It's official and more.

I know it has been a while since posting anything here, but I have been working on other issues as well. I am hoping that we can see this group grow for next cycling season with more and longer rides suitable for all cycling skills. Due to the time of year the weather probably won't give us much opportunity to schedule any group rides over the next few months, but be ready as we might get a break for some great winter riding for anybody up for it. ;-) Due to the unpredictability of the local weather during this time of the year, any rides will likely be short notice though.

Other News

In other news it is official! What is official you are asking? Well as many of you know one of my dreams is to see increased growth in cycling throughout the Metro Vancouver area, but Langley in particular along with associated infrastrucure for safety and accessibility. One of the long term visions I had was for a cycling advocacy group to be formed in Langley and that has now come to pass thanks to the work of others with the same vision. A couple of months ago, it seems that local transit advocate Nathan Pachal (http://www.southfraser.net/) and Dr. Suzan Guest had the same vision and they organized a meeting of what was then called Cycling Network for Langley Campaign on Thursday September 17. Over 20 people showed up with a desire to join together to improve cycling in Langley. One of the options presented was to become a chapter of the VACC (http://www.vacc.bc.ca/) which is a cycling advocacy group with chapters throughout Metro Vancouver. Most attendees agreed but understandably wanted to know more about the VACC before proceeding. Presentations were made by members of the VACC present including representatives from the Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge chapter whose assistance through the process has been invaluable. It was agreed that the option of joining the VACC would be tabled to give everyone an opportunity to do some research on the VACC via their web site prior to a final decision.

It was at the second meeting where is was decided in agreement with all present that we take the next step toward forming a Langley chapter of the VACC. You can read more about the second meeting at Nathan's South Fraser blog.

It has now been made official and the Greater Langley VACC chapter has been created. I volunteered as co-chair along with another local cyclist Dan Millsip who was also at both meetings and we will be working together to serve the Langley cycling community in association with other Langley cyclists and VACC chapters. The Langley chapter also has a Yahoo Group which you can subscribe to. Email traffic will likely be fairly low, especially to start with, but I recommend subscribing if you want to stay on top of cycling news and information in Langley. You do not have to be a VACC member to subscribe or attend meetings so we welcome all participation. To subscribe, send an email to VACC-TheLangleys-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

My work with the VACC The Langleys chapter is separate from work with ValleyVelo Riders as the VACC is about advocacy and Valley VeloRiders is about getting out on our bikes and riding.

Richard