Go Dutch
Who needs a minivan? Especially when those clever Dutch have come up with a chic way to cart around your three kids and your groceries—by bike. The Bakfiets Boxbike is equipped with eight speeds, a built-in lock, and a sturdy rear parcel rack, and can accommodate up to 70 kilos of cargo or kids (OK, maybe not when pedalling up some West Van mountain). Bakfiets are sold at Rain City Bikes (raincitybikes.com ), but if you’d rather rent than own, consider joining Vancouver’s very new Cargo Bike Co-op. Currently raising funds to buy a fleet of cargo bikes, the co-op is seeking donations to get off the ground—so to speak. Info: cargobikecoop.org
—Stephanie MacDonald
Pick Nic
Hey, lady. Just because you need a new drive shaft doesn’t mean you should worry about getting shafted. Alleviating those automotive anxieties is a key goal of Nic’s Garage. This North Van auto shop is operated by Sandy Spicer, a Saskatchewan gal whose dad was a mechanic (and her business’s namesake). Nic’s puts an emphasis on honesty, fairness, and non-intimidating service, meaning when you get the bill, you know that the only thing oily is your engine. And, since keeping your car in tip-top shape is essential to keeping your emissions at bay, you’re sure to roll into Nic’s time and time again. Visit 1160 Third St. (North Vancouver), 604-929-3313.
—Jennifer Croll
Community Fix
Enough with this reliance on mechanically handy boyfriends already; it’s time we learned how to fix our own bikes beyond patching a tire. And Our Community Bikes is here to teach us. On the first Thursday of every month, OCB—a full repair shop and bike recycling depot—offers a three-hour Introduction to Bike Repair workshop from 6:30 to 9:30 pm (40 bucks, with a $10 deposit upon registration). Alternatively, visit the shop between 11 am and 6 pm, seven days a week. For the mere fee of $15, you can rent tools and receive hands-on instruction. And remember: it’s fun getting greasy—100 per cent of boyfriends agree. Visit 3283 Main St. or pedalpower.org .
—Amy Chow
Upright Citizens
You adore sustainable transportation. You love the feel of wind in your hair. And during your commute, you secretly cue “The Final Countdown” on your iPod. You might as well take the next step and buy a Segway. Besides following in the tire-tracks of Uncle Gob from Arrested Development (and, more recently, North Vancouver mayor Darrell Mussatto, who rode one during last month’s Canada Day celebrations), there are tonnes of other perks: zero emissions, efficient electric usage, and a top speed of 20 km/hr. Segways currently aren’t permitted on city streets, but if Mayor Darrell gets his way, they’ll be zipping along North Van roadways in no time. Call Segway dealer Larry Runnalls, 604-533-1414. segwaycanada.ca
—JC
Electric Avenue
Cycling to the office rules. But arriving with sweat stains under the arms of your vintage Chanel jacket after grinding up those pesky hills? Not so cool. You could start taking the bus, but we suggest taking your bike electric instead. With the help of an electric bike conversion kit, you’ll be zooming up those inclines as easily as you freewheel down them. Plus, electric bikes provide all the advantages of a regular bike: fun times, free parking, zero emissions, and freedom from gridlock. You’ll be arriving well-heeled in no time, no sweat. Visit Renaissance Bicycle Company (4570 Main St.) or JV Bikes (955 Expo Blvd.). Info: ebikes.ca
—Erica Gehrke
Fight Deflation
NASCAR drivers may be the incarnation of eco-evil, but they do have one trick that could help you get better mileage and extend the life of your tires: race-car tires have long been filled with nitrogen instead of compressed air. Nitrogen leaks less, isn’t corrosive to tire materials, and can increase your gas mileage by up to 10 per cent. And—bonus—the NASCAR angle will impress your redneck cousins in Alberta who snicker at your hybrid. Deflate—and fill up—at Grandview Tire & Auto (2886 Commercial Dr.) or Route 99 Tire & Auto (10090 King George Hwy., Surrey). Info: route99tire.com
—SM
Green Washing
Save precious H20 for the things that really need it (like your tomatoes) by keeping your car clean and green with Easywash. A North Vancouver automatic touch-free car wash, this Earth-friendly biz—housed in a LEED-certifiable building, no less—minimizes its impact on the planet (and your four-wheeler) through initiatives like water recycling and on-site filtration, rainwater gathering, and the use of hydrogen fuel-cell power. Easywash even has its own water well, so no city water, or should we say drinking water, is used. You’ll drive away with both a clean car and a clear conscience. Zip over to 1501 Main St. (North Vancouver). Info: easywash.com
—EG
Auto Trader
You’ve accepted that the chic factor of your ’82 Peugeot is completely undermined by the fumes that overwhelm any admirers from across the street. Perhaps it’s time for a trade-in? Giving us a nudge in the right direction is the Richmond-based Scrap-It Program: swap your beater, er, baby, for $2,000 worth of TransLink monthly passes, up to $2,250 toward a new vehicle, and more. To qualify for the program, your current ride must have rolled off the assembly line in or before 1995, and must be licensed, insured, and driveable.Set the wheels in motion at scrapit.ca .
—AC
