Bikes for BIPOC Students
This is a bike redistribution program for UBC students who are Black and/or Indigenous and/or People Of Colour to promote access to bikes as a mode of autonomy, safe and reliable transportation, health and joy. The aim of this program is to support BIPOC students and address inequalities of material wealth and access to transportation. We approach bike distribution with a Racial Justice lens and seek to provide accessible transportation to folks who are typically not prioritized in the bike industry.
check out the additional resources below!
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Color the trails -If you’re interested in hiking, skiing, kayaking, or just getting outdoors with a supportive crew color the trails is a good place to be! They create spaces for BIPOC folks in outdoor activities. Check out their website to learn more about their upcoming events and how to get involved:
https://www.instagram.com/colourthetrails/
Black lives matter Vancouver -Works on anti-racism advocacy, education, and building safe spaces for Black communities. Great if you want to learn, show up, or get involved in local movements.
https://www.instagram.com/blm_van/
Active run club - A group of Black and BIPOC youth who get together every weekend to run, hike, and enjoy the outdoors. Perfect if you want to stay active and meet new people.https://www.instagram.com/activerunclub/
Black van club - A hub for Black culture, events, and stories in Vancouver. Follow along for local happenings and stay updated
Black women connect - Creates spaces for connection, celebration, and empowerment among black women. They run networking and wellness events year-round.
https://www.blackwomenconnectvancouver.com/
Black business association of BC- provides mentorship, networking, and showcases Black entrepreneurs across the province.
https://www.blackbusinessbc.ca/
Vancouver black therapy fund - A black led, black serving nonprofit that connects individuals and families to free and low-cost mental health services. They prioritize support for low-income, newcomer, LGBTQIA+, refugee, and disabled community members.
https://vancouverblacktherapyfoundation.com/
Couch jams - A vibrant collective amplifying underrepresented BIPOC artists through open mic nights and showcases at venues like the Vancouver Black Library. They foster a supportive space for emerging talent in the local music scene.
https://www.instagram.com/couchjamscollective/
Black girl collective vancouver - Founded in 2020, this collective creates safe, inclusive spaces for Black cisgender women and LGBTQIA+ individuals. They offer mentorship, community events, and resources to empower and connect Black women in Metro Vancouver.
https://www.instagram.com/blackgirlcollective_/
Afro vancouver connect - A nonprofit dedicated to empowering black and African youth through art, conversation, collaboration, and performance. They cultivate gathering spaces for vibrant, creative minds committed to increasing the visibility of underrepresented diasporic communities.
https://www.afrovanconnect.com/
BC black history awareness society - This society creates awareness of the history of Blacks in BC and celebrates their contributions in various fields, including arts, education, government, sports, and sciences.
Black Strathcona resurgence project - A community-driven initiative aimed at reclaiming and celebrating the Black presence in Vancouver's historic Strathcona neighborhood through art, storytelling, and cultural events.
Umoja corporation - A charitable organization formed to work with newcomer immigrants and refugees living in BC. They provide culturally attuned, trauma-informed programs to empower individuals and families to successfully integrate into Canadian society.
BC black businesses - A platform highlighting Black-owned businesses across the province, offering a directory to support and promote Black entrepreneurship in BC.
https://www.blackbusinessbc.ca/
Afro world expo - Western Canada’s largest showcase of African and Caribbean culture. It features music, dance, food, fashion, and a marketplace of black-owned businesses. The event is held annually and provides an opportunity to explore black culture, meet local creators, and support black owned businesses.
National congress of black women foundation - a nonprofit based in Burnaby, BC, that supports Black women and families. They run programs focused on education, health, culture, and community-building. The foundation offers workshops, events, and community resources, and provides opportunities to volunteer or get involved with local initiatives. https://ncbwf.org/
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This biking route highlights key locations tied to black history and community in Vancouver, offering students a chance to connect with the city’s cultural and historical landscape. The full route is about 6.3 km, roughly a 30-minute ride (not including stops), with an optional Seawall detour for scenic reflection.
Vancouver Public Library (350 W Georgia St)
Start here to ground yourself in knowledge -VPL houses archives on Vancouver’s Black history, including Hogan’s Alley and pioneers like Joe Fortes, providing a lens into the city’s past and the people who shaped it.253 Keefer Street (Chinatown)
While not a black specific landmark, this stop shows Vancouver’s layered multicultural heritage, where Black history has always intersected with Chinese, Indigenous, Italian, and other communities in the east end.Militant Mothers of Raymur Pedestrian Overpass (Keefer & Raymur)
In 1971, local mothers blocked railway tracks so their children could safely reach school. This grassroots action, led by women of colour, won a pedestrian overpass and stands as a powerful example of community organizing and advocacy.Emery Barnes Park (Seymour & Davie)
One of BC’s first black memeber of legistlative assembly and a champion for equity and justice. This park honors his legacy as a community advocate, athlete, and social worker, and serves as a vibrant public space today.Rosemary Brown Lane & mural (West End, near Robson & Haro)
This lane honors Rosemary Brown , the first black woman elected to a provincial legislature in Canada. A feminist, activist, and educator, Brown dedicated her life to fighting racial and gender discrimination, making this a site of reflection and inspiration.Optional Scenic Addition – The Seawall
Take a detour for ocean and mountain views. Near English Bay, you’ll find a memorial to Joe Fortes, Vancouver’s beloved black lifeguard and swim teacher. The Seawall offers a quiet, reflective space to connect with Vancouver’s history and natural beauty.What to put on map: Take a 6.3 km bike route highlighting Vancouver’s Black history and community. Visit landmarks like:
Point A-Vancouver Public Library – archives and stories of pioneers like Joe Fortes
Point B- Militant Mothers of Raymur Overpass – grassroots activism led by women of colour
Point C- Emery Barnes Park – in honor of BC’s first black member of legislative assembly and community advocate
Point D- Rosemary Brown Lane & mural – celebrating Canada’s first Black woman elected to provincial office
Finish the ride with the Seawall for scenic reflection and a memorial to Joe Fortes. Stops show how black history intersects with Vancouver’s multicultural past and present.