North Vancouver Rolls Out B.C.’s First E-Cargo Bike Pilot in Partnership with BCAA’s Evolve E-Bike Share

North Vancouver, B.C., September 9, 2024 – In partnership with the District of North Vancouver (DNV) and the City of North Vancouver (CNV), BCAA’s Evolve E-Bike Share is launching an innovative E-Cargo Bike Pilot Program for North Vancouver locals – the first of its kind in British Columbia.

Supported by BC Hydro and LandlordBC, the Evolve E-Cargo Bike Pilot is available to North Vancouverites for FREE, offering locals a new choice to explore e-cargo bikes as a sustainable and practical alternative to car travel for short trips and shopping around the North Shore. It is part of the broader E-Cargo Bike Information Program led by the DNV and CNV and aligns with goals to reduce carbon emissions and enhance sustainable transportation options.

The pilot features eight e-cargo bikes, available in two styles, available to pick up and return at six locations across the North Shore, including four North Vancouver District and City Public Libraries and two multi-unit residential buildings. It will run initially until October 2024, with a restart in March 2025 through October 2025.

 

Evolve E-Cargo Box Bike

 

Evolve Long-tail E-Cargo Bike

The most recent North Shore Transportation survey revealed considerable potential to convert auto trips to active modes, with 40% of auto trips being a bikeable distance. Exploring new options like e-cargo bikes helps bring more inclusive, active choices for North Shore locals.

“Expanding active transportation options is a priority in the District and the Evolve E-Cargo Bike pilot program helps us do that by offering residents an alternative way to travel throughout our community,” says Peter Cohen, District of North Vancouver's General Manager, Engineering Infrastructure Services. “We are pleased to see this program launch and look forward to hearing what residents think of it.”

“The City of North Vancouver is committed to increasing residents’ access to convenient and safe active transportation options,” says City of North Vancouver’s Deputy Director of Planning and Development, Jennifer Draper. “This pilot program is a great, innovative option for running errands and accessing North Vancouver in new ways. The introduction of free e-cargo bikes for residents helps to expand zero emission travel and achieve the visions set out in the City’s Official Community Plan and supporting strategies.”

Users can book one of the two styles of Evolve E-Cargo Bike for free using the Evo app. Simply sign up and pick your desired date and time, and return the bikes to the same location where they picked them up. Free helmets are provided at all locations for riders and passengers.

“We’re excited to pilot B.C.’s first e-cargo bike share program with the DNV and CNV, adding a new alternative for our North Shore Evo Members to move around,” says Leanne Buhler, Head of Evolve E-Bike and E-Scooter Share at BCAA. “This pilot reinforces our commitment to offering more inclusive and sustainable transport choices. We’re looking forward to seeing how North Vancouverites make the most of e-cargo bikes.”

How the Evolve E-Cargo Bike Pilot Program Works

Public Libraries:

1. Download the Evo app and sign up: Select ‘e-bikes/e-scooters’ if you don’t require car share, allowing you to skip driver’s license requirements.
2. Book an e-cargo bike: Choose the ‘Evo Return’ option in-app, select your desired date and time to book.
3. Pick up the bike: Present your booking confirmation in person at your reserved time and location to collect the keys.
4. Review safety instructions: Check safety instructions on-site or online, wear a helmet, and start riding.
5. Return the bike: Bring the e-cargo bike back to the same location and return the keys at the library counter.

Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURBs):

Use of the e-cargo bikes at the MURBs is limited to tenants only. Tenants must sign up on the Evo app, but bookings can only be made in-person at the designated property offices.

Note: Only same-day rentals are available during the pilot. Late returns and no-shows may result in fines to ensure fair use.

For more info, visit evo.ca/e-cargo

More safety information can also be found on HUB Cycling’s website
https://bikehub.ca/resources/cargo-bikes

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For further information or to set up an interview, please contact: 

About Evolve E-Bike and E-Scooter Share

Evolve is a turnkey, zero-emission micromobility share program that offers e-bike and e-scooter share services in British Columbia. Created by BCAA and operating alongside Evo Car Share, Evolve operates public and private e-bike and e-scooter share programs in Metro Vancouver, Whistler, and on Vancouver Island. Businesses, organizations, or municipalities interested in learning more about Evolve E-Bike and E-Scooter Share can reach out at evo.ca/evolve.

About BCAA

Driven by its purpose to move British Columbians forward, BCAA (British Columbia Automobile Association) is a long-standing BC Top Employer (Mediacorp) and provides over 1 in 3 B.C. households with industry leading mobility and protection services including Membership, Insurance, Evo Car Share, Evolve E-Bike Share, BCAA Auto Marketplace and Auto Service. BCAA invests in programs and initiatives to make a positive impact by protecting the people and province of BC, recognizing that the place we call home is all of ours to protect. BCAA holds itself accountable to its purpose by setting goals related to its impact on People, the Planet and Prosperity, and sharing results in its annual Impact Report.