Vancouver Arts Club Theatre Company’s Bill Millerd

Bill Millerd is the artistic managing director of Vancouver’s Arts Club Theatre Company in Vancouver, BC. Throughout his successful career in theatre, Millerd has received numerous awards. He is a member of the Order of Canada, a governor of the National Theatre School of Canada and the longest-serving artistic director in Canadian theatre. He rides five or six times a week from his home in False Creek to the Arts Club offices on Granville Island, a short but scenic 10-minute commute each way.

When did you start using your bicycle to get around?

In 1976, when I lived in Kitsilano, I began riding to work at the original Arts Club at Seymour and Davie Streets.

How has your bike transformed your daily life?

After 36 years it is something I am used to – not exactly transformative on a daily basis. A longer bike ride can be relaxing if you avoid all the other bikes/ cars/ pedestrians/ dogs. I quite liked it when the bike trail that follows the SkyTrain opened for Expo 1986. There are many more trails now, but then there are many more bike riders as well.

What advice do you have for others like you, who want to start using a bicycle more often?

Just get on it. Make a bike part of your daily routine. Treat the bike as your favored mode of transportation. The bike should be your friend.

What bike gear could you not live without?

A helmet and gloves. And water if you remember to take it on the longer bike rides. A pump is also handy.