Hey BESTies!
Welcome to the September edition of our newsletter 🌞

What’s in this issue?

🚀 New Leadership at BEST: Welcome Laura Jane as our new Executive Director!
🎉 The Grand Parade is this Saturday! Register Here to walk with us, or Donate Now to support seniors’ mobility.
🚶‍♀️ Explore history at our Burnaby Lake walk, Sept 27. RSVP on MeetUp or Eventbrite.
🍂 WALKtober returns! Join walks starting Oct 4, stay tuned for updates and stories all month. Sign up on MeetUp or Eventbrite.
📚 Register here for Eco-Voyage Workshops on multimodal travel and greener commuting.
🚴 1,000+ Riders and walkers Made BEST Move 2025 a Success! Catch the recap video inside.
🚲 Bike Valet 2025 wrap-up: record riders, record impact, and big plans for 2026.

Looking Ahead: New Leadership at BEST 🚀

After guiding us through a period of growth and impact, Pablo Zacarias is passing the torch, and we thank him warmly for his leadership. We’re now thrilled to welcome Laura Jane as our new Executive Director! With over a decade championing sustainable mobility, including seven years at HUB Cycling and four years leading active transportation programs at the City of Vancouver, Laura brings a wealth of experience, passion and dedication to making sustainable transportation accessible and affordable for all. We're excited for the energy and vision she brings to BEST!

Together for Seniors: The Grand Parade is this Saturday! 🎉

Bring your family and friends for a fun, family-friendly morning at Holy Trinity Anglican Church. We’ll walk together, raise funds for a vital cause, and refuel afterward with free tasty bites!

⏰ Event from 10 AM to 1:30 PM 🚶‍♀️ Walk starts at 11 AM (last call to RSVP on Meetup or Eventbrite)

For many seniors, losing a driver’s licence means losing independence, especially in communities with limited transit. By supporting the Seniors on the Move initiative, you’re helping bring mobility justice to seniors across British Columbia. 💜 Can’t join us in person? You can still make a difference. Every donation helps us advocate for safe, affordable mobility for all seniors through research, dialogue, and collaboration. Donate Now

10 Days Left to Join Walk Through Time at Burnaby Lake 🌞🚶‍♀️

Summer might be fading but we’re keeping the vibes high with another walk on September 27th at 12 PM! Join us for a stroll on the Cottonwood trail and explore the lakeside created by a glacier 12,000 years ago. Burnaby Lake Regional Park was a critical area for the Coast Salish nations, particularly for cranberry harvesting and transportation. This route provides excellent access to nature, and great opportunities to view wildlife along the route, and at Piper Spit. The walk will conclude at Sperling Lake Skytrain Station on the Millenium Line for convenient transit access. 🌿 Sign up now on MeetUp or Eventbrite!

📍 Meeting Point: 6751 Cariboo Rd, Burnaby, BC V3N 4A4
🚌 Transit Access: 12 Minute Walk from Production Way (University Station on the Expo Line and Millennium Line)

WALKtober is back! One Walk Every Weekend 🤩🍂

Cooler air and shorter days won’t stop us from getting outside! We kick things off on Oct 4 at Stanley Park with an Ancient Trees Walk, exploring the park’s rich ecosystem and history. Sign up NOW on MeetUp or Eventbrite.

Stay tuned here for details on the rest of October’s walks across Metro Vancouver, each at beautiful, accessible locations.

👉 Coming soon: a series of articles and blog posts on the benefits of walking, community stories, and urban mobility. Don’t miss it!

Discover Your Eco-Voyage: Free Workshops on Multimodal Transportation 📣📚

Curious about sustainable ways to get around Vancouver? Eco-Voyage workshops are free and open to all, whether you’re new to the city or just transit-curious. Explore options like walking, cycling, e-scooters, transit, and car- or bike-sharing. 🌟 Thanks to our partners Modo, Evo, and Mobi, every participant will get to access promo codes for shared mobility services by answering our survey!

Register today to learn about Vancouver’s multimodal transportation system, the benefits of sustainable commutes, safety tips, and practical skills to move with confidence.

• September 25th at Douglas Park Community Centre | Register Here

• September 27th at Marpole Neighborhood House | Register Here

THANK YOU for Making the BEST Move 2025 a Success! 🚴

A Day to remember on August 24, when over 1,000 cyclists and community members came together to ride, relax by the water, enjoy local eats, and vibe to some amazing tunes. We’re also grateful to the participants who joined our Living Streets walk along the Seawall. Sunshine, great conversation, and False Creek views made it a perfect day. Big thanks to our partners: Cascade Bicycle Club, Our Community Bikes, and Vancouver’s Best Places for helping make this event a success.

Watch our recap video here!

Bike Valet: 2025 Summer Season in Review 🚲

Summer 2025 was one of our most successful seasons yet! Turnout peaked in June and July, with many team members calling their work “meaningful and rewarding.” We served over 10,000 riders, prevented nearly 11 tonnes of CO₂, and hit a record high in July, parking around 3,300 devices. While regular bikes made up the majority (70%), e-bike usage continues to grow.

Beyond the numbers, this season reaffirmed Bike Valet’s powerful role in sustainable transportation and community-building. We're proud of everything we accomplished, and are already gearing up for an even bigger and better 2026! 🌱💪