Vancouver Tweed Ride’s Daniel Patching

Daniel Patching Mortgage Broker by day, Committee Chair and Coordinator of The Vancouver Tweed Ride by night Vancouver, BC.

When did you start riding your bike?

I do remember the day my training wheels came off. I was in my front driveway and my Dad said that I was “ready to lose the wheels”, so off they came and with one strong push I was riding my bike down the road.

What is your favorite place to ride your bike to?

Any of Vancouver’s beautiful beaches. I don’t think it gets any better than getting together with your friends, packing up what you need for the day, and heading to the beach on a sunny day.

What is your favorite restaurant?

Many may disagree with me, but my favorite restaurant is Nick’s Spaghetti House on Commercial Drive. If you go, you must try the ravioli and spare ribs. It’s just as good the next day, so order lots and take some home.

What is your favorite bike ride?

The Stanley Park Seawall. You really can’t beat it.

How would you describe your bike style?

Casual. Never be in a rush to get anywhere when riding a bike. Enjoy your surroundings and the time it takes to get from A to B.

Describe the bike culture in your city.

I think it’s growing. I would have to say that there are many sub-cultures of biking groups in Vancouver. If you are looking for a niche you will be able to find it. The more I get involved in the biking community the more I find out about new groups of riders getting together to do what they love.

What do you think your city could do to make cycling easier and more accessible?

I would make bike lanes separated by cement barriers. Too often, I see a biker inches away from parked cars on one side and moving cars on the other. There is an image of a bike painted on the road to reassure the rider they’re in the right place, but cars don’t care. For the most part this is what Vancouver considers a bike lane. Separated lanes would feel safer for the average rider who normally avoids biking due to the risk of being hit by a car.