Ian Bickis

One man is dead and another’s life in shambles after a seemingly minor collision between a bicycle and a car quickly escalated out of control last week.

A French revolution rolls on – Momentum Magazine, August 25, 2009

A little over two years ago Paris launched the most ambitious bike-sharing initiative in the world. In true Parisian fashion, it was audacious, stylish and modern while retaining a bit of old-world charm.

Vancouver Critical Mass Gets Critical Attention from City and VPD – Momentum Magazine, August 20, 2009

Vancouver police, media, and even bicycle-friendly mayor Gregor Robertson were all warning of possible mayhem before last month’s Critical Mass, the police going so far as to advise motorists to stay away from downtown. But after the dust from thousands of bicycle wheels settled, these predictions turned out to be much like the hot summer air that welcomed participants.

Off-road opportunities - Green Space Magazine, June, 2008

The $14 billion in transit spending announced by the B.C. government in January is geared to reduce car dependency and improve the environment – but it will also create opportunities for businesses along transit routes.

Canada closer to inking free trade deal with Peru (pdf) – Business in Vancouver Newspaper, May 19, 2008

Canadian mining companies should find doing business in Peru easier once Canada’s proposed free trade agreement (FTA) with the country is ratified. The South American country is already a strong trade and mining partner with Canada.

Recruiting woes force officers to shuffle assignments (pdf) – Globe and Mail, April 10, 2008

VANCOUVER — The anti-graffiti unit of the Vancouver Police Department has been very successful in recent years, slashing the rate of vandalism by three-quarters. But since January, the unit has been in hiatus – a casualty of a lack of new recruits to the force, with its two officers reassigned to more critical duties.

Sadie’s team kicks off season (pdf) – Globe and Mail, April 4, 2008

VANCOUVER — Sadie Gates will don her new soccer uniform with excitement tomorrow, finally able to play on a team of her own. That team is the Blazin’ Soccer Dogs. It was started by her mother, Abbe Gates of Vancouver, after she was told by a coach last September that her daughter, who has Down syndrome, couldn’t play because she would be a “liability” to the team.

Power behind The Grouse Grind(pdf) - Vancouver Sun, January 5, 2008

If you’ve ever trudged up the Grouse Grind, head down and focused on not falling, you likely noticed that part way up the climb the uneven roots and protruding rebar are replaced with straight, strong, even steps. You’re stepping on the work of Jeremy Power, professional trail builder and the contractor helping to ensure the long-term stability of the popular trail.

Planting the earth to save it – TheThunderbird.ca, April 18, 2008

Leigh Fox has been planting trees for eight years, in part to raise cash, in part to save the world. Like many young Canadians, he planted his way through his undergraduate degree in political science. And like many Canadians, he has traveled abroad, having done development work in Asia and Africa. When visiting a friend in Uganda, Fox saw the potential to combine the pursuits of planting, education and development work into one sustainable package.

Iranians seek refuge in Canada – TheThunderbird.ca, December 7, 2007

An Iranian man has been given refuge in Canada on compassionate grounds, but others continue to be sent back to Iran to face an uncertain future.

Ali Monemi, 31, was granted permission to stay in November after claiming sanctuary for 18 months in a North Vancouver church to avoid deportation to Iran.

Private energy production costing consumers (pdf) – The Ubyssey, November 13, 2007

Fundamental changes made to the BC Hydro system will have negative economic and environmental consequences for years to come, said John Calvert, author of a new book on the subject.