Dr. Naomi Lin
The East Kootenay Climate Hub (EKCH) is revolutionizing bike parking with their new valet service designed specifically for E-Bike riders. The service debuted at the Kimberley Farmers’ Market on Thursday, Jul. 4 and will be available at First Saturdays on Saturday, Jul. 6. EKCH director Chris Bullock expressed the organization’s commitment to promoting climate change adaptation and mitigation, along with encouraging public awareness and action.
In addition to their involvement in advocating for electrification in building codes, heat pumps, renewable power, and electric vehicles (EVs), the EKCH saw an opportunity to address parking constraints and encourage community members to embrace cycling. After securing a grant from the BC Cycling Coalition, the EKCH invested in fencing and bike racks to provide safe and secure bike parking during Farmers’ Markets and other local events, thereby reducing downtown parking pressure.
The valet service operates by offering a cordoned-off area next to Mountain and Pestle, right at the entrance of the Farmers’ Market in Kimberley. Visitors can register at the table, agree to the specified conditions, and receive a keychain tag corresponding to their bike. The bikes can be securely parked from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., allowing visitors to enjoy the festivities without worrying about their bikes. The service is free of charge, and the EKCH hopes to initiate meaningful conversations with the cycling community to identify opportunities for further improvements in active transportation projects.
This initial project is just the beginning for the EKCH. As the list of volunteers expands, the organization plans to extend their valet service to larger events, with the capacity to accommodate up to 150 bikes. Looking ahead, the EKCH is striving to organize an EV car show, promote DIY smoke filter systems during wildfire season, and collaborate with municipalities throughout the region to implement zero-carbon step codes for building projects. They are also focused on reviving the Kootenay Car Share program in Kimberley.
If you’re interested in learning more or discussing these projects with the EKCH, be sure to visit their table at the Farmers’ Market. Come out, enjoy the sunshine, and join the conversation while embracing the joys of cycling. Together, we can create a cleaner and greener future for East Kootenay.
The East Kootenay Climate Hub’s new valet service for E-Bike riders is an innovative solution to address parking constraints and encourage community members to embrace cycling. The organization recognizes the need for climate change adaptation and mitigation, as well as promoting public awareness and action. By investing in fencing and bike racks through a grant from the BC Cycling Coalition, the EKCH is able to provide safe and secure bike parking during local events like the Farmers’ Market, reducing parking pressure in downtown areas.
The valet service operates by offering a cordoned-off area next to Mountain and Pestle, right at the entrance of the Farmers’ Market in Kimberley. Visitors can register at the table, agree to the specified conditions, and receive a keychain tag corresponding to their bike. This allows bikes to be securely parked from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., giving visitors the freedom to enjoy the festivities without worrying about their bikes. The service is free of charge, and the EKCH hopes to engage in meaningful conversations with the cycling community to identify further opportunities for improvements in active transportation projects.
As the EKCH expands its list of volunteers, they plan to extend the valet service to larger events, with the capacity to accommodate up to 150 bikes. This demonstrates their commitment to promoting cycling and reducing reliance on cars. Looking ahead, the organization has a range of exciting projects in mind. They aim to organize an EV car show, promote DIY smoke filter systems during wildfire season, and collaborate with municipalities to implement zero-carbon step codes for building projects. Additionally, they are focused on reviving the Kootenay Car Share program in Kimberley.
To learn more about these projects or to discuss them with the EKCH, visit their table at the Farmers’ Market. The organization encourages community members to join the conversation and embrace the joys of cycling. Together, we can work towards creating a cleaner and greener future for East Kootenay.
For more information about the East Kootenay Climate Hub, please visit their website: East Kootenay Climate Hub.
