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BCCC Projects and Accomplishments

The BCCC has had many successes over the years. This is thanks to the tireless work of its volunteers and to its commitment to working with provincial and regional authorities to create solutions that work for BC. The following outlines only some of the activities of the BCCC. Many accomplishments are also works in progress, so these are not presented in chronological order.

Here is a partial list of our projects and accomplishments:

• Advocacy
• Education
• Administrative

BCCC's Past Projects and Accomplishments (Partial list)

BCCC Activities (Partial List)

Note:

• Some of these activities are continuations of projects in which the BCCC has been involved through its history. We have dedicated ourselves to continuing these important initiatives.
• The British Columbia Ministry of Transportation is referred to here as 'MoT'

Consultation with Member Organizations

The BCCC is always available to our member-organizations and to those looking for answers on transportational cycling or organizational structure. Mostly we try to motivate you, network you with others doing the same work and instil persistence and patience in the work you are undertaking.

Cycling Policy Review
The three-year review of the Provincial Cycling Policy (developed between the BCCC and MoT) was carried out in the spring of 2003. Several important changes were made to the Policy to improve representation of cyclists in MoT activities.

Cycling Policy Implementation Plan
Due to instances of non-adherence to the Provincial Cycling Policy by MoT, the BCCC requested that a Policy Implementation Plan be developed. This was discussed at a Provincial Cycling Advisory Committee (PACC) meeting and the BCCC has begun work with the Provincial Cycling Coordinator to develop the plan.

Provincial Advisory Cycling Committee
The BCCC meets approximately bi-monthly with representatives from MoT and other stakeholders regarding cycling issues in the province.

Shoulder Rumble Strip (SRS) Negotiations
In March, 2003, MoT proposed SRS guidelines that would jeopardise the safety and mobility of cyclists. Due to quick action and continued pressure from the British Columbia Cycling Coalition, the MoT's Engineering Branch withdrew its proposed changes to the SRS guidelines. We continue to push for accountability by MoT for the safety of cyclists on provincial roadways. For more information, see the shoulder rumble strip information page.

Queensborough Bridge Upgrade
The BCCC has worked closely with the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition (VACC) to communicate to MoT the needs of cyclists. This has included the BCCC attending Ministry open houses and other meetings, as well as working with the VACC to write several letters to Minister Reid.

Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99)
BCCC directors met with a consultant hired by MoT to carry out a Recreational Impact Assessment for proposed Highway 99 upgrades. We are working to ensure that these upgrades take into consideration the impact on cyclists.

Pat Bay Highway (Hwy 17)
BCCC has met with the Provincial Cycling Coordinator and the Operations Manager (MoT, Saanich Area Office) regarding several issues pertaining to cyclists on Highway 17, including clearing of crack-sealing powder after repairs, escorting of cyclists through construction zones, and ensuring that construction signs are kept out of cyclists' lines of travel.

Highway Signage
We are currently working with MoT to determine a suitable configuration of signs which will warn motorists of the presence and rights of cyclists crossing highway off-ramps.

Capital Regional District TDM Association
BCCC representatives have been working with numerous non-profit and governmental organizations to establish a Transportation Demand Management Association in Greater Victoria.

CAN-BIKE
We have worked with administrators of the national CAN-BIKE education program, as well as with CAN-BIKE instructors across Canada, to determine a method for expanding course coverage in British Columbia. We are also carrying out discussions with interested parties in several areas thoughout the province who wish to work with us to achieve this goal. Following the Pro Walk/Pro Bike conference in Victoria, BCCC Directors and members (CAN-BIKE instructors) arranged a meeting with other instructors from across Canada to discuss plans for the program.

Bike Smarts
BCCC members have been involved in expanding and carrying out the Bike Smarts program for children in Grades 4 through 7 — a course developed by groups including ICBC and the BCCC.

Joint BCCC Membership
A BCCC Joint Membership program has been established to provide to BC cycling coalitions. The program involves providing the option for individuals to purchase a BCCC membership at a reduced rate when they purchase a membership in their local cycling coalition. This has been initiated on a test basis with one cycling coalition; details will be released soon to permit the expansion of this to other cycling organizations.

Skills and Interests Inventory
We developed and completed a Board of Directors Skills and Interests inventory in order to increase effectiveness of task delegation within the organisation.

BCCC's Past Projects and Accomplishments (Partial list)

Provincial Cycling Policy
The BCCC worked with then Ministry of Transportation and Highways to develop and implement a Provincial Cycling Policy fr British Columbia. Out of which effort came the establishment by the Ministry of a Provincial Cycling Co-ordinator and a Provincial Advisory Cycling Committee (PACC). It was the persistence of the BCCC that resulted in a workshop with MoTH in September 1999, which resulted in a cycling policy for the province.

Shoulder Rumble Strip (SRS) Negotiations
Although the BCCC is opposed to rumble strips due to their adverse effect on cycling, we have worked together with MoT from the beginning to lessen the impact for bicyclists. The persistence of the BCCC resulted in immediate changes being made to the draft Rumble Strip Policy and an on-going consultation process on this subject. Due to the BCCC's influence, the Ministry of Transportation is now seriously looking into alternatives to the rumble strips such as tactile rainlines. More information, see the rumble strips information page.

Bike Sense Manual
Working in co-operation with the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition (GVCC), the BCCC has given input and valuable information for inclusion in the Bike Sense Manual. The BCCC continues to assist the GVCC wherever possible in new editions of the manual.

ICBC
The BCCC held several positions within ICBC's Advisory Committee structure and enjoyed a relationship with ICBC that was beneficial to all BC road users.

• ICBC-President's Advisory Committee - 1 BCCC cyclist on this committee
• ICBC-Road Safety Committee - 2 BCCC cyclists on this committee
• ICBC-Cycling Advisory Committee - 13 cyclists on this committee, the BCCC President chairs this committee
• Updating Motor Vehicle Branch Drivers Manuals, so far we have reviewed and added comments to include situations concerning bicyclists in the ICBC professional, driver and motorcyclist manuals

Unfortunately the current political climate has resulted in narrowing of ICBC's scope. This has lead to the termination of these advisory committees along with other regretable consequences such as the end of Counter-Attack funding. The BCCC is sorry to see proactive road safety initiatives diminished. We stand ready to resume our relationship with ICBC and with private insurers who recognize the business sense in preventing tragedies on BC roads and highways.

Establishment of BCCC Committees

• Intermodal Committee
  Deals with the access and storage of bicycles on trains, plains, automobiles and ferries.
• MVA Committee
  Concerns itself with the BC Motor Vehicle Act. A committee presentation was made to ICBC with recommendations for changes to the MVA. The presentation was well received. The ICBC-Cycling Advisory Committee, recommended that ICBC work together with the BCCC-MVA Committee to research and pursue these legislative changes to the MVA
• Bicycle Education Committee
  Established to stimulate and improve bicycle education for adults and children in Canada, provincially and nationally
• Interim Cycling Policy Committee
  Having completed its task, this committee is no longer in place. The intent of this committee was to take the Interim Cycling Policy off the shelf, dust it off and push for improvements on the cycling policy and get it implemented. This has been done, and the BCCC continues its efforts regarding the Provincial Cycling Policy..

Ministry of Transportation and Highways (MoTH)

• The BCCC established quarterly meetings with MoTH Minister Harry Lali and Ministry senior staff
• BCCC set up meetings with the Minister and staff for all our member organizations and
• Successfully negotiated a workshop with MoTH staff and cycling stakeholders in order to finalize the Cycling Policy.
• Cycling Network Program--The BCCC monitored the consultation process with stakeholders and consultants on the review of BCTFA/MoTH Cycling Network Program--The BCCC gave valuable input at various points during the process.
• Port Mann Bridge--Through the vision, guidance and high standards of Glen Springle the VACC and BCCC collaborated on a proposal for cycling facilities on the Port Mann Bridge in Vancouver. We met with the Minister and Senior Staff in person on this issue and had several conversations and a telephone conference call with the Assistant Deputy Minister John Dyble to discuss the different options and possibilities for cyclists access to and on the Port Mann Bridge.

BC Transit Bike Racks

Ken Wuschke prepared a list for the BCCC website of BC Transit buses which are outfitted with bike racks within BC. This list is at www.bccc.bc.ca/bikeracks.html

Website

Long-time cycling advocate and past GVCC President Blair Marshall established our original website, much of the content of which is still in place. The website is a valuable resource with which the BCCC provides information on the state of cycling in BC.

Consultation Process

The BCCC is always available to our member-organizations and to those looking for answers on transportational cycling, or organizational structure. Mostly we try to motivate you, network you with others doing the same work and instil persistence and patience in the work you are undertaking.

Legal Efforts

In order to learn more about the legal system in BC and how it treats bicyclists, the BCCC sent their President to all the court proceedings dealing with the Terry Van Fleet case. The BCCC continues to monitor legal developments relevant to cycling in BC.

Partner in the "Climates of Change Congress"

From March 19-22, 2000 in Victoria the BCCC participated in the conference and was a member of the conference planning committee.

2003 Annual General Meeting
Saturday, April 5^th, 2003

At the 2003 AGM the BCCC elected Allan Dunlop to succeed Francis van Loon as president. Allan has been up to his eyebrows in it since, leaving no doubt that he is the answer to the question "Who can fill Francis' shoes?"

Also at this AGM a very strong board of directors was elected (photo above). The depth of advocacy experience and technical knowledge the BCCC board carries ensures that the challenges of tending and forwarding the rights of cyclists on the road will be met.

The BCCC, with its 11 member-organizations and many individual members, represents ± 4500 united cyclists in BC.

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