In the summer of 2022, two Vancouver Police Department Constables, Nathan Johre and Chris Birkett, noticed something troubling while working in the Strathcona neighbourhood. Despite seeing kids of all ages out riding bikes and enjoying the outdoors, many were not wearing helmets or using proper safety gear. After speaking with some of the young riders, it became clear: their families simply couldn’t afford the necessary equipment.
What began as an observation quickly turned into action. With the support of a Vancouver Police Foundation grant, Chris and Nathan developed and launched the Strathcona Bike Smart program, an initiative that offers free bike safety training, equipment, and community engagement opportunities for local families.
“When patrolling Strathcona, I noticed so many kids had a shared interest in riding bikes; however, I also noticed that many of the kids didn’t have helmets,” explains Nathan. “From there, Chris and I developed the idea for this program, as a way to not only provide the needed safety equipment, skills, and knowledge to the kids, but also to bring kids from different demographics together and build on their sense of community through this shared interest.”
Over the past three summers, Strathcona Bike Smart continued to be offered and has grown to three sessions each summer, with 30 kids attending each session. New program leaders, Constable Tej Bains and Constable Jordy Rosode are aligned with Chris and Nathan’s original goal: Provide bike safety equipment and education to Strathcona kids, while also forging trusting relationships with the families in the neighbourhood.
“It is very meaningful to be able to build positive connections with the kids and parents who attend Bike Smart,” explains Tej. “While delivering the program, we are able to connect with families and build relationships not only between the police and community, but amongst community members as well.”
Each Bike Smart session includes a full day of instruction and fun. VPD bike instructors lead kids through essential cycling skills, while VPD traffic officers provide education about road safety. Key volunteers from the VPD Cadet Program, VPD Youth Services Section, and the Strathcona Community Policing Centre (CPC) are also essential partners in helping make Bike Smart a success.
All participants at Bike Smart also receive a free safety package that includes a bike helmet, bell, reflectors, USB bike lights, and a lock. Lunch and snacks are also provided, making it a truly welcoming and supportive experience.
“We enjoy cheering on the kids and providing encouragement during the drills,” adds Tej. “We are thrilled to witness the progress they make over the course of the day as they accomplish drills that they were previously struggling with.”
Strathcona is one of Vancouver’s most diverse, family-friendly communities, home to a wide variety of household incomes and socioeconomic challenges. The contrast between families living in BC Housing complexes and those in detached homes is stark. The Strathcona Bike Smart program helps bridge that divide, not only by giving kids the safety equipment and skills they need, but by creating a space for families to connect with each other and with their local police officers.
The community response to Bike Smart has been overwhelmingly positive. Nearly 200 Strathcona kids have participated since 2022. Due to program capacity, a lengthy waitlist has also formed. Feedback from parents continues to be enthusiastic, both while they are attending with their child and in follow up emails. Parents are specifically expressing their appreciation for the opportunity, the equipment, and the confidence it gives their children.
“It is inspiring to hear from the families which keep us very motivated to keep growing the program going. We even often get asked when Bike Smart will be offered in other Vancouver neighbours and elsewhere in the Lower Mainland.”
The Strathcona Bike Smart program has not only equipped kids with helmets and bike lights, it’s delivered confidence, connection, and joy. It’s brought neighbours together, introduced youth to police mentors, and given families a reason to spend a summer day outside, safely and supported.
From its grassroots beginnings to its current multi-day format, Strathcona Bike Smart is proof that small ideas, sparked by genuine concern by VPF officers, can grow into impactful, lasting community programs.
If you would like to donate to support the Strathcona Bike Smart program, please CLICK HERE
The Vancouver Police Foundation supports programs and initiatives that fall within three streams: community outreach and engagement (including programs for women, youth and seniors); public and personal safety; and specialized equipment and technology. You can help make Vancouver safer for all by donating to the Vancouver Police Foundation.
