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In Oct 2019, my partner and I traded in our vehicle (which by then was truly scrap) for an $850 rebate off an e-bike and I haven't regretted it since. But it did take me a while to figure out if I could make cycling-life work as a 
MLA in #NorthVan 
. (thread 
) 1/
MLA in #NorthVan . (thread ) 1/
Generally, MLAs attend LOTs of events, meetings, press conferences all over the region. I always have to arrive "presentable". No 
for constant end-of-trip showers or outfit changes. Being poses extra challenges: Make-up, hair, skirt suits, heels. Plus #NorthVan & . 2/
for constant end-of-trip showers or outfit changes. Being poses extra challenges: Make-up, hair, skirt suits, heels. Plus #NorthVan & . 2/
With no time to go back to my office between meetings and events, I also use to carry a lot with me in my car. Extra binders, shoes, signs, tables, tents, outreach equipment, and other gear. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to do it all on a bike. I would need a plan. 3/
All that in mind, I knew I would need:
-strong e-assist ()
-bright lights (
)
-good
-upright (bike in
)
-good fenders ()
-covered gears & chains (
)
-large crate & baskets (carry
)
-helmet w face shield (
)
-gloves (
)
-jacket/poncho ()
-spare shoes (
)
4/
-strong e-assist (
)-bright lights (
)-good
-upright (bike in
)-good fenders (
)-covered gears & chains (
)-large crate & baskets (carry
)-helmet w face shield (
)-gloves (
)-jacket/poncho (
)-spare shoes (
)4/
I ended up w a Tern GSD S10 cargo e-bike ( @InfoCitecycles in #NorthVan). For extra cargo space, I added 3 wire baskets and a friend made me a wooden crate to attach to the rear, which fits a waterproof Rubbermaid bin and acts as my trunk. 5/
I carry a "rain kit" with me at all times. The tricky part was finding a helmet with face shield. I solved this by attaching a construction safety shield to my helmet with Velcro tape. I also opted for a poncho over a fancy cycling rain jacket mostly out of frugality. 6/
Not all outfits are suitable for cycling, but you may be surprised by what you can manage. A little bit of stretch in the fabric goes a long way and one of the tricks I use to cycle in pencil skirts (not shown) is to drop the seat height so that it's level with my knees. 7/
To my surprise, engaging with the public by bike offers many advantages. I'm far more visible when I'm traveling and far more mobile when setting up on the street. That being said, I do still occasionally borrow the 
for larger festival set-ups 
. 8/
for larger festival set-ups . 8/
I don't always bike. I also take transit, walk, or negotiate with my partner for the . It does take a bit more planning to live without a dedicated car, but it's rewarding too!
Saves
on 
insurance
in traffic
exercise 
more!
Happy cycling! 9/9
. It does take a bit more planning to live without a dedicated car, but it's rewarding too! Saves
on insurance in traffic exercise more!Happy cycling! 9/9
