BCCC Annual Conference and AGM

     By its very nature, ours is a movement in constant motion. The Annual Conference provides an opportunity to come together, reflect on our accomplishments, and take a bold step forward for cycling advocacy in our province. There is a recognized need for an annual forum to build Provincial cycling advocacy capacity, provide educational opportunities, and share best practices, in order to move our collective goals forward.

The Annual Conference provides a regular structurd opportunity to develop the capacity of organized cycling advocacy in BC. This conference is about "learning," but is also about "doing." This is our annual opportunity to come together, develop plans and priorities, and increase our understanding of province-wide issues.

     We are very excited to be able to welcome Sue Hallat, Regional Planner for the Capital Regional District, as our keynote speaker. The program will use the Capital Regional District's Cycling Master Plan as a case study to discuss the challenges that regional and municipal governing bodies across the province face in developing and implementing such plans. It will also touch on the unique role that advocates can play in assisting and pushing for the development of master plans, the standards being adopted, and implementation issues.

     The conference will increase the ability of advocates to successfully work with other agencies when planning infrastructure and to better deliver programs, including cycle tourism, youth cycling safety programs and other chapter and member organization priorities.

     Concurrent sessions will focus on knowledge/skill building, bridging provincial and regional strategy, and increasing the effectiveness of the BCCC. Planned sessions include:

• Canada Bikes: what a national cycling organization means for BC

• Right to Bike: next steps for province-wide cycling education

• Tourism Initiative: looking for a provincial cycle-tourism strategy

• BC Bike Summit: leveraging the upcoming provincial election for significant change

• Building the Movement: bringing in new partners, supporting chapters and programs

• BCCC strategic planning and budgeting meetings

• Other workshops/discussion groups as requested by chapter and member organizations

Location — Victoria, BC

     The BCCC Annual Conference will take place in the heart of our beautiful provincial capital. Home to 80,000 residents, Victoria also boasts a cycling mode share of 5.6%, the highest share of bicycle commuters in Canada, according to the 2006 Census. Victoria is also home to, BCCC member, the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition. Founded in 1991, the GVCC represents over 300 members, and has helped to establish the Galloping Goose and Lochside Trails, prevented cyclists from being banned on Highway 1, secured the bid for Pro Walk/Pro Bike 2004, developed the exemplary Bike Sense Manual and the Victoria Cycling and Walking map, got bike racks on local buses, and advocated for bike lockers, road markings, and better bike parking.

     Vancouver Island is also home to the Greater Nanaimo Cycling Coaltion, the Juan De Fuca Cycling Coalition, the Comox Valley Cycling Coalition, Cycle Cowichan, and the Oceanside Cycling Coaltion.

     Thanks to their generous suppot all events will be taking place at the charming local Accent Inns. Accent Inns has offered a conference room rate of $69 per night for conference attendees. Attendees should quote Group #17940 when booking rooms to recieve the reduced rate.

     Also be sure to check out the steps that Accent Inns is making to become the most bike friendly hotel chain in BC by reading more about their Bike Love program.

Accessibility

    Recognizing that British Columbia is a large and diverse province, the BCCC will be making available free, live streaming of our keynote presentations, AGM, and select concurrent sessions to be viewed over the internet for those people who are unable to attend in person. We will also be making use of twitter, and potentially other technologies to allow for limited two-way participation with the conference. We hope to expand these initiatives in future years so that out of town participation can be even more meaningful.

   In accordance with our constitution attendance at our Annual General Meeting (taking place on Sunday) is free and open to all members and the public. If you are unable to join us for the conference we would still love to see you at the AGM.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Special Thanks

     We would like to recognize the support of Accent Inns: a strong supporter of the BCCC, cycling in British Columbia, and this Annual Conference.