To sustain its work, Our Community Bikes (OCB) relies on the incredible support it receives from the local and wider biking community. From vital funds to donated bikes, to volunteer time, folks from across Vancouver (and beyond) help make what OCB is, a community bike shop by the people, for the people.
So, who are the supporters behind our ever-expanding work? We caught up with Karen Benson (she/her), who has played an important role supporting the shop and its programs.
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you are involved in the cycling world.
Nothing makes me happier than getting out and riding my bike! I get a kick out of seeing where a bike can take me and what I can take along for the ride — maybe it’s picking up a pumpkin from Westham Island or stashing a box of Duffin’s donuts in my panniers.
To get more involved with the cycling community, I started volunteering with the Pedals for the People program at OCB a few years ago. It’s also been a great way to learn skills, help give new life to old bikes, and recycle parts to keep stuff out of the landfill.
How do you use your bicycle? And what have been some of your most memorable experiences on your bike this year?
I love riding as a way to get from point A to point B, and I’ve been a year-round bike commuter for about 15 years. I find it such an efficient way to move through the city and explore new places. It feels like a natural pace too; it’s quick enough to get somewhere but relaxed enough to feel connected to the spaces I ride through.
For me, bike commuting is the best way to start and finish a work day. It’s built-in exercise in fresh air, gives me time to think, reduces traffic congestion, and saves money. Every season brings something new, like cherry blossoms popping in spring (or on the flip side, testing the limits of waterproof layers when it’s 2°C in sideways rain).
I’ve been dipping my toes into bike camping the last few years and some of my favourite moments have come from those trips: Finding new trails on Gulf Islands, stopping to pick up tomatoes from a roadside veggie stand, or hanging out on beaches on the Sunshine Coast. I always pack my binoculars on bike camping trips because I’m a bird watching nerd, plus you never know when you might spot whales from the ferry.
Where do you feel the city has made progress towards more inclusive and affordable cycling? And what key challenges do you feel are ahead for Vancouver?
I’ve got my own mental map of infrastructure improvements that have made a difference to my regular bike routes, but I know that my routes are just a small piece of a much, much bigger puzzle. There’s still a lot of potential across the city and region to make cycling safer and more inclusive. When it comes to progress and challenges, I’d encourage folks to check out the work that HUB Cycling does — they’ve got excellent resources and research about what our region has achieved and what’s still ahead. If you’ve ever had the experience of sailing along a bike lane that suddenly (and alarmingly) ends, you’ll appreciate their “Ungap the Map” initiative, which highlights gaps that currently exist and aims to create a more connected, safer cycling network.
How and why did you become involved with Our Community Bikes (OCB)?
I was looking for a way to give back to the bike community and pick up a few skills along the way. Based on what I knew about OCB, it seemed like a solid fit, so I signed up for a volunteer orientation.
Shortly after my first few shifts, I was super fortunate to join their volunteer 16-week mechanics training course for Pedals for the People. It ended up being a commitment of three hours every Sunday night for four months; I’m so glad I got to be part of it and learn in such a supportive environment. I’ll never forget when I opened up a hub for the first time to see the bearings and how it all fit together — it was a whole other side to bikes that I didn’t know existed.
Since then, I’ve been volunteering almost every week for a few hours and I still learn something new almost every shift. Before I started volunteering, my bike skills mainly consisted of fixing a flat tire and lubing a chain.
Now I feel more confident about tackling other projects on my own bikes, like changing brake pads, replacing cables and housing, and truing wheels. I’ve even built a couple of wheels (with a lot of help along the way). Things that used to feel mysterious, like the tool wall, aren’t intimidating anymore.
Where do you feel OCB fits in the city’s journey towards more inclusive cycling?
I think a lot of people in Vancouver see OCB as a bike shop, full stop. But it’s so much more than that. OCB is part of PEDAL (PEDAL = Pedal Energy Development Alternatives) which is the non-profit society that oversees Our Community Bikes… and they offer tons of local programs alongside the bike shop.
One example? I’ve been volunteering with their Pedals for the People program, which provides free bikes to people facing financial barriers, along with subsidized repairs. That program is just one of many. There’s also DIY access nights, workshops, youth programs, repair clinics out in the community, and more. Every week, OCB has something going on to contribute to more inclusive cycling in the city and to help make biking more accessible.
OCB’s vision is a community without oppression where bicycles are accessible to all, regardless of perceived ability, employment status, income, race, gender, or sexual orientation. Both the OCB bike shop and the programs offered by PEDAL strive to line up with that vision — Vancouver really wouldn’t be the same without them.
The Canadian winter is upon us! What advice would you give to encourage somebody to continue cycling in the windy, wet and chilly weather?
You can do it! Sure, it’s easier to bike when it’s not rainy, windy, or cold. But it’s totally doable with the right gear and mindset. Plus it makes the warm, sunny days ahead feel even sweeter when they do arrive. A few gear tips:
For your bike:
- Fenders: To keep the puddles off your body and bike. There are often lots of inexpensive used fenders to choose from at OCB.
- Lights: Good bike lights (front and rear) are key. I like the USB rechargeable ones for easy charging, and I often tuck an extra pair of lights in my bag just in case.
For your body:
- Decent gloves: Cold hands make any ride miserable. I have a few pairs of bike gloves with different warmth levels to get me through the winter — they make a huge difference.
- Waterproof layers: A waterproof jacket is a must. If it’s really pouring, I like to layer on waterproof pants too.
- Reflective vest: Last year, I found one in the OCB used bins for $8 and I love it. It helps with visibility at intersections and in traffic, and acts as extra mini waterproof protection too.
