Search VACC's Website:

 
Resources > Cycling Tips

Bike Routes
Tell Someone
Cycling Tips
Studies & Statistics
Community Partners
Accident Check List

Buying a new bike? Riding in the rain? Riding with kids?

There are lots of resources on the Internet to help you choose a bike, cycle safely, be comfortable on the road, and (most important) have fun along the way.

 
Choosing a bike

If you're considering new wheels, take a look at the helpful hints offered by the Group Health Cooperative on what to look for in a bike.

Wondering what a bike and associated gear will cost you? Try out this Commuter Bike Shopper’s Checklist for good advice and to compare different cost options.

 
Bike shops in Metro Vancouver
A local cyclist has created a comprehensive list of all the bike shops in Metro Vancouver if you're looking to buy a new bike.
 
Safe cycling
For tips on cycling safely on the road, some straightforward advice can be found at BicycleSafe.com.
 
Bicycling Around Cars & Driving Around Bikes

Did you know that in Metro Vancouver, all road users -- drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians -- pay for the roads through property taxes? That means we all have the right to use our streets, and we all have a responsibility to share the roads, too.

The VACC works to create better infrastructure for cyclists. That infrastructure will benefit pedestrians and drivers, too: dedicated spaces for bikes means less confusion for, and conflict with, everyone who uses the roads.

Until Metro Vancouver has a network of separated bike lanes, here are some excellent tips on how to share the road for both cyclists and drivers, courtesy of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance.

 
Cycling with kids

Having children adds a whole new dimension to cycling. If you've got kids and would like to introduce them early to the joys of cycling, check out Victoria's Cycling Solutions for some useful tips on cycling with children of all sizes.

For a musical approach to teaching children about bike safety, check out the Bike Safety Boogie.

 
Tips for women
Women on Wheels is an 8-page document created by CTC, the UK's national cycling organization. It provides great information, tips, and inspiration specific to women.
 
Clothes for cycling
There's no rule that says you have to wear spandex to ride a bike if you don't want to. Cycling-specific clothing is useful if you're riding long distances, but for a short ride to work, you just need to keep a few basics in mind. The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation offers some tips for riding in "regular" clothes.
 
Winter riding: Get Visible!

When the weather turns dark and rainy, cyclists need to make extra-sure they can be seen by other road users. "Let's Get Visible" is a fun musical take on the '80s hit to encourage winter cyclists to be visible when cycling in the dark. It was produced by the VACC, Momentum Magazine and the B:C:Clettes.

 
Cycling in the rain
If you decide you'd like to ride on rainy days too, you'll soon discover the value of the Mountain Equipment Co-op uniform that you see on so many Vancouver cyclists. See what the League of American Bicyclists has to say about dressing for a ride in the rain.
 
Tips for Sharing the Road

Did you know that in Metro Vancouver, all road users -- drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians -- pay for the roads through property taxes? That means we all have the right to use our streets, and we all have a responsibility to share the roads, too. Here are some excellent tips on how to share the road for both cyclists and drivers, courtesy of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance.

 
Choosing a route
While it will probably take a few tries to figure out the best route is to your destination, the Chicagoland Bike Federation offers some tips on route selection that you may want to consider.
 
Reasons to cycle
People ride bicycles for all sorts of reasons, from better health to saving money on fuel. If you're looking for reasons, the League of American Bicyclists has put together a list of good reasons to ride a bike.
 
Theft Prevention

Having a bike stolen is a real drag. Make sure it doesn't happen to you by following these tips from UVic's Bicycle Users Committee.

Prevent theft by registering your bike with Bike Registry Canada.

 
Economic Benefits of Bicycle Infrastructure Invest

Investing in cycling infrastructure has benefits that go far beyond safety. See this report from the League of American Bicyclists.

 
Cycling & Schools
The VACC has put together a position paper on cycling and schools. Download the paper (PDF).
 
VACC:   Box 47068, RPO City Square,Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4L6 Ph: 604-878-8222, Email: info@vacc.bc.ca