BCAA’s Evolve E-Bike Share returns stronger this season with more e-bikes, expanded parking zones and a partnership with Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler, B.C., May 1, 2024 – BCAA’s Evolve-E-Bike Share program is coming back to Whistler for a third season, this time with even more e-bikes and an extended coverage of parking zones. BCAA is also unveiling its new partnership with Whistler Blackcomb, further broadening the program’s reach and impact.

Evolve is the electric e-bike share service created by BCAA and brought to Whistler by the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) since 2022 to help meet municipal climate action goals. This year, it’s back and will gradually expand to 110 e-bikes and 23 parking zones over the summer. New parking zones around the region include Rainbow Park, Lakeside Park, Fitzsimmons Park, Spruce Grove Park, Whistler Conference Centre, Nester's Market, Alpine Café and Whistler Public Library.

To further support active and sustainable transportation in Whistler, and new this year, BCAA has partnered with Whistler Blackcomb to expand Evolve Parking Zones to key neighbourhoods including Creekside at the Creekside Parking lot and several staff housing areas such as Blackcomb, Brio and Westside staff housing. This expansion adds more convenience and options for locals and employees, to connect with parks, local destinations and Whistler Village. "We are excited to partner with BCAA’s Evolve E-Bike Share to promote a more sustainable future for Whistler,” says Belinda Trembath, COO of Whistler Blackcomb. “By integrating e-bike parking zones into our properties we can connect neighbourhoods like Creekside and offer our staff convenient, eco-friendly transportation options. This partnership reflects our commitment to achieving zero net emissions by 2030.”

Leanne Buhler, Head of Evolve E-Bike and E-Scooter Share, says the program is gaining momentum each season. “Last year, users took almost 7,000 rides equating to a total distance of 58,000 km and saving 12,500 kg GHG emissions. With more e-bikes in more places we’re excited to help even more locals get into the habit of using Evolve for short trips.” She adds that a monthly subscription with a discounted rate is available for frequent users to make Evolve E-Bike share even more attractive as an active lifestyle choice.

Jack Crompton, Mayor of the RMOW agrees. "Shifting from cars to embracing walking, cycling, and expanded transit usage is a vital step in curbing emissions as part of our Big Moves Climate Action Strategy. Cycling not only enhances physical and mental well-being, but also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions within our community. I was truly inspired by the growth we saw in our e-bike share pilot program last year and I'm excited for the positive shift this is making on our transportation landscape. As we introduce additional e-bike parking zones this summer—extending to Creekside, lakes, and park areas—I am optimistic we’ll see an even greater community impact. We will continue to monitor this program, and any adjustments made, to respect our community partners."

Currently operating in Whistler and SFU Burnaby, Evolve E-Bike Share is also cruising over to Vancouver Island this summer in Nanaimo and the Comox Valley, further promoting the use of sustainable transportation to a wider audience in British Columbia.

How Evolve E-Bike Share works

Evolve is a public e-bike share program designed for short trips. Users book Evolve E-Bikes through BCAA’s Evo App. After a free sign-up, members can use the Evo App to see where their nearest e-bike is and book it by selecting a pin or scanning a bike’s QR code using the app —starting and ending each trip at the push of a button.

Ride for $0.35 per minute or $12.99 per hour, plus an unlock fee of $1.25 per trip. To encourage members replacing more car trips with active transportation, frequent riders can also enjoy greater savings by opting into the Monthly Subscription. For $9.99 per month, members reduce their per-minute rate to $0.10 – more info at evo.ca/evolve.

Each Evolve e-bike includes complimentary use of a helmet, should members not have their own with them. Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced rider, there’s safety information, riding tips and advice available on the app and at evo.ca/evolve.

For further information or to set up an interview, please contact:

Sara Holland
BCAA Senior Communication Manager
Sara.holland@bcaa.com
778 874-4046

Communications, Resort Municipality of Whistler
media@whistler.ca

About Evolve E-Bike and E-Scooter Share

Evolve is a turnkey, zero-emission micromobility share program that offers e-bike and e-scooter share services in British Columbia. Created by BCAA and operating alongside Evo Car Share, Evolve is operating public e-bike share programs at Whistler, SFU Burnaby and New Westminster, and is expected to launch in locations on Vancouver Island this summer. Evolve is also available to private businesses in Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island and Whistler. Businesses, organizations, or municipalities interested in learning more about Evolve E-Bike and E-Scooter Share can reach out to evo.ca/evolve.

About BCAA

Driven by its purpose to move British Columbians forward, BCAA (British Columbia Automobile Association) provides over 1 in 3 B.C. households with industry leading mobility and protection services including Membership, Insurance, Evo Car Share, and Auto Service. It is one of Canada’s most trusted brands in association with CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) and a long-standing BC Top Employer (Mediacorp). BCAA invests to build stronger, connected communities across BC and holds itself accountable to its purpose by setting goals related to its impact on People, the Planet and Prosperity, and sharing results in its annual Impact Report.