Langara College is beautifully situated in a serene neighbourhood of Vancouver, and is easily accessible by bicycle. The Ontario Street and 37th Avenue Bikeways both offer scenic routes to the campus, and are very cyclist-friendly. If you choose to use transit for part of your commute, all TransLink buses are now equipped with front-end bicycle racks (2 bicycle capacity), and bicycles are welcome on the new Canada Line with no peak hour restrictions.
Facilities
Langara College is committed to improving cycling facilities as a key part of our sustainability plans. Once you arrive on campus, you will find bike racks adjacent to all major buildings and entranceways. There is also a secured bike lock-up area below the Library Building available for student use (access card available at the Bookstore), with air hose, lockers, and shower facilities in the Gym. The new Langara Students’ Union building will also be home to a bike repair facility opening soon.
Safety
Cyclists are subject to the same traffic rules and regulations on the road as cars, and are afforded the same rights and privileges. Please remember to obey all traffic and bicycle safety rules. Sharing the road can be unnerving for many potential cyclists, but proper bicycle safety education can give you the skills to ride safely and with confidence. Be on the lookout for bicycle safety skills workshops and courses offered at Langara College through the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition (VACC).
Theft Prevention
Bicycles can be a major financial investment, so please take care to properly secure your bicycles on campus. At minimum, a solid body U-Lock should be used to secure the frame (not wheel) of your bicycle to a proper bike rack, and any valuables should be removed. The Secured Bike Lock-Up offers a caged storage area for bicycles that will only be accessible to students registered for an access card.
Reasons to Cycle
There are many excellent reasons why cycling is such an attractive commute choice for so many in the Langara community.
Enjoyment
Vancouver is consistently regarded as one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. Cycling affords you the chance to enjoy the city and fresh air on a regular basis. Many people choose to cycle simply because it is fun and relaxing, and new cyclists will often incorporate recreational cycling into their healthier lifestyle.
Health
Regular exercise and healthy eating habits will have a big impact on your physical and emotional well-being, and can be important for academic success. Cycling is a great tool to fight growing obesity and sedentary lifestyle habits. Choosing cycling means less time spent at the gym, and making the most of your commute time.
Time
One-third of trips in the Lower Mainland are less than 5 kilometres, a distance which in many cases can be reached faster by bicycle than any other means of transportation. Taking advantage of dedicated Bikeways and designated lanes, bicycle travel means not having to contend with gridlock and traffic delays.
Money
Your fuel costs are now your food costs.
Environment
Cycling consumes no fossil fuels and produces zero emissions. Choosing cycling will reduce your carbon footprint, but the impact is in fact much greater. Cycling alleviates the need for road upkeep, new construction, infrastructure development, and parking land use, which all contribute significantly to the hidden carbon costs of driving.
Resources
UBC Cycling Metro Vancouver trip planner and calorie counter
Cycling route planner that takes into account elevation, climb, traffic, bike routes, and will give calorie count
Information, Event, and Advocacy Groups
Vancouver Area Cycling Comission
BEST - Better Environmentally Sound Transportation
Translink Cycling
Feedback & suggestions
Transportation Committee
U-pass and Transportation Coordinator
The Bike Collective
For more information, please contact the U-Pass and Transportation Coordinator atupass_admin@langara.bc.ca
