Our People: Meet the BCIT Bike Committee

Putting people at the core of everything we do is paramount at BCIT. We’re proud to be a people-first organization, where employees are supported, valued, and empowered to thrive, both personally and professionally.

Through the Our People series, we celebrate the passion, expertise, and impact of individuals who help shape a better future at BCIT and beyond.

Meet the BCIT Bike Committee, a subgroup of the Green Team made up of avid cyclists who are passionate about cycling and eager to share that joy with the BCIT community.

Members of the Bike Committee include:

• Alison MacLeod, Recruitment Specialist, People, Culture, and Inclusion
• Britta Schmidt, External Relations Advisor, Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships
• Leesa Watt, Program Assistant, School of Computing and Academic Studies
• Lindsey Zikakis, Administrative Manager, Aerospace Technology Campus
• Mirabelle Rohatgi, Graphic and Digital Design Specialist, Marketing and Communications
• Sarah Cohen, Labour Relations Consultant, People, Culture, and Inclusion

What projects or initiatives has the committee worked on that you’re especially proud of?

We are a small group but have managed to have a presence at the last couple of times to engage the students with info materials and games. Thanks to one of our members, Lindsey Zikakis, we even have a presence at the Aerospace Technology Campus.   We encourage cyclists from all our campuses to let us know if they would like to get involved.

What has been a particularly memorable moment for the Bike Committee, and why?

We really enjoyed our participation in the BCIT Professional Development (PD) Day for employees last year. HUB Cycling supported us with an e-bike trial station. The station was very well attended and received positive feedback from participants. Through this, we were able to share our joy in movement in a presentation to a big crowd.

What are the committee’s key goals and objectives this year?

• We are giving our Intranet page (available to employees only) a major overhaul to provide more resources and educational materials for our staff and faculty to encourage more of you to get on your bikes.
• We are by developing more engaging materials and games.
• We look forward to continued collaboration with other departments at BCIT such as Campus Planning and Facilities and Institute Sustainability.

Are there any upcoming events or initiatives this winter? If so, how can the BCIT community get involved?

Winter Go By Bike week starts on February 14! (it’s free and open to employees and students) and log all your bike trips, no matter where you go or how long your trip. Anything counts and there are prizes to be won. If you need any tips for cycling in the cold season, visit our Intranet page!

What tips would you share for incorporating cycling into daily routines, especially for people who are new to biking or commuting?

• Start small, maybe a short trip in your free time on a protected bike path with limited elevation – set yourself up for success.
• In the summertime when the days are longer and there’s less rain, you will need less gear. Build up your gear as you build your confidence.
• Commuting by bike can be intimidating but it is all about selecting the right route (through traffic-calmed areas and dedicated bike paths) and there are great facilities at all BCIT campuses to get changed and ready for your workday. Reach out to our committee if you are looking for a bike buddy to help you pick a route!

How can members of the BCIT community get involved with the Bike Committee? Are all cycling skill levels welcome?

We are accepting all skill levels, even aspirational cyclists. We are always looking for people that share our passion for sustainable modes of transportation and that want to advocate for more access to safe routes and improved facilities.

Are there any spots on BCIT campuses that the committee enjoys riding to? What makes them special?

Our campuses connect to some great scenic bike routes like:

• The Sprit Trail by BCIT Marine Campus is a fully accessible 35km greenway along the North Shore
• The Iona Island Causeway near BCIT Aerospace Technology Campus offers breathtaking views of both mountains and water and is one of the best spots to see sunsets in Metro Vancouver
• The Central Valley Greenway near BCIT Burnaby Campus is a relatively flat scenic route that connects New Westminster, Burnaby and Vancouver
• The Seawall near BCIT Downtown Campus connects the downtown core with Kitsilano and offers mountain and ocean views the whole way

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us?

The benefits of cycling for mental, physical and environmental health cannot be overstated! For anyone that does yet ride – try it, you’ll love it!