Getting around Bowen and to and from the city can be a challenge.
Long commutes, ferry uncertainties and arranging your schedule around the ferry timetable can be tough for both work and family life.
I have lived on-island full time now for about three years and commute to Lonsdale and 23rd.
When I lived in the city I rode to work on bike and my wife walked. We never owned a car and still don’t, but it has been a real challenge on Bowen, especially living on the north end of the island with no regular bus service.
When my wife and I decided that it may be time for our first motorized option for commuting, we decided to try our hand at motorcycling.
We both took the motorcycling course at Capilano University through RideOn. The lessons only took a week and we were walked through the ICBC parking lot test, done at the university, and then the road test.
We haven’t looked back.
We have very much enjoyed getting around on our motorcycles and by the look of the number of motorbikes on island, many islanders are coming to the realization that motorcycling is a great alternative to owning a car. Besides the guaranteed boarding, and cheaper ferry cost, I only pay $15 for myself and the bike, motorcycling is fun and super cheap on gas. Even riding through the winter is not that big of a deal, especially if you own a good rain suit.
Getting on the 6:20 ferry this morning I was amazed to see eight other riders at the front of the line. It can be lonely at times riding in the winter as typically only one rider joins me (Scott).
Few activities bring a bigger smile to my face than riding to work with a group of motorcyclists. How many car drivers could say that? Riding a bike brings about a whole new circle of friends, we all support each other.
I met one of my best on-island friends through motorcycling, Cordell, who helped me fix my flat on the ferry when I first moved to Bowen. I have had a number of others local bikers lend support, Randy and Brad come to mind with maintenance support, not one of my strong suits.
Last year also saw the formation of the “Sons of Bowen” lead by Anne. You may remember us leading off the 2017 Bowfest parade. We are a close-knit group of commuters, and growing fast.
Demand for more space for both cyclists and motorcyclists is a growing issue as can be seen by the large number of bikes parked at the Snug Cove ferry terminal.
This year there is a plan for a bike barn, which will hopefully create some needed extra space. Typically you can fit up to 30 motorcycles and many more bikes in a parking lot that would usually only accommodate five cars, the eight of us who rode on the 6:20 ferry this morning only took up one car space, so it is space well used.
If you have ever considered switching your commute to motorcycling, come chat with some of our local riders, you will find nearly all are more than happy to lend their support.
Summer is a great time to start, but don’t let the winter scare you off, I have found that on most days riding in the winter is a great option.
On snowy days there is always transit for backup. As the sign on the upper levels boldly proclaims, it is motorcycle season.
Hope to see some more Boweners on their bikes.
