BCAA’s Evolve E-Bike Share in Whistler sees boost in users and trips, saving more emissions

Whistler, B.C., September 4, 2024 – BCAA’s Evolve-E-Bike Share program in Whistler has had a strong season so far, following this year’s expansion of e-bikes and parking zones. The e-bike share program, which runs from May to October, is seeing a significant increase in use, especially in short trips compared to 2023. Users took over 7,600 trips from mid-May to July – a 130% increase over the same time last year, saving over 14,700 KG of GHG emissions. The number of riders has also increased by over 50% year-over-year.

“It’s amazing to already see the positive effects of the eight new parking zones added this year to areas including Creekside, staff housing, and parks, which improves connectivity for residents and local employees,” said Leanne Buhler, Head of Evolve E-Bike and E-Scooter Share. “Our mid-season data shows that over 42% of trips were short journeys lasting less than 20 minutes, telling us that many users are choosing Evolve as a way to get from point A to B quickly and easily.”

Some of the most popular routes to take with the e-bikes include Lost Lake to Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Creekside to Whistler Conference Centre and Whistler Conference Centre to Lakeside Park.

“We are glad to see more people embracing e-bike sharing as part of their regular routines, whether it is to cycle from home to work or to get around the community,” said Jack Crompton, Mayor of the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW). “Biking is great for your health, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps us to meet our Big Moves climate action goals. Biking is also an incredibly fun and efficient way to travel around Whistler. The increase in users seen so far this season is a testament to that.”

Chief Ray Natraoro from the Squamish Nation (left) and Redmond Q̓áwam̓ Andrews from the Lil'wat Nation (right)

This season, Evolve E-Bike Share partnered with the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) to display art from two Indigenous artists on 20 Evolve E-Bikes around Whistler during National Indigenous History Month in June. In partnership with the SLCC, Evolve worked with Chief Ray Natraoro (Ses Siyam), a well-respected artist from Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (the Squamish Nation) who is deeply involved with the traditional culture of his people; and Redmond Q̓áwam̓ Andrews, a talented young artist from Lil̓wat7ul (the Lil’wat Nation) who is also a well-known SLCC Cultural Ambassador and an Indigenous Youth Ambassador program graduate.

This special artwork is still on Evolve E-Bikes around Whistler, allowing the public to continue appreciating and learning the Indigenous history and culture of the area. Both artists focused on the Spo7ez story as an inspiration for their designs, and an important reminder of the peaceful co-existence of the Squamish Nation and the Lil’wat Nation today.

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

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 operates public and private e-bike and e-scooter share programs in Metro Vancouver, Whistler, and on Vancouver Island. Businesses, organizations, or municipalities interested in learning more about Evolve E-Bike and E-Scooter Share can reach out at evo.ca/evolve.

About BCAA

Driven by its purpose to move British Columbians forward, BCAA (British Columbia Automobile Association) is a long-standing BC Top Employer (Mediacorp) and provides over 1 in 3 B.C. households with industry leading mobility and protection services including Membership, Insurance, Evo Car Share, Evolve E-Bike Share, BCAA Auto Marketplace and Auto Service. BCAA invests in programs and initiatives to make a positive impact by protecting the people and province of BC, recognizing that the place we call home is all of ours to protect. BCAA 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.