Arno's Fund

December 13, 2018

 

A generous friend, dedicated volunteer, and passionate leader. Arno Schortinghuis was all of these things and more.

 

Over the years he put considerable time and energy into building HUB Cycling into the thriving organization we are today. We have created a fund in his memory, to carry on the work he started to make our communities healthier through cycling.

You can donate to HUB Cycling’s fund in Arno’s name here.

At this sad time, we must strive more than ever to achieve Arno’s vision of a region with safer and more accessible cycling for all ages and abilities. In honour of this vision HUB Cycling is announcing a fund in Arno’s name.

Please donate to the Arno Schortinghuis Cycling Fund

The magnitude of Arno’s passing is felt throughout the cycling community. Here are some of the touching stories reminding us of our loss:

“Several years ago I was a nurse working with newly arrived refugees. A man who had just arrived from the Middle East mentioned how much he missed riding a bike. Knowing he would be unable to afford even a used bike, I emailed HUB to see if they could help. Within a few days Arno appeared at our clinic with a bike, lock and headlight to donate. My client was thrilled. He and his two adult sons were still using that bike the last time I spoke with them.”

-Annette, VanBikes commenter

“Schortinghuis' significant contributions to the cycling community are evident in the many organizations he was involved with. Most recently, he was president of the BC Cycling Coalition. Previously, he was a board member and president at HUB Cycling (formerly Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition), a co-chair of the HUB Cycling Regional Advisory Committee and a board member of Bike to Work BC Society/GoByBike Society. He was also a founding member of Canada Bikes.”

-Naoibh O’Connor, Vancouver Courier

“Arno Schortinghuis, president of the B.C. Cycling Coalition, was a legend in Vancouver’s cycling community, known for his intense advocacy for better cycling infrastructure, laws and safety.“

-Nick Eagland, Vancouver Sun

“He was a champion for expanding choices in transportation, and in particular the creation of safe and effective infrastructure for those who choose to travel by bicycle.  He could be found in boardrooms, meeting rooms, open house events and online — taking on the issues and providing cogent, well-thought-out opinion.

“I remember Arno as a conciliator, who always looked for the common ground to try and secure agreement and move a group or an issue forward. He also focused on the positive, the benefit, the happiness and pleasure. His patience is legendary.”

-Ken Ohrn, Price Tags

“Over the past decade, Arno put most of his waking life (or so it seemed) to advocating for and promoting cycling safety, accessibility, urban commuting and touring — to decision-makers, planning and engineering staff at all levels of government, in meetings, at public events, and across all forms of media — always with a characteristic twinkle in his eye.”

“He was always the person to check a fact, look up legislation, debunk fake news, gently put down a troll, appear on-camera, help make quorum, start a new committee, and store (and haul out) the extra bus bike rack for a demonstration at a Surrey library. Arno was that guy.”

-Colin Stein, VanBikes

Arno’s life was full of his passion: cycling. When he wasn’t contributing to the numerous cycling organizations that he belonged to, he was bike touring or riding on Metro Vancouver routes. He was a one time political hopeful ready to champion the issues he cared deeply about. Your support is in recognition of Arno’s commitment to cycling.

The Arno Schortinghuis Cycling Fund is established by HUB Cycling in his honour. All donations will be matched by an anonymous donor until December 31st. Funds will be used by HUB Cycling towards bike advocacy in Metro Vancouver.

Please Donate to the Arno Schortinghuis Fund. Donations - including estate giving or securities made before December 31st will be matched by a private donor.