June 12 2023 –
Next Monday, June 19, downtown Vancouver will see the launch of its first free summer-long Bike Valet service.
The 100-bike-capacity valet will be located beside Vancouver City Centre Skytrain Station on Granville Street at the corner of Georgia Street.
The staffed service will operate rain or shine from June 19 to September 1 during these hours:
- Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 6:30pm
- Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 8:00pm*
The Bike Valet External website, opens in new tab is a free and secure coat check-style service that will provide a convenient parking option for people riding and rolling. The Bike Valet’s space can accommodate everything from bikes, to e-scooters, bike trailers, strollers and personal mobility devices.
By encouraging more people to choose cycling and offering a secure parking alternative, the Bike Valet plays a pivotal role in promoting clean and healthy ways to travel around the city.
The Vancouver City Centre bike valet service is sponsored by Cadillac Fairview in partnership with TransLink’s Ride & Shine Program, External website, opens in new tab Downtown Van, External website, opens in new tab and the City of Vancouver. The Bike Valet is operated by BEST External website, opens in new tab (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation).
All Bike Valet users will be offered free registration with Project 529, External website, opens in new tab the non-profit national bike recovery system.
*Please note bikes cannot be left overnight. After operating hours, leftover bikes are left at the owner’s risk and will be stored with the Vancouver Police Department.
Quotes
Ken Sim – Mayor of Vancouver: “A new bike valet service in the heart of the city means you can explore everything downtown Vancouver has to offer knowing your bike is safe and secure. Active transportation users will be able to park their wheels for a few minutes or all day and stroll the city centre stress-free knowing their rides are protected.”
Derek Hurley – General Manager, CF Pacific Centre Office Properties: “As one of the largest destinations for workers, shoppers and visitors in the downtown core, we’re thrilled to participate in the Vancouver City Centre Bike Valet program. Not only is the Bike Valet an exceptional service, it’s also highly convenient and adds to the vibrancy of our community, and we could not be more proud to be a program partner.”
Kevin B. Quinn – TransLink CEO: “This Bike Valet service will give downtown cyclists a free and secure place to keep their bike for the day. Whether it’s through our network of Bike Parkades, bike lockers or bike racks spread throughout Metro Vancouver – TransLink will keep looking for creative ways to encourage sustainable transportation by making bicycle parking as simple as possible.”
Jane Talbot – President and CEO of Downtown Van: “Summer is the perfect time to utilize the incredible network of bike lanes in downtown Vancouver, and the free bike valet provides convenience and peace of mind knowing that your bike is secure while you shop, dine, work, socialize, or enjoy the countless other activities in the city. By prioritizing safety and security for cyclists, we are promoting a healthier and more environmentally friendly way to explore our beautiful city.”
Pablo Zacarías – Executive Director of BEST: “In 2022, The Bike Valet provided a secure space for 30,104 bicycles at 187 event days, resulting in an impressive reduction of 38.6 tonnes of CO2 emissions, and with this strategic location we expect to significantly surpass that number. Having a downtown Vancouver location is a dream come true for The Bike Valet and our thousands of users who – since 2006 – have trusted our service to keep their bikes safe and have demanded more and more long-term seasonal locations like this one.”