5 ways our people are impacting bike culture at BCIT

Cycling is one of the most efficient forms of transportation. It requires the least amount of energy per metre traveled than any other form of transportation, including walking. In honour of Bike to Work Week (BTWW), here are five stories from our community that celebrate cycling and support BCIT’s commitment to reducing carbon footprint by cutting down on carbon emissions.

1) Paving the path for safe and comfortable cycling

It takes time, commitment, and advocacy to build infrastructure. That’s why HUB Cycling focuses on improving conditions to make cycling more enjoyable. With local chapters throughout Metro Vancouver, HUB Burnaby meets at the BCIT Burnaby campus. As a result of the chapter’s recent campaign, Burnaby City Council pledged to widen a dangerous section of the Sea to River Bikeway on the Gilmore Overpass.

If you are interested in joining, email HUB Burnaby to be added to the mailing list. HUB Burnaby meets the second Tuesday of every month, from 6:15–8:15 pm.

Watch Hub Burnaby Chair, Cathy Griffin, demonstrate the dangers of the Gilmore bypass

2) We’ve got your bike covered

A covered bike shelter and pump station on the BCIT Burnaby Campus
A covered bike shelter and pump station on the BCIT Burnaby Campus.

All BCIT campuses are equipped with convenient and secure bike racks, rental lockers, and showers (for the riders). There are also five Dero Fixit bike repair stations at the Burnaby campus for cyclists in need of minor repairs or air. For more information about cycling at our campuses, contact the BCIT Cycling Committee.

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3) The bike mechanics module that gives back

With bikes being popular among high school students, it is natural to include a bike repair module as part of the Technology Teacher Education (TTED) program at BCIT. So, Roger Bortignon, Program Head, integrated a five-week bike mechanics module into the Power Technology course. During the module, students learn how to dismantle an entire bicycle, inspect the parts, correct deficiencies, and properly put it back together. As a result, some TTED graduates have incorporated bike mechanics into their programs in high schools. Read more on this bike mechanics module that gives back.


4) In search of a smooth pedal stroke: the Bicycle Idler Sprocket Drivetrain Analysis

In the complex world of high-end downhill mountain bike racing technology, every detail matters. That’s why three BCIT Mechanical Engineering students focused their capstone project on mitigating drivetrain issues in high pivot idler bikes. Find out how BCIT students innovated to solve drivetrain issues.

5) Nuclear Medicine Program Head’s Ride to Conquer Cancer

BCIT Instructor Louise Rimanic participates in the Ride to Conquer Cancer.

From Nuclear Medicine technologist to educator to patient, BCIT Instructor Louise Rimanic has seen every side of a cancer patient’s journey. Her first experience with the disease was when she was only 18 years old and a student in BCIT’s Nuclear Medicine program. Read more about Louise’s journey.

Join the BCIT Bike to Work Week Team

During BTWW, there are great prizes and many Celebration Stations around the Lower Mainland. To sign up, login to the BTWW website and record a ride. BCIT Burnaby Campus is hosting a Celebration Station on Wednesday, May 29 from 7–9 a.m. Look for the station off the Willingdon bike path at BCIT. Enjoy free coffee, scrumptious snacks, and a mechanic will be available for tune-ups.

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