fact, you can also log your rides all year long! Learn more and set up a LogMyRide account →

The grass-roots group Movement is building awareness of transit issues in Metro Vancouver, such as advocating for a low income transit pass (it’s LIT) and exploring Indigenous approaches to transportation planning. Movement is mostly supported by grants and donations. Support their work →

A motion to support motorized vehicles in regional parks was on the agenda of a Cowichan Valley Regional District Committee of the Whole meeting on May 13th, which passed a motion. Staff is charged with investigating the incorporation of “motorized vehicle groups into CVRD parks and trails programs, including potential costs…and possible implementation strategies.” CVRD residents can provide feedback by writing to legislativeservices@cvrd.bc.ca Learn more about the CVRD public input process →

AT Advocacy in BC—Help Us Help You

It’s a line from a movie, and it’s also an appeal… to help us help you be part of supporting active transportation in B.C.

How? Join us. Becoming a BCCC Member helps us build the voice for accessibility, equity, and safety for all vulnerable road users in British Columbia, including people in rural and remote communities.

JOIN BCCC TODAY

Also good? Commit to a small monthly donation. It all helps.

It’s such a wonderful time to get out and bike, walk, ride and roll in B.C.—we hope you’re getting outside to soak it all up!

Enjoy,

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