Vancouver, Whistler & Vancouver Island - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 910

using two kinds of lock at the same time. Adding stickers and painting over expensive
brand names to make your bike less desirable is another option.
BIKE PURCHASE, RENTALS & CO-OPS IN THE BIG CITIES
If you are thinking of buying a bicycle, consider patronizing bike cooperatives (co-
ops) - worker-owned, nonprofit organizations that repair bikes and/or take in
donated bikes and refurbish them for sale. They often encourage cycling by renting
bikes, supporting community biking events and organizing work-for-trade pro-
grams.
Bike Kitchen ( 604-827-7333; www.thebikekitchen.com ; 6138 Student Union
Blvd, Vancouver)Student-run, full-service co-op that sells and rents refurbished
bikes.
Wright Brothers Cycle Works ( 206-633-5132;
www.wrightbrotherscycleworks.com ; 219 N 36th St, Seattle)Offers co-op work
space and bike-repair classes. Has programs helping children, such as earning hel-
mets and locks in exchange for reading books.
BikeWorks ( 206-725-9408; www.bikeworks.org ; 3709 S Ferdinand St, Seattle)
Not really a co-op but a nonprofit organization with an 'earn-a-bike' youth program;
offers maintenance classes and donates bikes to needy communities.
City Bikes ( 503-239-0553; www.citybikes.coop ; 1914 SE Ankeny, Portland)
Worker-run co-op that fixes bikes, and sells and rents them from its annex on 734
SE Ankeny.
Community Cycling Center ( 503-287-8786;
www.communitycyclingcenter.org ; 1700 NE Alberta St, Portland)Helps cyclists -
especially youths - through educational bike programs and services.
Boat
Washington and British Columbia have two of the largest state-owned ferry systems in the
world; these ferries access some of the most rewarding destinations in the Pacific Northw-
est. Some boats are passenger only, while others take both vehicles and passengers. Be
aware that some summertime ferry routes can have long waits if you're in a car. Bring
snacks, as ferry offerings are limited and expensive.
BC Ferries ( 888-223-3779; www.bcferries.com ) Operates most of the ferries in British
Columbia. Primary links are between Tsawwassen (south of Vancouver) and Swartz Bay