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How safe is commuter cycling? Most people's primary concern about cycling to work is safety; everyone hears horror stories about close calls and dangerous motorists. Cycling gets a bad reputation because it is human nature to confuse an intimidating situation, for example downtown cycling, with a dangerous one, exactly like the perception that flying is more dangerous than driving home from your local grocery store. The truth is, if you ride correctly, commuter cycling is safe! ICBC statistics show that it is no more dangerous to commute by bike than by motor vehicle. Victoria is blessed with the most cycle-friendly drivers in North America. However always remember that your safety on the road is directly under your control! You can dramatically increase your comfort and safety by taking the Bike To Work Society Commuter Courses. BikeSense (BC's guide to safe cycling) and the GVCC Cycling Resource Centre are also great sources for commuter information and advice. Pick up a copy of BikeSense at your local bike shop or visit BikeSense Online to get educated!
Do you know what to do if you are involved in an accident on your bicycle? Accidents can happen! to the safest riders. Here's some very useful information from Todd Litman and Suzanne Kort, which appeared in a Wheel Life article.
 Looking for cycling print information? The downtown branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library has binders with back issues of Cycle Therapy and various cycling pamphlets on safety, education, maps, the Motor Vehicle Act and the Canadian Legal System. They also have the Davenport Cycling Map laminated and posted on the wall near the check-out desk. Thanks to GVCC member Loretta Bennoit and her fellow staff for this information and for the work in maintaining these binders and displays.
 Road Hazards in the City of Victoria Report hazards online This information is only for the City of Victoria. For city street problems outside the city of Victoria, call:
Oak Bay: 598-3311
Esquimalt: 835-2461
Sidney and North Saanich: 656-3931
Saanich: 744-5304
Central Saanich: 544-4210
Colwood: 474-4133
Langford: 474-0068
Metchosin: 474-3167
View Royal: 479-6800
Highlands: 474-1773
"Bike Sense" - The British Columbia Bicycle Operator's Manual  BikeSense. Written and produced by volunteer members of the GVCC - and free to anybody who wants one! A guide to the rules of the road, bike handling, traffic skills and the enjoyment of cycling for life! Available at libraries and other places while stocks last and now on the web! http://bikesense.bc.ca . We've printed and distributed 20,000 copies in 2 editions so far and we are looking for funding to print more - it's an incredible piece of work and big thanks are due to many people for it!
One-day commuter cycling traffic skills courses  Bike to Work Victoria is a commuter traffic skills program for cyclists, organized by the Greater Victoria Bike to Work Society with financial assistance by a special ICBC grant. Between May and October this year, one-day practical training sessions will be provided to 450 commuter cyclists in the Greater Victoria region. The courses are aimed at both practicing and first-time commuter cyclists. For further information on the courses and how to get onto one, click here..
UVic Bike Routes  If you cycle to and from the University of Victoria you know it can be tough finding safe cycling routes. To help you the UVic Bicycle Users Committee has published a map.
Lock it or lose it!  Secure bicycle parking is an essential element for bicycle commuting. The GVCC recommends CORA Canada who manufacture a popular and well designed rack frequently seen in and around Victoria. You can reach Al Marion (CORA president) at 1-800-739-4609 or
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. If you own, or are an employee of, a business within the City of Victoria, the City may cover fifty percent of the purchase and installation costs for a U-style rack (2 bikes). For more information please call the Streets Engineering Section of the City Of Victoria at 361-0392.  Chain Chain Chain offers a unique bicycle parking/valet service for those working or visiting the downtown area. The fees are based on $1/hr or $3/day or overnight. There are passes available as well. If you are concerned about bike theft this is a great service. Chain Chain Chain is located in the alley at 1410 Broad St or you can call 385-1739.
The GVCC also offers bicycle locker rental at park and ride locations around Victoria. Cycle-Safe Bicycle Storage Systems manufacture bicycle lockers, deployed in locations throughout North America and Europe. Their site has considerable additional information.
Longer commutes  BC Transit's bike rack service is designed to assist longer commutes. The racks are available are available on low floor and double decker buses. There is no extra cost for bringing your bike. The rack, attached to the front of the bus, holds two bicycles. Loading and un-loading bike on the rack is easy; bike racks have simple instructions posted right on them. Each bike can be un-loaded and unloaded independently. Please note that bike cannot be loaded or unloaded along Douglas from Pandora to Broughton or on Fort at Douglas.
Vehicles are sometimes moved between routes. For that reason we recommend that you call BC Transit at 385-2551 to confirm that a rack will be available for your journey. |
Bike to Work Victoria 2001 is a commuter traffic skills program for cyclists, organized by the Greater Victoria Bike to Work Society with financial assistance by a special ICBC grant. Between May and October this year, one-day practical training sessions will be provided to 450 commuter cyclists in the Greater Victoria region. The courses are aimed at both practicing and first-time commuter cyclists. 