Bike Shop Owner Speaks On Bikey Stuff

Rob Venables owns Dunbar Cycles, and has lots of thoughts on things bicycle here in Vancouver.  Thanks to Kate Wilson at the Georgia Straight.
A few selected quotes from this industry expert.  It’s a good perspective from someone who runs a small business, and is in touch with the big shifts now taking place in transportation in Vancouver.

Best spot to grab a mobi bike share

“It’s all pretty new, but I’d say the Cambie Street station—it’s really conveniently located. There are great setups all over town, though. By my house, for instance, at 16th and Arbutus, there’s a big station in front of the new Loblaws that always has loads of bikes available.”

Best Vancouver neighbourhood for cycling

“With all the new cycling lanes, it’s probably Kitsilano. The traffic is generally quieter to begin with, and with the new infrastructure it’s very nice and relaxed out there.”

Best downtown bike lane

“The new Burrard Street path will be fantastic when it opens. Until that’s done, though, I’d say Hornby Street—the one with the segregated lane, with potted plants all along it.”

Best thing to say to businesses that oppose bike lanes

“You just have to look at the statistics—everywhere there’s a bike lane, business goes up. And that’s all over the world, not just in Vancouver. Cycling provides a different way to see the city, so you notice more stores, and because you’re going slower, you’ve got more time to look around you. Plus, you don’t have to worry about parking—if you want to visit a shop, you can go right in.”

Best way to get people out on their bikes

“The Mobi bike share is such a great idea for just that. If somebody is thinking about starting to ride their bike to work, or just using it around town, it’s possible to get the app and just do a pay-as-you-go service. When people try cycling and realize the huge benefits, they get hooked.”