Bike Valet expansion, free weekend transit, return of park shuttles, and more. Photo: RMOW/Justa Jeskova
June 18, 2024: Whistler, B.C. – Getting from A to B in Whistler without a vehicle has never been easier. This summer, Whistler will have a new protected bike lane to ease two-wheeled travel through the Village, free shuttles to Lost Lake and Rainbow parks, free weekend transit and more secure bike valet parking, monitored by an attendant.
“It is awesome to see active transportation, transit options and infrastructure growing at this rate in our community,” said Mayor Jack Crompton. “We need to move beyond the car and options like this are crucial as we work to minimize and avoid the negative effects of climate change. I’m so grateful for the people and the work that make these changes possible, and I can’t wait to make the most it all myself.”
Whistler is among the Canadian municipalities working to meet the Paris Accord goal to slow global warming by reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2030. Expansion and optimization of local transit is one of six key ways to reach that goal, as identified in the Climate Action Big Moves Strategy.
Big Move number one encourages active transportation and transit use. The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) has several summer programs designed to make it an easy shift for residents and visitors, including:
Free summer weekend transit is back
BC Transit and the RMOW are happy to announce the return of free summer weekend transit in Whistler. The RMOW and Whistler Blackcomb are offering complimentary service on all routes Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays between June 15 through Labour Day. The free summer service is funded by parking fees from Day Lots 1-5.
BC Transit also makes it easy for kids to get around all summer, with free transit for kids 12 and under.
Lost Lake Park and Rainbow Park free shuttles returns
Free summer transport to Lost Lake Park is running. The Lost Lake Park free shuttle operates daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. leaving from post 4 at the Gondola Transit Exchange and the Olympic Plaza bus stop.
At the same locations, you’ll soon be able to hop on the Rainbow Park free shuttle, in line with the highly anticipated reopening of Rainbow Park (on track for the end of June). The shuttle begins Saturday, June 29 at 10 a.m, and the free park shuttle to Rainbow Park, via Meadow Park water park and Rainbow Falls trailhead, will operate on Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays.
Both free park shuttles will operate through Labour Day. Whistler’s free park shuttles are sponsored by the Province of BC’s Resort Municipality Initiative fund.
More free, secure, attended bike parking
Whistler Bike Valet
Free bike and gear storage with the Whistler Bike Valet returns to select locations starting Saturday, June 22. In July, Whistler will receive an expansion to the service, thanks to a grant from the BC Cycling Coalition, funded by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
Summer weekend and holiday bike valet service at Whistler Olympic Plaza will expand to run daily, Wednesday through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. through Labour Day. In addition, new fencing will increase capacity, with the ability to accommodate up to 300 bikes. This expanded service is geared to village employees, making it easier to commute by bike. The Whistler Bike Valet service will continue to be extended past 8:30 p.m. on special event evenings such as the Whistler Summer Concert Series and Movies at Whistler Olympic Plaza.
Smart, secure bike parking racks
We’re excited to announce the installation of smart app-activated bike parking stations with e-bike charging docks. This is part of a trial program designed to provide safe, more secure and convenient bike parking at three key locations:
- Whistler Olympic Village
- Meadows Park Sports Centre
- Blackcomb Lodge
How it works:
- Download the Bikeep app.
- Scan the QR code on the station.
- Secure your bike.
- Enjoy Whistler car-free.
- And repeat!
New protected bike lane to ease Village bike travel
To help bike transport on one of Whistler’s busiest thoroughfares, late June will see the installation of a bike lane for the Village Gate Boulevard Bikeway Demonstration Project. This protected lane will run from the Firehall driveway to the bus shelter on Village Gate Boulevard, through the summer until Labour Day.
We would love to know how it’s working for you. Please email transit@whistler.ca with your feedback.
Even more Evolve E-Bikes
E-bikes returned to Whistler for spring/summer 2024 in April, for year two of the BCAA pilot project, giving Whistlerites and visitors an affordable option for short trips within the municipality. In May, in partnership with Whistler Blackcomb, Evolve E-Bikes launched in eight new parking zones including Creekside, Blackcomb Staff Housing, Brio Staff Housing, Westside Staff Housing and the Vail Office.
For more information about active transportation, transit, and Whistler’s Big Moves goals, visit whistler.ca.
About the Whistler Transit System
The Whistler Transit System is provided through a partnership between BC Transit and the RMOW, and Whistler Transit Ltd. is contracted to operate the system. The RMOW works closely with BC Transit and Whistler Transit Ltd. to guide the long-term development and implementation of system goals.
About the Resort Municipality of Whistler
Situated within the shared, unceded territory of the L̓il̓wat7úl (Líl̓wat People) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish People), the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is a destination resort community, local government organization and leader in providing municipal programs, services, progressive planning and infrastructure for almost 14,000 permanent residents and over three million annual visitors. Whistler is located approximately two hours north of Vancouver along the picturesque Sea-to-Sky Highway and within the epic Coast Mountain range.
Our vision: A place where our community thrives, nature is protected and guests are inspired.
Media Inquiries
Resort Municipality of Whistler Communications | media@whistler.ca
Website www.whistler.ca
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