There is nothing new about the basic concept of bicycles, but what is relatively new as far as they’re concerned is the increasing demand that they and their riders be safely accommodated on roads.

More mature societies around the world often have a greater acceptance of bikes and the rights of their riders, although the reasons for high bike use are likely just as much to do with crowded conditions and economics as a desire to be eco-friendly.

In Canada there is a wide variance in levels of tolerance for the pedaled vehicle.

In Sooke and area it appears an evolution in the role of the bike is steadily ongoing, thanks in part to world events (climate and pollution concerns); strong and steady population growth; increased awareness of the health benefits associated with cycling; and the efforts of groups like the Juan de Fuca Cycling Coalition (JDFCC) – a well informed and articulate group with a growing membership.

Sooke resident Stephen Hindrichs is a driving, or make that, a pedaling force behind the coalition and has been for a year and a half or so.

Hindrichs has been a cyclist for most of his life. He’s always seen the personal benefits of using a bike for transportation and recreation. There have been times in his adult life when he did not own a car.

The idea of forming some sort of advocacy group for the cycling community came to Hindrichs from a local bike shop owner and mountain biking enthusiast.

“I was going down to Lorien’s (Sooke Cycle owner, Arnold) shop and trying to find out, because I had some issues with berms on the highway because I almost hit one one night.” Hindrichs refers to the asphalt ridges, sort of like standalone curbs designed for roles including water diversion. He says the berms are hard to see, especially at night and pose a danger to cyclists.

“I was asking, like, ‘who do we talk to in dealing with this? Is there any cycling group that’s doing anything?’”

Arnold apparently mentioned the group he’s part of, but that it’s focused on mountain biking.

“He said, ‘why don’t you start up something? We could use it,’” Hindrichs recalled.

Seeking direction, he first tried to get in touch with the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition but his calls were not returned – he later learned the group had been going through a reorganization at that time. He’s since been in contact with the larger group and he looks forward to an affiliation with it.

He and some others, including his wife Lee, took the initiative and got the ball rolling. The coalition currently has a paid-up membership of about 20, plus a much higher number of folks who support its goals.

The JDFCC made a detailed presentation to the District of Sooke Committee of the Whole on October 5, publicizing some of its objectives, including:

Current projects and initiatives;

- Cycle Safe for Youth Program in conjunction with Sooke RCMP;

- Volunteering with local ICBC Speedwatch deployment;

- Working with MOT on current Hwy 14 re-paving project to improve cycle and pedestrian safety as well as discussions on a Galloping Goose Connector;

- Organising a Cycling and Sustainable Transportation Symposium in Sooke for next spring/early summer;

- Presentation and ongoing discussions with BC Transit for Park & Ride bike storage and concept of a “Bike Bus;”

- Looking at increasing and linking developed trail routes such as extending Galloping Goose trail from Leechtown to Hwy 14 via Loss Creek Valley, and linking into Cowichan Valley.

Updates on the coalition’s dealings with the CRD and BC Transit Commission were supplied as well.

“Bit by bit we’re getting more and more people interested,” Hindrichs concluded. “We’re going to need to start focusing on alternative transportation soon. We all know the gas prices are going to go up again.”