Media Release - June 7, 2010

Contact: Heather Drugge

Public Relations - North Shore Committee -- Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition

(604) 868-1309

hdrugge@gmail.com

photo: Members of the North Shore Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition: L to R, Bill Roddie , Bart Copeland, Antje Wahl, Dianne Murray, Jay MacDonald, John Dove, Dave Perfitt.

North Shore Citizens Revitalize Advocacy Group for Commuter Bicycling Infrastructure and Education

North Shore Committee of Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition Gets Underway

West Vancouver, Canada – June 7, 2010 – The Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition (VACC) announced today the formation of a renewed North Shore Committee. The initial group consists of approximately sixteen citizens from West Vancouver, North Vancouver District and North Vancouver City. The mandate of the North Shore Committee – Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition is to promote the implementation of safe city biking, in particular through safe bicycle commuter routes across the entire North Shore.

“We welcome the enthusiasm of North Shore citizens who are willing to spend time to identify recreational and commuter route challenges and to design and promote solutions among the three North Shore councils and transportation departments,” said Arno Schortinghuis, chair of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition. “The Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition provides administrative and educational support to municipal committees across Metro Vancouver.

The North Shore Committee of the VACC advocates for improved infrastructure for city biking in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Bowen Island, and Lions Bay. Volunteer members participate in promotion, advocacy, education and government relations to make bicycle commuting a safe and viable transportation option across the entire North Shore. Meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at West Vancouver library and all are welcome.

“The City of Vancouver is doing a great job adding cycling infrastructure to make city biking safe, pleasurable and efficient,” said chair, North Shore VACC, Jay MacDonald. “With a few exceptions, the North Shore is way behind in terms of making cycling a viable transportation option. Our goal is to identify projects that can be easily implemented to make cycle commuting viable in the short run, and to help planning departments across the North Shore ensure they have solid visions for cycling over the longer term.”

About the VACC Formed in 1998, the VACC advocates for better conditions for cyclists and the removal of barriers to cycling in the Vancouver area. The VACC represents the basic community need for sustainable and appropriate urban transportation. The objectives of the VACC are consistent with the Liveable Region Strategic Plan and consistent with cities that have aspirations to be the model for progressive urban development in the 21st Century. VACC achieves our objectives by meeting with governing agencies at all levels, writing well-researched, proactive letters and reports, working constructively with the media, and encouraging more people to cycle more often. For more information and to join, visit vacc.bc.ca. VACC welcomes new members. Please visit our website to find out about our many member benefits.[www.vacc.bc.ca]