Victoria is one of the most bikeable cities in Canada, especially in the winter months due to our mild weather and lack of snow.
To aid cyclists’ confidence in their bike’s security, a pilot program to offer a bike locker valet service downtown was launched in 2022 and was a resounding success.
People who want to commute downtown on bicycles simply drop off their bikes at Centennial Square for free and as long as they come back before the valet closes, they can meander as long as they wish worry-free.
Last winter, the program was shut down through the winter months and many cyclists spoke out because they didn’t feel safe leaving their expensive bikes and e-bikes locked up on the street and the valet mitigated the risk.
This year, the bike valet’s contract with the city has officially been extended through until April and will likely receive another extension at that time to allow them to continue operating for another spring/summer season.
According to the City of Victoria, the bike valet saw over 37,000 bikes come through their care since March.
🚲Huge News! 🚲The free bike valet will remain open between January – April 2024. It was planned to close, but we've received a massive amount of requests from businesses, shoppers, and downtown workers to keep it open. 37,000 visits this year is incredible! #victoriabc #yyj https://t.co/jS9O4AzLqx
— Matt Dell (@mattdellok) December 23, 2023
The hope is that people will choose active transportation rather than to drive a personal vehicle when going into downtown Victoria, be it for work or pleasure.
The valet is operated in part by Capital Bike and the City and costs nothing except the wages paid to staff attending the bikes.
