VILLAGE BIKES:
Pedalling Through the Pandemic and Beyond Story by Sarah Gordon
Photos by Sandra Steier and submitted
The past year has seen an explosion in the popularity of cycling. Last spring there was a noticeable increase in people out walking and exploring their neighbourhoods. Soon after, likely in an attempt to keep active and also to avoid public transit, people took to their bicycles to ride along quiet streets either alone, in family units, or in organized groups. Brett Martyniuk, the owner of Village Bikes, is well aware of this phenomenon; his bicycle sales skyrocketed. The global “bike boom” has seen such a strong surge that bicycle retailers are having a hard time keeping them in stock. Brett mentions, “Inventory became scarce and parts started to sell out.”
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“Bikes will be rolling in throughout the spring and summer. People can get their name on the list and secure their order with a deposit,” says Brett. Village Bikes has been operating out of one of Steveston’s oldest buildings since 2007. The Martyniuk family has owned the Moncton Street storefront for four generations. In 1937, Brett’s great-grandfather, Peter Martyniuk, operated a barbershop in the front of the store and lived in the back of the building.
StevestonInsider.com
June - July 2021
