Vancouverites have an unflagging interest in bikes. Love 'em or loathe 'em, you probably talk a lot about them and the people who ride them. I know I do, and I am one. Put me near a roundabout and I'll be the first to scold two-wheeled scofflaws when they breach the right-of-way as, death wish in their pannier pocket, they sweep through despite vehicle traffic. (A pretty, un-helmeted cyclist once fingered me when I, behind the wheel of a moving van, stopped just short of crushing her after she aggressively cut me off. Save the profanity, sweetheart, I just spared your life.)
See what I mean? We're cycopathic and I'm not the only one. The number of cyclists continues to grow. In 2006, four per cent of commuting trips were done by bike, according to StatsCan. Smart money knows that percentage has increased significantly in the past five years given the bike-friendly environmental missives of the current city council. Indeed, the city estimates more than 3,500 commuters take their bike downtown every morning, a number that has tripled since 1994.
Coverage of cycling issues, developments, personalities and racing events by Courier reporters persists as some of the most well-read stories in the newspaper and online. To bring you more cycling news and in-formation each week, we're proud to introduce two new columnists who will write exclusively about cycling: Kay Cahill and Kristina Bangma.
Cahill is a passionate and knowledgeable urban cycle commuter (she takes to the B.C. wilderness to ride and race for adventure's sake) who rides 365 days a year, barring snowflakes, to her post at the downtown public library and other branches around the city. For pure pleasure, she'll take a small detour home-around the 10-kilometre seawall. Cahill, who came to Vancouver from the U.K. seven years ago, also helps her co-workers build their own comfort level by showing up at their home in the morning to ride with them as they get acquainted with commuter cycling. I'm stirred by her dedication, knowledge and own anecdotes from the asphalt.
Bangma is an astounding athlete with major jock credentials. Named a Canadian triathlete of the year, the Vancouverite is also a personal trainer and coach. She exercises up to 20 hours a week and then also breaks a sweat with clients and against competitors. Bangma's list of competitive accomplishments is impressive and she aims to share her enthusiasm, intensity and commitment with those around her. I'm thrilled to learn more from her expertise.
Bangma will write about the athletic aspects of cycling, including racing, training, fitness and health. Her first column appears in today's Courier on page 30. Cahill will discuss the urban aspect of cycling in Vancouver. They both want to hear from you.
Twitter: @MHStewart
