The compact downtown core of Victoria, BC (Canada) offers a great opportunity for moving more than just people with pedal-power. Bike couriers are becoming a more common sight, as they offer an affordable, efficient and zero-emissions way of moving goods around the downtown core and beyond.
image by Sarah Rose Robert
ReCYCLISTS and the Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA) have teamed up to offer zero-emissions compost and recycling services. Businesses can have their food scraps picked up for composting on a regular basis. They also offer pick-up for hard to recycle materials such as e-waste, Styrofoam, light bulbs and even cooking oil! Check it more about the program here.
image: courtesy GeaZone
Another example of bike couriers in Victoria is GeaZone Eco-Courier. They offer fast and affordable delivery and can boast zero-emissions along the way. This kind of service is one way businesses can reduce their environmental impact. GeaZone president Andrew Mitchell, former Canadian Downhill Mountain Bike Champion, was inspired by the bike couriers he saw while competing in Europe.
image by Sarah Rose Robert
No conversation about cycling in the city is complete without mention of Scandinavia. In Sweden and Denmark much of the residential post delivery is done via specialty fitted mail courier bikes and hybrid electric bikes. It is not uncommon to see these bikes parked around the neighbourhoods getting the mail out.
Whether it’s moving goods or moving people, bicycles offer an affordable and zero-emissions way to get around town. What might Greater Victoria look like with better cycling infrastructure that would encourage more people to ride, and more businesses to pick bike couriers services? Make sure you get your say included as the City of Victoria rolls out public engagement for their updated Bicycle Master Plan this spring of 2014.
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