EBC Annual General Meeting is October 6th

EBC board and staff invite you to our Annual General Meeting on Sunday October 6, 2013 at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Parkdale/Chromdale Community Hall, 11335 85 Street (see map).  The hall is just a few blocks from BikeWorks North and the Stadium LRT station. Everyone is welcome to attend! EBC members will be able to vote on motions-- you can renew your yearly membership that day (cash only) or buy one online.  New to EBC? This is the perfect day to get an overview of what the organization is all about.  Bring a friend along and come see what we're doing.  Here is the facebook event if you'd like to share this with others.

Child care is available upon request by emailing [email protected] by Friday.  We will be serving food made by our current board members and will celebrate bicycles and community throughout the meeting.

Here is the Agenda, which will include:

• Celebrating The Past Year Our President and Executive Director will share the highlights, challenges, oddities, and delights from the past year. EBC has been very busy at BikeWorks South, BikeWorks North, the spoke youth build-a-bike program, You Can Ride Too adapted bikes program, bicycle infrastructure advocacy, and fixing bikes at many community events around Edmonton!
• Volunteer Awards EBC is volunteer-powered! We have so many amazing people who share their time, passion, hands, and heart for the good of the community. EBC will celebrate the contributions of our volunteers and present 4 awards which are named in memory of EBC volunteers who have left their mark: http://edmontonbikes.ca/about/volunteer/awards/
• Organization Budget for 2014 Our Treasurer will share our 2013 financial overview and present the proposed Budget for 2014.
• Bylaw Amendments The Board is proposing to make 2 amendments to our current Bylaws: http://edmontonbikes.ca/w/Bylaws_(2013_proposed)
• Board of Directors Election If you are interested in helping to set the direction of our bike-loving organization for a 2 year term, we welcome you to fill out the candidate info here: http://edmontonbikes.ca/about/board/candidates-2013/  Nominees will make a short speech and elections will be help by secret ballot.
• ...and MORE GREAT FOOD!

Chinatown/Little Italy Bike Tour

The Edmonton Bicycle Commuters' Society will be leading a free bike shopping tour of Chinatown and Little Italy on Sunday, September 29. Celebrate Alberta Cultural Days by joining us on this bike tour. The ride will include visits to historical and ongoing developments, as well as frequent shopping trips into stores (including grocery stores, bakeries, bookshops, etc). The ride will likely be as much walking & shopping as riding (which will be slow and easily manageable for all participants).

For more information, please e-mail [email protected].

EBC Annual General Meeting, BikeWorks South Closure, and other updates

Our latest newsletter is out. You can read about BikeWorks South closing (don't worry--we're still open for now! But we'll be moving out before the end of the year), as well as news about our AGM, including proposed bylaw amendments. Of special note is that, as part of our search for a new home for BikeWorks South, we're open to exploring the possibility of co-locating with a commercial business or a non-profit for the mutual benefit of both. That might look like a cafe, or another similar workshop or artist studio with time-shared hours, or a non-profit just looking to save money by sharing office and meeting areas. We're not looking to run our own cafe or side-business; that's beyond our area of expertise, but we are looking to collaborate.

You can contact us if that sounds like an opportunity you'd like to explore!

You can view previous newsletters in our archive.

SPARK Annual General Meeting

SPARK, a sponsor of EBC's The Spoke program, is having their AGM this Thursday, September 19, at Latitude 53 (10242 106 St, Edmonton). They will be presenting EBC with a cheque, a donation funded by SPARK customers that have chosen to direct a portion of their administration fee towards EBC. As a member-owned co-operative, SPARK owners/customers have the final say in how the business operates. Registration to attend the AGM is not required, but recommended at http://www.eventbrite.ca/event/5999483617. You are welcome to bring a friend or five, as it will be a great way for them to find out about SPARK.

VELO Annual General Meeting

VELO, the nonprofit group that organizes Bike Month each June is holding their Annual General Meeting this Sunday, September 22, 2013 from 2pm-4pm. If you're interested in helping to ensure Bike Month continues to grow, please contact [email protected].

Complete Streets Greenfield Cross Section Development

EBC is sitting on the City of Edmonton's Complete Streets Greenfield Cross Section Development oversight panel. This panel will give feedback on example complete streets roadway cross sections for greenfield projects developed as part of the Complete Streets Guidelines implementation strategy 5.2.

What do you think a complete street in a new neighbourhood should look like?

Do you have any issues that you would like us to highlight or focus on? Let us know.

Symphony Under the Sky

Skip the traffic jams and ride your bike down to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra's Symphony Under the Sky this weekend, where EBC will be providing free supervised bicycle parking, right next to the amphitheatre. We look forward to seeing you!

Isaak Kornelsen Memorial Ride

On Friday, August 30, 2013, join us at 5:30pm in front of Edmonton City Hall (Sir Winston Churchill Square) for a memorial ride in honour of Isaak Kornelsen. The ride will proceed slowly and in legal order to 102 St and Whyte Ave. This ride is both a celebration and remembrance of Isaak's life, as well as a demonstration in support of dedicated, safe cycling infrastructure.

Isaak Kornelsen stood out - on and off the track.

When he joined the Edmonton Thunder track and field club at the age of 14, it was obvious Kornelsen had a talent for running.

"Even at that age, people knew he was going to be pretty quick," Edmonton Thunder president Dallas Raudebaugh said.

Intensely focused, Kornelsen pushed himself during practices and was a leader.

"He worked really hard. Probably one of the hardest working guys on the team, I'd say," Raudebaugh said.

Kornelsen, 21, was killed Monday morning while cycling on Whyte Avenue after he hit the side mirror of a parked pickup truck, lost control and fell beneath a passing cement truck carrying a full load. He died instantly, police said.

After graduating from Strathcona Composite High School in 2009, Kornelsen went on to study philosophy at the University of Alberta and joined the school's track team. On Tuesday, the team posted a tribute to Kornelsen on its Twitter page.

"We suffered a great loss today. Isaak Kornelsen was a great runner and an even better person. Forever we miss you," the team wrote.

Edmonton Journal, August 29, 2012

Alberta Bicycle Commuters Conference

EBC is helping to organise a province-wide conference of people interested in bicycle transportation issues and advocacy. It will be taking place in Red Deer September 28th and 29th.  You should consider going. If you are interested, please register as soon as possible.

Ride the Trail for Elizabeth

Join Edmund Aunger, husband of Elizabeth Sovis, as he bikes across Canada. He'll be at the Hawrelak Park Pedestrian Bridge at approximately 2pm on Sunday, August 25, and bike to a rally at the Alberta Legislature at 3pm in support for a safer Trans-Canada Trail. Cyclists, supporters, family and friends will ride in solidarity to show support for Ride the Trail for Elizabeth, a cross country campaign to raise awareness and promote the completion of a Trans-Canada Trail that will be accessible and safe for cyclists.

Elizabeth Ann Sovis got on her first bike at the age of 50 and immediately fell in love. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Elizabeth, alongside her husband Edmund A. Aunger, would spend their summers cycling the Trail. Though the Trans-Canada Trail was not always smooth, Elizabeth passionately believed in the Trail and wanted to devote her retirement to getting the Trail properly developed and completed - ensuring accessibility and safety for cyclists. On July 14th, 2012 while Edmund and Elizabeth were biking along the Trail in Prince Edward Island, Elizabeth was struck and killed by a drunk driver. She was 63.

Survived by her husband and her three sons, Edmund S. Aunger, Richard Aunger and Gregory Aunger, Elizabeth’s dream of a safer Trans-Canada Trail lives on. Edmund Aunger has carried on his beloved wife’s vision and started the Ride the Trail for Elizabeth campaign. A campaign that will see Edmund cycle across the country in five stages each summer, beginning the first leg of his journey on July 1st, 2013 in Victoria, British Columbia and finishing in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island on July 2017.

Edmund will be arriving in Edmonton on Sunday August 25, 2013 marking the completion of his first leg. We invite you to join Edmund on the steps of the Alberta Legislature on Sunday afternoon at 3pm as we rally in support for a safer Trans-Canada Trail. More importantly, we invite you to celebrate the completion of Edmund’s first leg, the power of a united cycling community and the realization of Elizabeth’s dream. We hope to see you there. Ride on.

Please join Ed on his ride. He will be leaving Devon around 9am, cycling on Highway 19, and then into Edmonton, Trans Canada Trail from Terwilliger to Hawrelak Park. He will be leaving the Hawrelak Park pedestrian bridge about 2pm and continuing to the Alberta Legislature for a 3pm rally, followed by a ride to the Trans-Canada Trail head in Louise McKinney Park.

For more info: http://www.ridethetrail.ca

Fringe Tune-ups

Join us at the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival today (Sunday, August 18) from 1-5pm for free minor bike tune-ups! We'll be on-site near the bike parking (south of 84 Ave on 104 St). We'll be back on Friday evening from 6:30-9:30pm, and again next Sunday, too!

Tour Des Trees - Sunday August 25th

Celebrate our urban forest on this 12 km bike tour of the river valley. Learn how trees benefit our city and how you can get involved in growing the urban tree canopy. Along the route you will plant a tree seedling in a natural area, identify common tree and shrub species growing in the river valley, and learn interesting tree trivia. Urban Foresters will be lead the tour and share their knowledge.

• Date: Sunday, August 25, 2013
• Time: 11am - 1:30pm
• Meeting Location: The tour will begin and end at the Muttart Conservatory parking lot. If driving, please park on the north end of the lot farthest from the front doors of Muttart Conservatory.
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate; primarily paved trails with some on-road cycling (light traffic only), and one small section of gravel trail. This 12 km ride will take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, with many interpretive stops.
• Please bring: Your own bike, helmet (mandatory), bike lock, appropriate clothing (tour runs rain or shine), sunscreen, bug spray, water and a snack. Note: Bike rentals are available from the EBC for $20/day.
• Registration: Free but mandatory. Please bring the completed mandatory waiver and photo release form available on the Tour Des Trees website.

The only on-street bike commuting course in Edmonton starts August 9!

With Edmonton's streets having various forms of bicycle markings (signed routes, sharrows, bike lanes, contra-flow lanes, etc) and some of it leaving you at a dead-end, it is extremely valuable to learn the "rules of the road" from a cycling perspective.  Defensive cycling skills are truly life-saving. Educated cyclists on the road help make our roads safer! The Canadian Cycling Association's CAN-BIKE program is a series of courses on all aspects of cycling safely and enjoyably on the road; it is oriented toward recreational and commuter cycling. The CAN-BIKE cycling safety program provides a nationally standardized set of courses that can be taught through a variety of organizations who are interested in education, safety and health.  EBC is pleased to offer CAN-BIKE again this year!

CAN-BIKE 2 Course

An 18 hour course of advanced skill and knowledge development in defensive cycling for cyclists who already ride in traffic. CAN-BIKE 2 covers bicycle care, repairs, riding techniques, detecting and avoiding hazards, and practicing emergency maneuvers. Combination of classroom and on-bike instruction helps you cycle with greater skill and confidence and more safely in traffic. CAN-BIKE 2 is the prerequisite for the CAN-BIKE Instructor course. More info at http://canbikecanada.ca/.

Instructor: John Collier, National Examiner for CAN-BIKE

Dates: Wednesday August 7, Friday August 9, Saturday August 10, Wednesday August 14, and Saturday August 17, 2013 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Wednesday evenings 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays

Cost: $80 for the course. Course manual can be borrowed at no-cost or bought for $35.

Registration: Class size is limited to ensure quality instruction. Email [email protected].

CAN-BIKE Instructor Course

The CAN-BIKE Instructor course adds onto content learned in CAN-BIKE 2.  Participants further increase their cycling skills and learn effective teaching techniques, including course planning and risk management. The workshop covers class curriculum, risk management, and administration.  CAN-BIKE Instructors in Edmonton have the opportunity to help run commuter cycling workshops and courses throughout the year. More info at http://canbikecanada.ca/.

Instructor: John Collier, National Examiner for CAN-BIKE

Dates: Saturday September 14 and Sunday September 15, 2013 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: $120 for the course manual and $35 for the optional textbook Effective Cycling.

Registration: Class size is limited to ensure quality instruction. Email [email protected].

Bike Day at Earth's General Store

On Sunday, July 28th, Earth’s General Store (EGS) and the Edmonton Bicycle Commuters’ Society will be hosting a bike day. A day where you can bring your bicycle down to Earth’s General Store and volunteers from EBC will do a tune-up by donations. Tune-ups will be from 11am to 3pm. EGS wants to ‘reward’ members of EBC and will be offering specials to EBC members that renew their membership with a 10% discount on their whole purchase (includes items on sale as well). In addition if you become a NEW member of EBC and purchase your membership right here we will reward you with a 15% discount off your whole purchase (includes items on sale as well).

Discounts will be the whole day (10am to 6pm).

So come on down, get your bicycle tuned up, renew your membership or sign up to be a member and SAVE!

We are planning on having a barbeque from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.

For more information, visit http://egs.ca/

Interstellar Rodeo

Jr Gone Wild, Alabama Shakes, Shout Out Out Out Out, Sarah Harmer, M. Ward, the Good Lovelies, Elliott Brood, Serena Ryder, Steve Earle: that's not even the full line-up at this weekend's Interstellar Rodeo. The Interstellar Rodeo has partnered with EBC to provide free, supervised bike parking throughout the festival (3pm-10:30pm on Friday, and 10:30am-10:30pm Saturday and Sunday), so avoid the traffic jam of the Hawrelak Park parking lots and ride your bike to the sold-out music festival!

EBC at the Interstellar Rodeo, Edmonton Folk Fest & the Fringe!

Ride your bike to festivals in Edmonton this year and enjoy free secure bike parking and bike tune-ups courtesy EBC. We're looking for volunteers for all of these events, and have tickets for our volunteers! Read our latest newsletter for all the details.

Loop-Frame Love events: Kidical Mass & Critical Lass: Highlands

Our friends at Loop-Frame Love hosted Edmonton's first Kidical Mass in June. On Sunday, July 21, join the July Critical Lass in the Highlands community!

Critical Lass is an inclusive ride for female cyclists in street clothes, on a route suitable for novice riders, to promote cycling as an approachable, fun, everyday activity. It's organized by the Loop-Frame Love co-bloggers in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada since June 2010, and has since spread from Edmonton to several cities internationally.

Board Members Needed

The Board of Directors currently has two vacancies which need to be filled as soon as possible.  This is a great way to contribute to EBC if you share the vision of a bike-friendly Edmonton, and to shape the way EBC's various programs develop.  All interested cyclists are encouraged to apply, and we are particularly seeking members that have skills or interest in non-profit management, accounting, grant writing, fundraising, or local advocacy. We are a growing organization with lots of projects on the go, and good governance is crucial to our success. Candidates who put themselves forward now, but are not appointed immediately, will also be contacted in early September and asked to put themselves forward at the election to be held at our AGM on October 6.

Board members appointed now will serve until the end of November, and will need to stand for election at the AGM to continue past that date, so this is an opportunity to try it out before committing to a full term.

For more information, or to submit your application, please visit the 2013 Candidates page.

Community Garden Bike Tours

EBC is teaming up with Sustainable Food Edmonton to host two community garden bike tours! Come see the bounty that is growing at some of the community garden sites operating in the City of Edmonton (there are over 70). Each garden will have a host to share the stories of their garden - how the garden operates, how it came to be, and its impact on the local community.

Each tour will visit a different route with approximately 20 kms of riding within 5 hours. You must be comfortable with on-road cycling (light traffic only). Experienced cyclists will lead and tail. Please bring your own:

• bicycle
• helmet (mandatory for children and recommended for adults)
• bike lock
• appropriate clothing (tour runs rain or shine!)
• sunscreen & bug spray
• water, lunch & a snack

Registration is free but mandatory and you will be asked to sign a waiver and photo permission form before participating.

Please register at: http://web.archive.org/web/20130717053301/http://sustainablefoodedmonton.org:80/cg-bike-tour-registration/

Saturday July 13, 2013 9 am - 2 pm Meet at Riverdale Community Garden, 9231-100 Ave Tour includes: Riverdale garden, McCauley garden, The Queen at Queen Mary Park, Peace Garden Park in Oliver, Urban Eden in downtown, ending at the Downtown Farmer's Market. Facebook event link.

Sunday July 21, 2013 11 am - 4 pm Meet at U of A Sustain S.U. Community Garden, 11018-89 Ave Tour includes: Sustain S.U. garden, Parkallen garden, Allendale garden, Strathcona Rail garden, Campus St. Jean garden, ending at the new French Quarters Farmer's Market. Facebook event link.

Feel free to print and share the event poster: http://ow.ly/mBQlT

Canada Day at the Legislature

Ride your bike down to the Alberta Legislature on Canada Day and enjoy a full day and evening of activities! Food trucks will abound, along with multiple stages with live performances, an open house of the Legislature, and activities for the whole family. And, of course, fireworks. For details about Canada Day events at the Legislature, please visit http://www.assembly.ab.ca/canadaday/

Park your bike at our secure enclosure at 96 Ave and 106 St, where we'll be watching bikes from 10am until midnight.

All the activities, including the monitored bike parking, are free!