People at HUB
HUB Cycling is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive organization and to working with people and communities to support them to thrive and prosper. Diversity is integral to this commitment. Diversity among our members, volunteers, staff and Board of Directors allows us to better understand, connect to, and respond to the needs of HUB members and broader communities.
Visit bikehub.ca/diversity to learn more.
Board Members
Jeff Leigh
President
Now retired, Jeff is a former Vice President at Finning International, which brought Jeff to live and work across Canada, South America, and Europe. Jeff also led engineering teams at Westport Innovations.
Jeff lives downtown and cycles locally, while also enjoying cycling trips abroad. He believes that cycling for transportation can best be increased by ensuring people have access to safe infrastructure, and that people feel safe when cycling. Action work to promote these goals is our most valuable contribution. This includes advocating for improvements at all levels of government, and celebrating our successes.
Jeff is chair of the Vancouver/UBC Committee at HUB, where he leads advocacy efforts including Assessment Rides and Reports. Jeff also sits on the Operations Committee and Regional Advisory Committee, where he has worked hands-on to make operational improvements relating to Board Policies and Procedures, and worked on regional advocacy issues.
Tai Silvey
Vice President
Tai Silvey is a founding member of Evo Car Share and currently leads the Evo business for BCAA. Tai is an accomplished brand builder and business leader and has played key roles in the launch and explosive growth of businesses from Evo Car Share to Dyson Vacuums to Red Bull.
Tai is a transportation futurist and has a passion for helping design solutions for cities that promote vibrant and livable communities. As an urban dweller and cyclist, Tai believes that cycling needs to play a central role in mobility to create livable cities of the future. He also believes that getting more people to cycle more often can build community and increase the health of people and the environment.
Matthew Alexander
Treasurer
Matt was born and raised in Vancouver and has recently returned from five years living in Toronto. His passion for cycling took off after a Canada-wide bike trip. Since then he’s been an avid cyclist and was one of the few all-season cyclists in Toronto.
Matt is a Chartered Professional Accountant- CA with over 10 years of accounting and finance experience. He has extensive experience preparing financial statements, reviewing internal controls and preparing annual and multi-year budgets. His board experience includes acting as the Chair of the Finance Committee for the West End Food Co-operative- a co-op promoting access to healthy and sustainable food.
He believes that cycling is incredibly fun and that with the right exposure everyone would prefer a bike over other modes of transportation. He sees HUB as a fantastic way to expose and educate residents as to how amazing commuting can be on a bike.
Geneviève Bowers
Secretary
Geneviève Bowers is a regular commuter, a road cyclist, and an adventurer who enjoys self-supported cycle touring. In the past, she’s also used cycling to fundraise for ovarian cancer research. She has 13 years of experience analyzing various policy issues and developing policy for public entities. Geneviève has also volunteered as a Board Director for a non-profit that fundraises for and disperses student financial awards. She has skills and experience in fundraising, working closely with senior officials, intergovernmental relations, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning. Genevieve works as Policy Analyst at British Columbia Lottery Corporation.
Nadia Fourik
Nadia was born and raised in North Vancouver and currently lives in the Moodyville neighborhood. Nadia has a background in business and management consulting. She completed her Master of Public Health from the University of British Columbia in 2018 and is now the Regional Leader for Health Promotion and Prevention at Vancouver Coastal Health. Nadia is passionate about creating transportation networks that make active transportation the convenient choice for people of all ages and abilities. You can find her cycling the North Shore on the weekends, to her office in Vancouver during the week, and exploring new places by bike whenever time permits.
Carlos Alonso
Carlos started biking when he was five years old on the streets of a small town in Argentina. At university, he used to cycle everywhere and did some occasional racing, too. After graduation, he continued biking in Italy, on the hilly roads of Turin, where he lived and started a family. In 2004, he landed in Vancouver to work in the aerospace industry as a program manager.
Now Carlos rides his road bike across the lower mainland to stay healthy and to explore different bike paths. Carlos believes cycling is a valid option for transportation as well as a healthy practice for all ages. He hopes his work at HUB will help open up more bike lanes to explore.
Özge Yazar
Özge is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation in downtown Vancouver. After growing up in Ankara, she lived in Istanbul, Hong Kong, Amsterdam, and Montreal. Özge started cycling to compete in triathlons, but now also commutes and races on a bike.
Özge is committed to improving cycling infrastructure in British Columbia and expanding the possibilities for exploring or commuting on two wheels. She hopes to contribute to the board with her experience with cycling infrastructure around the world, as well as her understanding of the legal infrastructure in BC.
Alicia Gowan
Alicia is the Sustainability Specialist at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. When she’s not planning for climate action and sustainability, she ponders about how to make Vancouver a less car-dense and more bike-friendly city. While spending two years living in and studying for her Environmental Sustainability Master’s in Sweden, she grew amazed by the bike path networks. She became motivated to bring this inspiration back to Vancouver to make cycling accessible for 8 to 80 year old's and help transform Vancouver into a city made for people, not cars.
Alicia is a recreational cyclist and loves cycling for all of its health, environmental, and recreational benefits! She hopes to bring a sustainability and equity lens to the board as well as her experience working in and being on the board of several non-profits. She is co-chair of the board’s Regional Advisory Committee working on cycling advocacy across Metro Vancouver.
Sarah Eustace
Sarah is a lawyer for the Federal Department of Justice and a mother of two. She is an avid cyclist who chooses to go by bike as her primary mode of transportation. She also enjoys road biking. She has experience as a board member of a non-profit organization and enjoys fundraising. In her role as a civil servant and government lawyer, she has extensive experience with risk management and the interaction between policy and law. She is a member of the HUB Van-UBC local regional committee and a long-standing HUB member. Sarah loves biking and is grateful for Vancouver’s cycling lanes and bike safety initiatives.
Victoria Gray
Victoria is a marketing consultant with over 30 years of experience, working with organizations and agencies to develop comprehensive marketing solutions in Canada and the US. Her love for problem solving, sustainable living and lifelong learning motivates her both professionally and personally.
Victoria sees cycling as a solution to the climate, affordability, health and equity challenges we face. As an avid cyclist, she is passionate about leveraging her extensive experience to increase ridership across Metro Vancouver. Victoria is thrilled to be working with the board, staff and volunteers to build upon the amazing work HUB Cycling has done so far.
Staff
Erin O'Melinn
Executive Director
Erin has worked with HUB Cycling since 2009. Her background is in community engagement and urban planning, with a Master of Urban Studies degree from Simon Fraser University.In the past she has worked for local government and crown corporations in their sustainability and outreach initiatives.
Erin was a Director of the Board with the Vancouver Public Space Network from 2007-2012, working to create vibrant urban spaces inviting to everyone. From 2011 to 2016 she was on the Board of the Alliance for Biking and Walking, the North American umbrella association for active transportation advocacy.
Timothy Welsh
Director of Program Development
Tim spent much of his youth in the South Okanagan exploring by bike. As an adult living in Vancouver Tim rediscovered cycling for practical and environmental reasons, and has since become an enthusiastic cyclist, bike mechanic, and bicycling promoter. Before joining HUB Cycling in 2013 Tim's work in refugee and immigrant resettlement included developing and delivering a range of direct services, and playing a central facilitative role between service providers and government funders in the expansion and professionalization of the BC settlement services sector. As HUB Cycling's Director of Program Development, Tim works with the HUB Cycling team to build the strength and reach of existing education and events programming, and develops new programs which support HUB Cycling's mandate including Research, Bike Friendly Buildings and Newcomer Bike Mentorship.
Emily Beam
Director of Operations
Emily is a white settler living on unceded Coast Salish territory with her young family.
Rose Gardner
Director of Bike Education
Rose believes that continuing to ride bikes for transportation is one of the smartest life decisions she had made. That decision has made her happier, healthier and more connected to her local community. Since moving to Vancouver in 2000, she’s been delighted to cycle the ever growing number of bike routes throughout the region and southwest BC.
At HUB Cycling, Rose oversees the Bike Education department including hundreds of bike courses in schools and the community as well as Everyone Rides Grade 4-5.
Prior to joining HUB Cycling, Rose worked as a manager and instructor in various outdoor recreation and education organizations. She has also worked as a Director of Operations for a local paddling company, responsible for company operations, risk management, human resources and the paddling school. Rose has a degree in Geography from UBC and is nationally certified to instruct various outdoor activities. She is very excited to lead HUB’s bike education team into a future where universal cycling education is available to all.
Navdeep Chhina
Director of Campaigns & Inclusion
When more people cycle, communities become happier, healthier and more sustainable. To this end, Navdeep Chhina aspires to help build a network of inclusive and safe cycling infrastructure for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. At HUB Cycling, Navdeep (ਨਵਦੀਪ ਸਿੰਘ - he/him) oversees inclusion and diversity efforts, media relations, stakeholder relations, community relations and advocacy efforts. Creating a welcoming, inclusive organization and collaborating with people from underrepresented and marginalized communities is integral to these efforts.
A settler on the unceded lands of the Coast Salish peoples, Navdeep grew up in Chandigarh, India.
Kate Shen
Director of Partnerships & Events
Kate joined HUB Cycling at the start of 2021 as their Bike to Work Week Coordinator. Kate loves biking through the city in her free time and using her bike to make deliveries for her small business. One of her fondest biking memories was exploring the outskirts of Cuba on her bike after class each day during a field course she took part of in the summer of 2015. Kate is very passionate about health and sustainability and is excited to share the benefits of cycling with the community.
Kate grew up in Ottawa and lived abroad for several years before settling in Vancouver in 2019. Kate has a BSc in Environmental Biology from the University of Guelph and an MSc in Environmental Sciences from Lancaster University.
Catherine Acuna
Membership Manager
Cathy joined HUB cycling in 2016 as Membership Manager. Cathy loves hearing from dedicated HUB supporters and hopes to expand the organizations membership base to further grow the voice and impact of HUB.
Having previously worked for environmental non-profits, Cathy is passionate about working towards improving the environment through alternate means of transit and helping all people across Metro Vancouver, find the confidence they need to get on their bikes!
A Los Angeles transplant, Cathy loves living a car free lifestyle in Vancouver and can be found on the weekends zipping around the sea wall on her bright red Biria bike!
Jennifer Rai
Office Manager
Jennifer comes to HUB Cycling with a background in Business Management and has over ten years experience working in both the for and non profit sector. Besides maintaining office operations, finances and administration, Jennifer also assists our programs, events and membership services ensuring the office runs like a well oiled bike chain. While living in Amsterdam, Jennifer's love for cycling as a means of transportation and a healthy lifestyle flourished. She was inspired and enlightened and looks to continue the ease of cycling in her own Vancouver community.
Kristen Elder
Instructor Manager
Kristen became involved with HUB in 2018 after a road trip from her home base of Toronto brought her to Vancouver. She was quick to fall for the sudden ease and freedom of bicycle travel here. It became her means of commuting, exercising, socializing, and adventuring – and overall brought lines on the map to life. When the opportunity arose to use her outdoor education background in the Bike Ed. Instructor role, it was an easy transition. The energizing and rewarding season on the front-line sparked her interest in the behind the scenes work that culminated in such a successful program; thus drawing her to become an Instructor Manager.
Kristen earned a BSc in Zoology, and Cognitive Psychology from the University of Guelph. Animal research was her gateway to Canada’s backcountry, and cycling continues to allow her quick access to nature while in the city. Being a firm believer in the all-around benefits of fresh air, wherever one may find it, Kristen is delighted to facilitate programs that draw people out the door and onto their bikes!
Rianna Fiorante
Marketing Manager
Lisa Storey
Events Manager
Lisa (she/her) is our Event Manager. Before joining HUB in 2022, she worked in conference production, hosting live and virtual events for audiences in Philadelphia, Chicago, Amsterdam & Paris, and has marketing and PR experience in the UK social enterprise sector. She has a BA in International Relations and Journalism and is excited to combine her professional experience, commitment to sustainable living and love of cycling for the role.
Lisa is proud to have never driven a car but slightly embarrassed to admit she needed training wheels on her bike until the age of 12. Her favourite biking accomplishment was bikepacking Japan's Shimanami Kaido trail. After three years of living in the Netherlands, she understands the importance of cycling infrastructure in building a cultural acceptance for commuting by bike.
Arthur Orsini
Bike Education Manager
Lorraine Smith
Everyone Rides Grade 4 - 5 Program Manager
Lorraine enjoys creative problem solving, and believes that cycling can be an elegant, simple, and creative solution to so many problems in our communities. Her bike Rootbeer just thinks cycling is fun, and everyone should do it.
Lorraine oversees the Everyone Rides Grade 4- 5 program in smaller communities outside of the Lower Mainland. While working as a Cycling Instructor for eight years, Lorraine was honoured to watch new cyclists go from scared and wobbly to confident and triumphant riders. She previously worked as a Fundraiser and Volunteer Coordinator for various non profits, including the Canadian Red Cross, Canadian Cancer Society, and the Vancouver Maritime Museum. During the Pandemic, Lorraine wrote a Y/A novel, set in her hometown Riverview, New Brunswick, and looks forward to seeing it published.
Lorraine and Rootbeer can often be seen coasting along the Sea Wall, walking their dog Junebug at sunset, and gardening in their community garden plot.
Evan Hammer
Infrastructure Planning & Policy Manager
Evan grew up biking, but quickly forgot about it when he came of age in oil country and bought a truck. In 2011, Evan embarked on a car-lite experience. This was inspired by a desire to reduce his resource consumption, and he finally gave up his Mustang the next year.
After moving to Vancouver, Evan acquired a west coast bike and has been steadily moving toward becoming a year round, utilitarian cyclists (not there yet!). Evan believes that cycling can be a ‘silver bullet’ on a number of issues - congestion, pollution, health outcomes - while at the same time providing a speedy, fun way to move around.
Evan has a Masters in Planning from UBC’s School of Community and Regional Planning, in addition to his undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies. He has recently worked on transportation projects on multi-use paths, e-bikes and bus-bike integration, as well as stints with Vancouver Bike Share (Mobi), Fraser Health doing employee consultation work, and a variety of projects related to cycling, transportation and planning. Evan is currently looking forward to his next multi-day bike adventure.
Tim Davidson
Planning Technician
Tim comes to HUB from the private sector, where he worked as a planner delivering Active Transportation projects across Canada. He holds a Masters' of Planning from Dalhousie University where he worked on projects incorporating complete streets, neighbourhood and regional planning, and public engagement. He also has completed a Bachelors’ degree in Geography, and a post graduate certificate in Urban Design, both from Simon Fraser University.
Tim’s love for cycling began in Surrey BC, where he and friends would often make long trips all around Metro Vancouver. Later in life, he rediscovered this passion for two-wheel commuting using his $15 bike to travel all around Halifax and Dartmouth NS.
Mark Corbett
Bike Mentorship Program Manager
Mark grew up in Ottawa and moved to Vancouver in 2007. Since then he has mostly lived in East Van, with time also spent living (and bicycling) in South Korea, The Netherlands, and Japan. It was Vancouver though, that really reignited a passion for cycling, and an interest in the infrastructure and systems, both formal and informal, that make it an enjoyable and efficient way to get around the city.
Mark has a BA from Trent University, and recently completed the Graduate Diploma in Urban Studies program at Simon Fraser University, during which he tried, whenever possible, to write about bicycling. Prior to joining HUB Cycling, Mark previously held a number of different roles in the non-profit sector, and worked as a teacher of English as a Second Language, both here in Vancouver, and overseas.
Chelsea Krahn
Planning Analyst
Chelsea grew up in the Fraser Valley and has fond memories as a child of cycling along the Vedder River to pick blackberries in the summer. Years later, while living in Montreal, Chelsea discovered the joy of biking as a commuter using the bike share program. Since moving to Vancouver during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chelsea’s passion for inclusive cycling grew as she experienced the benefits of cycling for mental and physical wellness.
Chelsea’s passion for community building, climate resilience and equitable placemaking is supported by her Bachelor’s degree in Global Development and a Master’s degree in Community and Regional Planning. She brings experience in community engagement, policy analysis, and partnership development for multilateral and non-profit organizations. In her free time, you can find Chelsea at a farmers market, thrift shopping, or the pottery studio.
Stuart Lew
Bike Education & Equipment Coordinator
Born and raised in Vancouver, Stuart has long been an avid cyclist and advocate of car-free living. Prior to joining HUB in 2019, he served as the Provincial Coordinator for the BC Commuter Challenge for BEST (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation). In 2009, he helped to found The Triple Crown for Heart charity bike ride benefiting BC Children’s Hospital, and is currently Co-Chair of the organization. In addition to organizing the event he has enthusiastically participated in the ride each year, cycling all three North Shore mountains in one day. He also volunteers as a ride marshall for RBC Granfondo Whistler.
Stuart has a Bachelor’s Degree in Administrative and Commercial Studies from the University of Western Ontario and a diploma in Financial Management from BCIT. As a father of five children, Stuart has accumulated considerable experience in teaching kids to ride bikes.
Stuart is a passionate environmentalist who believes in sustainable lifestyle choices and works toward setting an example and educating people to obtain this goal. He believes that giving children the opportunity to learn about and gain confidence in cycling from a young age is a great investment in a more sustainable future.
Jonathan Mak
Community Organizer
Jonathan joined HUB Cycling in August of 2021. Growing up mostly in the auto-centric suburbs of Tri-cities and Surrey, Jonathan did not grow up thinking biking was a viable way of getting around. After spending a year abroad in Copenhagen and seeing the benefits of a city built with bikes in consideration, he began to bike as his main mode of transport. He is excited to work with different communities to overcome barriers to building a city where cycling is a viable and preferred mode of transport for everyone.
Jonathan has an undergraduate degree in Geography from UBC and a Master of Planning from Toronto Metropolitan University. While attending Toronto Metropolitan University, he became a year-round cyclist—even in subzero temperatures. He comes with experience working on projects with municipal and non-profit clients in the housing sector, as well as in cultural planning.
Lisa Corriveau
Bike Education Coordinator
Lisa Corriveau fell in love with cycling when she learned to ride a bike at age four. She became a regular cycle commuter in Vancouver while completing her Bachelor of Arts in French & Linguistics at Simon Fraser University. After starting a family, she realized that she needed a bigger bike and has been carrying her two kids, large grocery runs, or the occasional friend on cargo bikes since 2014.
Lisa saw a need for more resources to help families, particularly those with very young children, get into cycling and living car-free. She helped build the Vancouver Family Biking group, developed workshops, and put on events, as well as started her blog, Spokesmama.com. Lisa also spent six years as a member of the City of Vancouver's Transportation Advisory Committee and currently volunteers as a pilot for Cycling Without Age.
Lisa has osteoarthritis in her hip, and as it has progressed, she has increasingly relied on her ebike as a mobility device. She advocates for disabled cycling via various public speaking engagements and on social media.
Lisa has been with HUB as a cycling instructor since 2016, sharing the joy of cycling with thousands of students of all ages and is excited to continue teaching and organizing as a Bike Education Coordinator.
Alexis Thibeault
Streetwise Manager
Growing up in Newfoundland (and experiencing its infamous winters) meant cycling season could be rather... short. But that didn't stop me and my family from enjoying it as much as was humanly possible! I learn to ride on rocky trails, coasting past bogs and watching out for moose on the path. I loved the freedom to explore my town and surrounding forests and did it as often as I could.
Since moving to Vancouver, I've turned into more of an urban commuter cyclist, but that doesn't mean I love cycling any less! Cycling has always meant independence for me, and I love inspiring others to feel the freedom that cycling can give you. I've been teaching natural and outdoor subjects to youth for over 15 years (including marine biology, outdoor theatre, and basic science literacy) and love coordinating and teaching cycling with HUB. It's a subject very near and dear to my heart, and I absolutely adore working to share that passion with others.
Marcela García
Event and Volunteer Coordinator
Inspired by the cycling culture of her hilly hometown of Bogotá, Colombia, Marcela has had a passion for biking from a young age. Marcela has a BA in Political Science and a minor in Creative Writing from UBC. Most recently, while living in Mallorca, Spain, Marcela discovered the joys of relying on her bike as a tool of daily transportation and for fun-filled tourism, including by successfully biking around the entire island. Prior to joining HUB, Marcela worked in several non-profit organizations focused on youth, women, and Indigenous rights and education. Marcela is excited to promote healthier, more sustainable lifestyles across Metro Vancouver through active transportation as part of her work at HUB. During her free time, Marcela can be found at her local thrift shops, nature-walking with her energy-filled dog, and tending to her many plants.
Mónica Perea
Bike Education Coordinator
Monica (she/her) sees bicycles as happiness machines, and they totally changed her life. Her journey started in Mexico when she was 4, and his father taught her how to ride a bike. Since then, she’s found freedom and independence, as well as the opportunity to meet many incredible people on the road. She believes in the importance of making a community and loves to spread the word about all the cycling benefits, especially for women.
She’s been in the education field for more than 13 years and her background is in performing arts. For her, theatre and bikes are so alike: there are many paths to choose from, you decide how long you want to go and there are always risks involved; both demand you be in the present, here and now. So, probably, you can see her riding around theatre venues or thinking about a new story to be performed during her free time.
The cities are changing around the world, cycling is more on the radar as a way of transportation. Being part of that active change makes her proud and encourages her to keep sharing those happiness machines.
Sadie Caron
Communications & Fundraising Manager
Vince Bacarac
Event Coordinator
Vince is passionate about public health and the environment, making HUB Cycling the perfect place for him to be! With a background in biochemistry and experience in event and volunteer coordination at other non-profit organizations, he hopes to create memorable and impactful events to educate his communities about the positive health and environmental impacts of biking! In the early mornings and during the weekend, Vince enjoys riding his bike down to various parks to play tennis with his buddies.
Instructors
Ari Ng
I want to share my love of riding bikes with everyone! There was a time when I commuted by car to my corporate place of work… Often sitting in rush hour traffic, going through the complications of the day to come, surfacing memories of the fun and simplicity of bike riding kept my sanity!
Since then, I have become a full-time car free cyclist, with an awesome hobby turned bikey career! When I’m not on a bike tour, exploring the North Shore mountains, building up a sweet frameset, at OCB (Vancouver’s most established community bike shop), or Kickstand Bikes (Vancouver’s newest volunteer run community bike shop) you’ll find me chilling at a coffee shop, with one of my trusty (steel, or carbon) steeds ready to go on a fun group ride around the bustling town:)
I’m big on bike social activities, events, building bikes and sharing skills to make our riding experience and ultimately, our everyday lives better! See ya on the ride ;)
Donna Chen
I grew up cycling in '80s Beijing when there were more bikes than cars, then took a break from riding before rediscovering my love for bikes on the streets of Vancouver.
Cycling has since become one of my favourite ways for exploring cities, islands, and nooks and crannies of the world. It's been a treat as a bike ed instructor to facilitate and witness the remarkable moments of joy, courage, connection, freedom and selfreliance people find on their bikes.
Darren Brereton
I've been biking ever since my dad taught me, pushing me on my purple mustang, back in the 70s.
Wait. That's not true.
When I went to high school I was afraid my bike would get stolen so I walked to school. This lasted through three years of art school, busing from Richmond to Granville Island.
One day I decided to ride to school, and I surprised myself by not only surviving the trip, but also by trimming 15 minutes off my bus commute. The trip was free; I got exercise; and I arrived sharper. I've been hooked ever since.
I've since ridden the streets of Paris; Harbin; Montreal (through winter). I've taken up randonneuring, centuries, and fondos. I commute by bike, shop by bike and explore by bike. Now I get to teach on a bike!
I've tried to describe to non-cyclists what it is about cycling that's so great, and then I sit down with another cyclist and we share that same look. "Yup. Cycling." We get it
Alexandra Chowne
Growing up near the mountains, woods, and ocean here in Vancouver gave Alexandra more opportunity than she could have imagined. What started as passion and playtime developed over the years, and it is what keeps her learning, active, and happy. Whether biking along the trails in nature or within a city, there is not a finer way to experience the quirks and quarks of life. She is so happy that she can share her love of biking with the greater community and join in the action to create a safer space for all. We are so lucky to live on the beautiful door to British Columbia's- let's make it better.
Odessa Cadieux-Rey
I only really became hooked on cycling as a young adult, but it didn't take long to become totally dependent (in a good way) on my bike for the freedom, convenience, fun, and exercise it provided. From UBC campus to the ruins of Angkor, I have found no better way to experience life than on two wheels. In addition to being a Bike Education Instructor, I am also an Academic Advisor at UBC with an MA in Classics (Ancient Greek and Latin) and a proud cat mom.
I dream of one day cycling around the world - or at least across a continent. For now, the best times on my bike are spent discovering scenic routes around Vancouver and on short camping tours around coastal BC. I am sure sharing my love of cycling with a new generation as an instructor will soon be added to that list!
Jasper Wrinch
I didn’t make biking very easy for myself when I started — the hills of Bowen Island, where I grew up, and the hand-me-down single-speed Baycrest I learned to bike on did not mix. But after slogging through my early years on two wheels, I felt like I was set free on the streets of Vancouver when I moved here in 2012. Using a bike as my primary form of transportation while commuting out to UBC, I became more interested in cycling overall and started working for Vancouver Bike Share in 2016 until 2018. Since then, I have continued cycling (as close to year-round as I can manage) and I have worked in education with youth in various aspects, from mental health awareness to private tutoring. It’s great to be able to finally combine cycling and education and spread the word about how wonderful biking can be!
Daisy Barker
The (documented) beginning of my love for riding a bike can be found on a VHS tape at my parent's house. On it I can be seen, at the tender age of 3, zipping around in tight circles on my tricycle yelling "look at me guys, look at me". I've cooled it on the showboating front since then but the fundamental joy that riding a bike brings me remains. I like to say that when I ride my bike I feel like how I imagine a dog feels when they stick their head out a car window - it's bliss.
One of my favorite things about riding a bike is how it opens up the world to you - the smells, the sights, the sounds! It's such a fun and freeing way to travel and I couldn't imagine a life without it, I feel so lucky to live in such a beautiful place that lets you ride a bike year-round. I'm excited to educate and work with lots of different people, to both collaborate and help them find their confidence on wheels.
Elaine Wallace
I consider myself to be an incredibly fortunate person to have been born and raised in the spectacular city of Vancouver and the lower mainland. With our mild climate, mountains, ocean and lakes I have been able to take advantage of an array of outdoor activities throughout my life. One of which has always been cycling. What was once a means of transportation as a young child has become an integral part of my lifestyle. From biking to / from work, participating in fund raising rides such as The Ride to Conquer Cancer”, to camping adventures and to stay healthy and fit.
In 2019 I decided to retire from the position of Vice President at a Property Management frim. I realized I wanted to retire from the hectic pace of management and to take a slightly different path in my semi-retirement. In the spring of 2019, I found myself working for a cycling tour company taking visitors around our beautiful city on bikes. Early in 2020 I joined HUB and was later hired as an instructor for their bike programs in schools. I happy to say that I have been able to turn my passion for cycling into the best part-time retirement jobs a person could wish for.
Christian Chow
I learned to ride a bike when I was about eight years old, and at that point in my life, it was my crowning achievement. In 2012, after watching the movie, Premium Rush, I knew without a doubt that I wanted to be a committed cyclist. I bought my first steel single-speed commuter a year later, and since then my interest in cycling has only increased. One of my goals since I first learned to ride was to be as in control of the bike, and also to be as connected to it, as possible. At first, that meant learning cool tricks and skills to show off my balance and control. A few years ago, I learned to bunny hop, which felt like (pun intended) a huge leap for me. Now that I have more experience, I’ve realized that control and skill also mean riding responsibly. Especially in Vancouver, knowing how to ride responsibly is something I hope I can share with cyclists of all levels.
Recently, I’ve gotten interested in gravel and off-road riding, and I hope to start mountain biking soon as well. I’m lucky to have grown up in Vancouver, which has become a hotbed for cycling and riding of all kinds.
Paul Janzen
We have learned that the bicycle can change the world. I want kids to feel safe and confident so their riding can be an instrument of change for whatever cause excites them: health, transportation, the environment, philanthropy...
For me that is combatting my greatest foe: cancer. Together with my ride mates we have contributed over $7 million dollars to research. That’s gratifying. My hope is that it inspires.
Emily Kuang
I love working with kids and being inspired by the smallest things; I might secretly still be a kid, shh! Riding bikes is so much fun—just spinning those legs around frees your mind. Your neighbourhood ride can become a spy mission, or your thoughts could be a million miles away. Your choice.
When I was a kid, I used to think I was really cool because I spent hours trying to keep my tire straight riding across wooden or concrete dividers that were elevated slightly off the ground. I imagined I was on a knife edge on a mountain. Maybe I could be in the Olympics, with my great sense of balance! Now I have settled into the fact that I was probably just like every other kid. I can’t wait to see what else cycling and working with kids has to offer!
Emma Kazic
Cycling is the best! With no car and no drivers license, it’s the only way I get around. Madison (my road bike) and I have been on many adventures together, whether it’s commuting to work in the city or bike packing somewhere far from the city. I’m a lover of the outdoors and cycling is a great way to incorporate some adventure into my daily life. When not cycling, you can find me in the mountains either climbing or skiing, or volunteering at Fresh Roots and Kickstand. I’m excited to be teaching and sharing my bike love with many others!
Bruce Kleeberger
Cycling has been part of my life since the age of 6. That’s a lot of commuting, touring, errands, mountain paths, and navigating congested city streets. Cycling is a part of my everyday work and fun with family and friends. I am driven by my passion for making real change to benefit our environment, enhance opportunities for healthy living, and decrease our dependence on the car. With HUB Cycling, I will help students confidently make cycling a routine and safe life skill.
Chuck Wright
My "love" of bikes is a practical one. Growing up, it was simply an inexpensive way of getting around town that didn't rely on my parents or bus fare. My cycling got more serious when I took a job as a bike messenger in Winnipeg, MB. At that stage, I needed to get the gear and bike maintenance skills to deliver packages across this prairie city through wind, rain, snow and sun. Since moving to the West Coast, I've left that behind for a 7-gear, Dutch-style bike that will get me from point A to B in comfort.
In addition to commuter cycling, I have dabbled in education in a variety of community settings, including adult literacy, digital skills, teaching English, and rec programs for children and youth. I'm excited to teach others about safe, urban cycling.
Clarisse Obedkofft
I am so fortunate that I have been able to grow up experiencing the world through biking. Spending Okanagan summers cruising lakeside and beach hopping by bike are such happy memories for me. Now recently moving to Vancouver, I am so excited to create new cycling memories. If I am not biking, you can find me either running, knitting, or reading!
I’m really looking forward to sharing my passion for cycling through teaching this season!
Dylan Hamilton
This job combines two of my greatest passions: teaching and cycling. Cycling is so much more than transport or exercise, it is a representation of what a better future might look like. The economic and environmental implications of a society built around human powered transport are extraordinarily positive. Rising house prices and cost of living in our city coupled with the looming prospects of the climate emergency therefore illustrate the importance of educating youth on the capabilities of the bike. My personal passion for cycling melds with my love for the outdoors as the activity allows me to interact with previously unnoticed features of the lower mainland. Having recently developed an interest in the mechanics of bicycles through the building of the bike I’m standing with, I can now move through my city on a piece of machinery built by my own hands and powered by my own legs. This passion is not required to realize the benefits provided by city cycling but I hope that at least some of my students are inspired to share it. As I study to become a teacher I could not think of a better environment to test and learn new skills than the one provided by HUB.
Giovanna Lanius-Pascuzzi
Growing up, my experience using the bike as transportation soley consisted of going to the corner shop to buy penny candies.
Fast forward to university and I was using my bike daily. However, it wasn't until living in the Netherlands that I truly realized how freeing - and limitless the potential of - the bike was.
Since being back in Vancouver, I have worked with HUB on the cycle highways project and am eager to continue to help realize the benefits of cycling in Metro Vancouver.
Noah Weber
I have always ridden a bike – to school, to a job, or to explore a new area – but never more than I do now as a newcomer to BC. Since moving here for university I have had so many opportunities due to the bike-friendly culture found here. Living in the Sea to Sky has been amazing for all-weather commuting, year-round mountain biking and even bikepacking! Having lived in many areas where biking is only viable half of the year, I feel truly lucky to be here.
Kelsey Marzotto
I first experienced the joy of riding on a 1990s single speed with pink tassels flowing off handlebars. My little legs loved the cheap thrills of riding fast down the dirt roads of Western Massachusetts. Now with slightly longer legs still the feelings have not changed. A small-town human at heart, I seek out the familiarity of quiet routes through the city.
I am a strong believer that the empowerment people experience through learning to ride and navigate our cities reach far beyond moments in the saddle.
Crispin Wye
Bea Martin
“I simply love riding my bike Brunilda. We go on adventures together all year round, including getting groceries, camping, painting on location, and making new friend (the one in the photo is Eve). I learned how to cycle last century, on a green “BH bici con ruedines”, and since then, I keep moving forward. I love teaching people of all ages how to ride, and how to do it safely. I also enjoy learning about mechanics (= getting my hands busy and dirty), so I can be as self reliant as possible, and help fellow cyclist in peril. Safe cycling is empowering and gives me freedom, independence… and it is so much fun.”
Kenrick Lee
Cycling has always been in my life since a kid! From the day I learned to ride through Pedalhead's summer camp I've always enjoyed the freedom of cycling and the satisfaction of teaching others how to enjoy cycling as well! I began volunteering with Pedalheads at 13 and once I became an instructor at the camp, went on to teach for another 5 years! Now I am proud to represent HUB and teach cycling to new riders in brand-new ways and environments!
Maxine Beckie
Emily Chow
Learning to bike in Vancouver, there have been many green spaces and parks around, and one of my favourites for biking has been Central Park in Burnaby. In elementary school, biking became a tool for getting to school on time, and throughout high school and university biking has given me the freedom to get around the city on my own schedule. The last couple of summers, my bike has taken me along parts of the Sunshine Coast and Gulf Islands for camping trips and biking has been an affordable way to get outside doing the things that I love! I'm looking forward to giving people the tools to ride their bikes with confidence and explore all the ways that biking can be practical and fun!
Angie Tang Wong
Travis Eek
I am a recent transplant to Metro Vancouver from the rural interior. I have enjoyed the feeling of freedom and excitement of cycling since I was a kid. I remember stealing my older brother's super awesome BMX to rip around our family farm and around my hometown after school to the swimming hole or up a logging road. When I moved to Kelowna ten years ago for university I started commuting to and began to see the health and community benefits of cycling. There is no better way to experience a city and interact with the landscape than from the seat of a bike. I hope to spread the joy and satisfaction I feel from cycling to others and help educate a new generation of cycling enthusiasts.
Sofia Paco
