Ours is a small consulting company serving the mining industry. Most of us cycle to work. We are part of the increase bicycle use in Vancouver as reported at this link, which notes in part:
Bicycle use is up 26 per cent over the last three years in Metro Vancouver while bus trips are up 17 per cent, according to figures released by TransLink. The figures, which were included in the 2013 Base Plan are good news, according to Vancouver Coun. Geoff Meggs, who notes car use increased by only four per cent over the same period – far less that the population increase of six per cent.
In the morning, I ride down the hill from Capillano University to the SeaBus, enjoy the views across the water, and hence a short ride up to the office. In the evening, I take the bike lane along Dunsmuire, across the viaduct and Adanac Street and hence across the Second Narrows Bridge to the steep uphill home.
CW leaves Lynn Valley to speed to the Lions Gate Bridge and through Stanley Part to the office. In the evening, he uses the SeaBus to get home faster to the family.
Two of the young engineers come across the Cambie Street Bridge on the bike lanes and return the same way home. A third young engineer comes in from and heads home east to the Commercial Drive area also along the Dunsmuire bike lane.
Our star cyclists, she who came in first in class in the recent Vancouver to Whistler GranFondo, is now to Davis in California to do her masters. She has taken her bicycle with, leaving the boyfriend with only his bike to console him.
We have fancy bikes of modern metal—a tribute to the metallurgists art and the skill of bike designers. And thanks to the miners who wrestle the metal from the ground.
It may seem like a contradiction: mining consultants riding bicycles. But I submit it is not. Young and old alike enjoy the exercise, the convenience, and the cost-savings. Although I confess that I have a parking space in the garage below that costs a fortune. And I confess it is nice, when it is raining or just too cold, to be able to use the car. When it snows, or the roads are frozen over, I use the bus that gets me to the office in about thirty-five minutes.
We are of course lucky to be in Vancouver where bike riding is easy and fun. But I know mining engineers in Yellowknife and Saskatoon who ride in the cold on tires with studs. That is a testament to all bike riders and miners. Now all we need is for mines to become bicycle-path friendly and make it possible to ride around the mine. Dream on for a while yet.
I can see it now….a whip antenna with a lite and flag on the back of each bike! AT least the engineers won’t be able to complain about lack of transportation into the pit, but what a ride coming back out!
Nice entry – that sounds like such a beautiful bike ride. I’ve been working on commuting – though my commute is a lot more boring.
Thanks for sharing.
When in Melbourne, let me take you for a ride along the Yarra. No need for metal studded tyres here! Seems like Van and Mel have something in common – bike paths and mining people who use them,
Well, great that you exercise. It’s tough to inspire anyone about cycling by having a blog with a mining machine in the banner…
Yes, totally agree about cycling passion catching on in Metro Vancouver.
Jack, you brought back fond memories of the time I borrowed your bike to cycle along the sea wall in Van. (Saved a few dollars on a rental as well…still owe you that pint!) I am reminded of it every day, while driving past Zoo Lake, down Jan Smuts, over Nelson Mandela Bridge (new addition since your time down South) to Jeppe Street in Downtown Johannesburg, manoeuvring and praying my way past some Hi Ace Taxis (they still around), wishing I had a bike lane to enjoy the 7ks to the office! I see that the city has budgeted some monies for bike lanes….so hopefully the South African corporate miners can start cycling to work soon.