Alberta Association of Insurance Adjusters

The Alberta Association of Insurance Adjusters (Northern Chapter) held its annual charity ball in November 2013. The event raised over $25,000 for You Can Bike Too. You Can Bike Too is a program of EBC dedicated to helping children with special needs learn to ride bikes. EBC has been teaching special needs children to ride two-wheel bikes for nearly a decade, and this year we launched a program to loan adapted bikes to children who cannot ride a conventional bike. The loan program is free to families; we fund the program through volunteers, grants, donations, and our own budget.

The charity ball was well attended and had all the who’s who of the insurance claims industry in Edmonton. Thank you to the AAIA and the generous members of the insurance industry who supported us through this event!

Alberta Association of Insurance Adjusters

The Alberta Association of Insurance Adjusters (Northern Chapter) held its annual charity ball in November 2013. The event raised over $25,000 for You Can Bike Too. You Can Bike Too is a program of EBC dedicated to helping children with special needs learn to ride bikes. EBC has been teaching special needs children to ride two-wheel bikes for nearly a decade, and this year we launched a program to loan adapted bikes to children who cannot ride a conventional bike. The loan program is free to families; we fund the program through volunteers, grants, donations, and our own budget.

The charity ball was well attended and had all the who’s who of the insurance claims industry in Edmonton. Thank you to the AAIA and the generous members of the insurance industry who supported us through this event!

Relocation continues

Do you like demolitions? Help us take out a wall today, starting at 9am at our new shop, 8001 102 St. (You don't even need to know how to work a hammer to do this; a large part of the work will be moving the debris to a trailer we have parked just outside. Just wear good shoes, and you can use our gloves, but if you have your own favourite work gloves, bring those!)

Looking to help on the weekend? Saturday and Sunday, January 10-11, from 1-5pm we'll need your help! We'll be continuing work at the new shop as well as moving items from the old shop into the new space this weekend.

Just show up during those times, or e-mail info@edmontonbikes.ca if you want to get on our renovation mailing list for longer-term projects and regular updates.

BikeWorks North closed for the holidays

BikeWorks North is closed for the season. We'll re-open January 2, 2014. Have a happy and safe holiday!

New BikeWorks South location

The Edmonton Bicycle Commuters' Society (EBC) began in 1980 as the only organized voice for cycling in Edmonton. BikeWorks is now the oldest community bike shop in North America, and while we've gone through a few moves before (and opened a second location), this is our biggest yet, and we want to do it right. We've signed a long-term lease at 8001 102 St, the old Videodrome location, just two blocks from our previous location.

To help raise funds, we're launching a fundraising campaign. You can donate to us to help build our new shop, and earn perks at the same time. Examples of available perks include:

• Private hands-on course, for yourself or as a gift. Topic can be anything we've taught in the past: from intro or advanced mechanical courses to electronics for bike lights to making a wall clock from bike parts
• Bike lights
• Bike overhaul
• Membership renewal, including all its benefits

Read more about the perks and donate today at http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/opening-a-new-bikeworks-south

We also need support in the form of volunteers, especially with trades experience, as well as volunteers with access to an automobile to help with transportation. If you can help in any way (even just by helping to paint the walls or clean up the old shop), please connect with us by e-mailing info@edmontonbikes.ca!

(If you have a working full-size fridge that you could donate, we would also greatly appreciate that!)

Board of Directors Seeking One More Member

One of our board members has resigned due to relocation to another city so the EBC Board must recruit a new member. Join Edmonton's only cycling representation organization and community bike shop!  The Board of Directors works on the governance of the organization, setting the tone for the organization and direction of EBC's future by developing policy and strategic direction.  By law, the board is ultimately accountable for, and has authority over, EBC's resources and activities.  The board articulates and communicates EBC's vision to our members and the greater community.

Applications will be accepted immediately and will close on December 15, 2013.

We will make an appointment of an interim board member at our December 18th meeting.  The interim board member will serve until the 2014 Annual General Meeting when they will be required to seek official election to the board from the EBC membership.

EBC Facebook Feed

Edmonton Bicycle Commuters Society

Winter Cycling Workshops

Want to learn how to cycle through the winter in comfort, safety and style? How about making your own studded tires to chew on all that ice? Check out EBC's winter cycling workshops! Thursday November 14th, 6:30PM at BikeWorks South

Everything you ever wanted to know about winter cycling:

Whether you are new to cycling in winter or an experienced snow rider, come & join in on this workshop to learn how to keep riding your bike through the winter in comfort, safety, style and fun. Learn about the many clothing options you have, riding techniques, gear, maintenance techniques and accessories that will keep you rubber side down. We'll also talk about about how to deal with some of the psychological aspects of winter cycling that you might expect and some you wouldn't. With a panel of 3 experienced winter riders with wildly divergent styles, you're sure to get some advice that works with your lifestyle. Register by emailing courses@edmontonbikes.ca. Cost is $10 for EBC members and $15 for non-members.

Thursday November 21st, 6:30PM at BikeWorks South and Friday November 22nd at BikeWorks North

Tire Studding Workshop:

Making your own studded tires will save you money and help you grip the snowy roads this season. This is a hands-on session to prepare a studded tire for winter cycling. Learn how to put sheet metal screws into your tire and add a layer to protect your tube from being popped by the screw heads.  We’ll discuss how the studded tire works for you and whether you should do one or both tires.Bring your own tires, buy some used ones from BikeWorks or buy new ones. Tire cost is extra (i.e. not included in course fee, but most used tires cost just $5).  Screws will be provided. Cost: $15 for EBC members, $20 for non-members Register by emailing courses@edmontonbikes.ca.  Please indicate which session (Thursday or Friday) you'd prefer.

BikeWorks South Last Day is Wednesday October 30th

You have one last chance to work on your bike at BikeWorks South. Wednesday, October 30th, from 6pm-9pm is the last day Bikeworks South will be open to the public. After that, you will have to rely on BikeWorks North for all your repair needs, at least until we open a new BikeWorks South location early this coming spring. We have so much gratitude for everybody who's supported us over the years. Thank-you for your help, your patronage, your donations, and everything else that has kept us going for the last 13+ years! BikeWorks has been a huge success thanks to hundreds of volunteers and thousands of cyclists who have chosen to make their local community bike shop part of their life, and we are looking forward to seeing you all again soon.

Ride on Friends!

BikeWorks South Closing Out Bash

After 13 plus years, the end is near for BikeWorks South, at least in its current incarnation. We'll be having a grand ol' party on October 25 starting at 7pm to celebrate the success and growth we've had at BikeWorks South. You are invited; we'll be taking donations to fundraise to help us re-open in a new location.

Food and beverages will be served. Music and dancing will rock. Chatting and lounging will take place. There will be an auction of some unique goods and services and a race of ridiculous bikes. With the shop closing for good on October 30th, this will be one of your last chances to hang out in our old space.

You can also dress up in your Halloween costume and Hallows' Eve-it-up.

If you have anything to contribute to the fundraiser (auction items, food, DJ skills, bike racer, etc.), please contact us at info@edmontonbikes.ca.

Alcohol will be available with ID. EBC members and guests only. If you haven't renewed your EBC membership lately, there will be memberships for sale at the door.

Winter Tune-ups at City Market at City Hall

EBC will be providing free minor tune-ups from 10-2 at the City Market (Downtown City Centre Farmers' Market) at City Hall on Saturday, from 10-2pm! Thanks to the City Market for sponsoring this event. The market moves to City Hall for the cooler months, where you can still find the late harvest crops to festoon your table.

BikeWorks South Closing Out Sale

All yard bikes will be tagged with exceptionally low prices (50% off what we'd usually charge for them).Used Parts (except for parts in cabinet) are 50% off. All New Parts are 10% off All kids' bikes are $5 each (unless otherwise tagged)

BikeWorks South is getting ready to move, but we'd rather sell the used bikes and parts we have instead of storing them for the winter, so we're selling them off cheap!

Stop by any time we're open and check out the huge selection of bikes and parts and say farewell to our longtime home.

BikeWorks South hours: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 6pm-9pm Saturday & Sunday 1pm-5pm Closed Monday October 14th for Thanksgiving.

EBC Annual General Meeting is October 6th

EBC board and staff invite you to our Annual General Meeting on Sunday October 6, 2013 at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Parkdale/Chromdale Community Hall, 11335 85 Street (see map).  The hall is just a few blocks from BikeWorks North and the Stadium LRT station. Everyone is welcome to attend! EBC members will be able to vote on motions-- you can renew your yearly membership that day (cash only) or buy one online.  New to EBC? This is the perfect day to get an overview of what the organization is all about.  Bring a friend along and come see what we're doing.  Here is the facebook event if you'd like to share this with others.

Child care is available upon request by emailing AGM@edmontonbikes.ca by Friday.  We will be serving food made by our current board members and will celebrate bicycles and community throughout the meeting.

Here is the Agenda, which will include:

• Celebrating The Past Year Our President and Executive Director will share the highlights, challenges, oddities, and delights from the past year. EBC has been very busy at BikeWorks South, BikeWorks North, the spoke youth build-a-bike program, You Can Ride Too adapted bikes program, bicycle infrastructure advocacy, and fixing bikes at many community events around Edmonton!
• Volunteer Awards EBC is volunteer-powered! We have so many amazing people who share their time, passion, hands, and heart for the good of the community. EBC will celebrate the contributions of our volunteers and present 4 awards which are named in memory of EBC volunteers who have left their mark: http://edmontonbikes.ca/about/volunteer/awards/
• Organization Budget for 2014 Our Treasurer will share our 2013 financial overview and present the proposed Budget for 2014.
• Bylaw Amendments The Board is proposing to make 2 amendments to our current Bylaws: http://edmontonbikes.ca/w/Bylaws_(2013_proposed)
• Board of Directors Election If you are interested in helping to set the direction of our bike-loving organization for a 2 year term, we welcome you to fill out the candidate info here: http://edmontonbikes.ca/about/board/candidates-2013/  Nominees will make a short speech and elections will be help by secret ballot.
• ...and MORE GREAT FOOD!

Chinatown/Little Italy Bike Tour

The Edmonton Bicycle Commuters' Society will be leading a free bike shopping tour of Chinatown and Little Italy on Sunday, September 29. Celebrate Alberta Cultural Days by joining us on this bike tour. The ride will include visits to historical and ongoing developments, as well as frequent shopping trips into stores (including grocery stores, bakeries, bookshops, etc). The ride will likely be as much walking & shopping as riding (which will be slow and easily manageable for all participants).

For more information, please e-mail info@edmontonbikes.ca.

EBC Annual General Meeting, BikeWorks South Closure, and other updates

Our latest newsletter is out. You can read about BikeWorks South closing (don't worry--we're still open for now! But we'll be moving out before the end of the year), as well as news about our AGM, including proposed bylaw amendments. Of special note is that, as part of our search for a new home for BikeWorks South, we're open to exploring the possibility of co-locating with a commercial business or a non-profit for the mutual benefit of both. That might look like a cafe, or another similar workshop or artist studio with time-shared hours, or a non-profit just looking to save money by sharing office and meeting areas. We're not looking to run our own cafe or side-business; that's beyond our area of expertise, but we are looking to collaborate.

You can contact us if that sounds like an opportunity you'd like to explore!

You can view previous newsletters in our archive.

SPARK Annual General Meeting

SPARK, a sponsor of EBC's The Spoke program, is having their AGM this Thursday, September 19, at Latitude 53 (10242 106 St, Edmonton). They will be presenting EBC with a cheque, a donation funded by SPARK customers that have chosen to direct a portion of their administration fee towards EBC. As a member-owned co-operative, SPARK owners/customers have the final say in how the business operates. Registration to attend the AGM is not required, but recommended at http://www.eventbrite.ca/event/5999483617. You are welcome to bring a friend or five, as it will be a great way for them to find out about SPARK.

VELO Annual General Meeting

VELO, the nonprofit group that organizes Bike Month each June is holding their Annual General Meeting this Sunday, September 22, 2013 from 2pm-4pm. If you're interested in helping to ensure Bike Month continues to grow, please contact info@bikeology.ca.

Complete Streets Greenfield Cross Section Development

EBC is sitting on the City of Edmonton's Complete Streets Greenfield Cross Section Development oversight panel. This panel will give feedback on example complete streets roadway cross sections for greenfield projects developed as part of the Complete Streets Guidelines implementation strategy 5.2.

What do you think a complete street in a new neighbourhood should look like?

Do you have any issues that you would like us to highlight or focus on? Let us know.

Symphony Under the Sky

Skip the traffic jams and ride your bike down to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra's Symphony Under the Sky this weekend, where EBC will be providing free supervised bicycle parking, right next to the amphitheatre. We look forward to seeing you!

Isaak Kornelsen Memorial Ride

On Friday, August 30, 2013, join us at 5:30pm in front of Edmonton City Hall (Sir Winston Churchill Square) for a memorial ride in honour of Isaak Kornelsen. The ride will proceed slowly and in legal order to 102 St and Whyte Ave. This ride is both a celebration and remembrance of Isaak's life, as well as a demonstration in support of dedicated, safe cycling infrastructure.

Isaak Kornelsen stood out - on and off the track.

When he joined the Edmonton Thunder track and field club at the age of 14, it was obvious Kornelsen had a talent for running.

"Even at that age, people knew he was going to be pretty quick," Edmonton Thunder president Dallas Raudebaugh said.

Intensely focused, Kornelsen pushed himself during practices and was a leader.

"He worked really hard. Probably one of the hardest working guys on the team, I'd say," Raudebaugh said.

Kornelsen, 21, was killed Monday morning while cycling on Whyte Avenue after he hit the side mirror of a parked pickup truck, lost control and fell beneath a passing cement truck carrying a full load. He died instantly, police said.

After graduating from Strathcona Composite High School in 2009, Kornelsen went on to study philosophy at the University of Alberta and joined the school's track team. On Tuesday, the team posted a tribute to Kornelsen on its Twitter page.

"We suffered a great loss today. Isaak Kornelsen was a great runner and an even better person. Forever we miss you," the team wrote.

Edmonton Journal, August 29, 2012