I started a volunteer group called the Lower Mainland Green Team in February 2011 to encourage hands-on environmental action. The plan was to get people outside into nature removing invasive plants, planting native plants/ trees, cleaning up and building/ maintaining trails. I believe connecting people to nature and giving them the opportunity to conserve and protect the environment is a very positive step in encouraging future environmental action. Another way I’ve been encouraging responsible environmental behaviour is by actively encouraging volunteers to take transit, car pool and ride their bikes to events.

I think an important way to encourage people to change their behaviour is to act as an example. So, out of the six Lower Mainland Green Team events we’ve had so far, I’ve ridden my bicycle to four. I’m not particularly fit. I live in the White Rock/ South Surrey area so some of the event locations were no easy feat to get to, especially hauling event related items like dozens of cookies, signage and environmental “swag.” The swag is given out at the end of each volunteer event to reward volunteers for their efforts and to encourage environmental behaviour at home. For example, Mountain Equipment Co-op donated leg reflectors, bike bells and bike lights to our group and volunteers have been loving getting them!

The event that stands out most that I rode to is the one we had in Maple Ridge. I was on my bike around 6am, it was still dark and it was raining, the whole time. I rode all the way to the Golden Ears Bridge and over it, all the while hoping that when I got to the end there would actually be volunteers. With the rain pouring down, I had my doubts. Thankfully, we had a good group of volunteers and we had a ton of fun pulling scotch broom and removing Himalayan Blackberry! There were youth there who looked at me with shock when I told them where I’d ridden from. Maybe I planted a seed in them that opened up the possibility that they can use a bicycle to get anywhere, even in the rain.

Another moment that stands out for me is I phoned one of our partners for an event, Metro Vancouver Parks. The person I was looking for was not in. I told the person on the phone my name and she joyously exclaimed - "you're the one who rides your bicycle to stewardship events, I've heard all about you!" I'd never met her before. Someone had noticed and passed on word. It felt good.

I love riding my bicycle. I love the freedom and knowing I can get anywhere, no matter how far. I especially love the feeling of hope that I just might be encouraging others to follow suit and reduce their ecological footprint.