April 18/01 8:00 am - B.C. Summer Games Selection Races, Kelso Open, U.N. On Bikes

Posted by Editor on 04/18/01
 

B.C. Selections Races - Canada Summer Games
Courtesy Jonathan Wornell

The first and second of four qualifying races for selection to the BC Canada Summer Games team is coming up on Saturday April 28th and Sunday April 29th. Saturday's race is the Team Soliton Warp Speed Time Trial which covers 20 km of paved road in the Seymour Demonstration Forest on the North Shore of Vancouver. For further details on this event, please check the Team Soliton web site.

The second qualifying race is the Escape Velocity B.C. Classic Criterium which is happening the following day out in Langley, B.C.. For further information on this event please check out the Escape Velocity web site. Also, stay tuned for information regarding the final two qualification races: the Gary Lund Road Race (May 13th) in Sooke, B.C., and the Snowden Slug Slam XC (June 17th) in Campell River, B.C.

For any further information about these events or the Canada Summer Games, please contact me, JonathanWornell - B.C. Team Manager for the Canada Summer Games.


Kelso Opens This Weekend - Ontario
Courtesy W.O.W.

We have been told that Kelso Conservation area in Milton will be open to mountain bikers this weekend. There may be some snow across the road at the top of the ski run, but most trails should be rideable. Hilton Falls (north of Kelso on the other side of the 401 highway) will also be open.


Ministers Prefer Two Wheels
Courtesy Michael Strauss, Earth Media

UN Delegate Bicycle Ride to Highlight Sustainable Transportation

During the 9th meeting of the United Nations' Commission on Sustainable Development environmental and transportation ministers, local authorities, and transportation advocates from around the world will assemble on bicycles to promote people powered mobility.

On April 19th delegates to the United Nations will gather at 12:30pm in front of the UN General Assembly Hall and pedal themselves to the UN's North Lawn Sculpture Park. The ride is timed to coincide with the Commission on Sustainable Development's meeting which will focus on transportation and energy, World Carfree Day, and Earth Day which is Sunday April 22.

"The goal of the ride is to give the delegates a tangible experience that they can take back to the negotiating table," says Noah Budnick of the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, who is organizing the bike ride along with Earth Media. During the two week meeting the member countries of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development will produce a list of national, regional, and international recommendations regarding sustainable transport and energy development. "The bicycle has long been overlooked as a modern utilitarian mode of transport. It is efficient, clean, quiet, safe, and affordable."

Accessability and affordability of transportation are hot issues in development, as the majority of the world's trips are non-motorized, and the vast majority of people living in developing countries will never be able to afford a motor vehicle during their lifetime though they spend up to one third of their income on daily travel.

The bulk of transportation development funding is directed towards roads, highways, airports, and other motorized modes. "The type of transport that is being supported by development funding is highly polluting and not accessible by the people it is intended to help," commented Dr. Walter Hook, the Executive Director of the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy.

The delegates on the bicycle ride are setting a progressive example at the UN and proving that anyone can benefit from a self-propelled experience.