COMMUNITY INVOLVMENT
Welcome to Essential Cycles' community involvement page, where we share our commitment to giving back to the communities we serve and the environment we ride in.
At Essential Cycles, we're dedicated to being active and engaged members of our community. We believe in giving back through meaningful initiatives, including trail maintenance and advocacy efforts, sponsoring local cycling groups, and volunteering. We're also proud supporters of women in cycling, providing resources and support to help promote gender diversity and equity. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is unwavering, and we're committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. At Essential Cycles, we're more than just a bike shop - we're a community of passionate cyclists who are dedicated to making a positive impact.
HOW WE GIVE BACK
At Essential Cycles, we're passionate about using our love for cycling to make a positive impact in our community. Giving back is an integral part of who we are, and we're always looking for new ways to support the people and causes that matter most. In this section, we'll share some of the specific initiatives we've undertaken to give back to the North Shore and the wider mountain bike community. From trail maintenance and community events to promoting diversity and supporting local charities, we're proud to be making a difference
TRAIL MAINTENANCE
Trail maintenance is a core part of our commitment to giving back to the North Shore and the mountain bike community. Jaclyn, one of our team members, has been doing trail maintenance for almost as long as she has been mountain biking on the Shore, so it's no surprise that it's the number one way the team at Essential Cycles likes to give back. Currently, we work on both Executioner Trail and Upper/Lower Crippler Trail on Mount Fromme. Jaclyn and her partner Andy are recognized North Shore Mountain Bike Association (NSMBA) Trail Builders, putting in over 100 hours independently and leading trail days for the Muddbunnies Riding Club.
Jaclyn has also worked on a number of other trails across the Shore as both an NSMBA Trail Adoption Program (TAP) builder and independently. Some of the trails she's worked on include Kirkford, the original Bobsled, Griffen trails on Mount Fromme, and Pangor, Slash, C-Buster, Dale's, Richard Juryn, and Ridge Runner on Mount Seymour. We're proud to be making a positive impact by ensuring the trails we all love are well-maintained and accessible to everyone.
VOLUNTEERING
Volunteering is an essential part of our community involvement, and we're proud to have team members who have dedicated countless hours to making a positive impact on the mountain bike community. Jaclyn, one of our team members, has been at the forefront of this effort. She spent five years volunteering for the Muddbunnies Riding Club board, first as the Treasurer and then as the President. She then sat on the North Shore Mountain Bike Association (NSMBA) as the Director of Youth, where she was instrumental in helping to develop their Youth Trail Maintenance program and Youth Fiver.
As part of her time on the NSMBA board, Jaclyn was also been involved in community outreach efforts. She initiated conversations with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation about community and inclusion, with a particular focus on supporting youth. Her efforts aligned with her personal goals as a board member, and she continues to advocate for the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the mountain biking community.
In addition, Jaclyn spent over a decade leading rides for the Muddbunnies Riding Club and Bell Joyride. Her dedication to the mountain bike community led her to join the board of the Canadian Pacific Trials Association (CPTA), where she now serves as a board member. Jaclyn also spends most of her volunteer time working on Executioner Trail or assisting her partner in working on Upper & Lower Crippler on Mt Fromme. We're inspired by her commitment and proud to have her on our team.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DEI
At Essential Cycles, we recognize the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the mountain biking community. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all riders feel welcome and supported, regardless of their background or identity. We understand that there is always room for improvement, and we are constantly striving to educate ourselves and do more to promote DEI. From partnering with organizations that promote DEI to actively seeking out diverse perspectives and experiences in our hiring and decision-making processes, we are dedicated to making Essential Cycles a more diverse and inclusive community for all.
Our Commitment to Creating a Safe Space for the LGBTQIA2S+ Community
At Essential Cycles, we are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone. We understand that members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community may have faced discrimination or marginalization in certain settings, and we want to make sure that they feel safe and respected when they come to our shop. We are continuously educating ourselves and our staff on issues related to diversity and inclusion, and we actively seek out feedback from our customers on how we can improve. Whether you're shopping for a new bike or coming in for repairs, you can trust that you will be treated with kindness and professionalism at Essential Cycles.
SPONSORSHIP
At Essential Cycles, we believe in supporting local organizations and individuals who share our passion for mountain biking and the community. We are proud to sponsor the following groups and events that align with our values and goals.
