The District of Squamish plans to introduce a shared e-bike programme in partnership with mobility non-profit Evolve by May 2025, aiming to encourage more sustainable transport choices and reduce emissions, according to a staff memo prepared for Council.
The pilot season is planned from May to October 2025 with 75 e-bikes across 25 kiosk stations, primarily located south of the Mamquam River.
The memo states that the initiative supports key Community Climate Action Plan actions, including a shift away from private vehicle use as the community works toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. “The Program directly supports mode-shift, helping to reduce vehicle emissions and other environmental impacts from transportation, as well as traffic congestion,” the document notes.
According to District staff, kiosks will be placed along active mobility routes near densely populated areas and tourist destinations. Locations have been selected in consultation with Evolve and local stakeholders, including Tourism Squamish and OurSquamish.
The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) is working with Evolve on a separate agreement to host kiosk stations on reserve land. The memo describes this as “an opportunity for the District and Squamish Nation to collaborate on a sustainability initiative.”
Evolve will oversee fleet maintenance, battery swaps, sanitization and repairs, with support from locally contracted services. E-bikes will be stored and charged in Whistler, easing space demands within Squamish. Users will access bikes via a mobile app, which controls speed zones and riding areas.
Final site selections and a licence agreement between Evolve and the District are underway. According to the memo, council approval is not required for the agreement, as it falls within the authority of the Chief Administrative Officer under existing municipal bylaw provisions.
Pennie McNutt says
Excellent idea. However as a bike rider I have concerns about the already overcrowded multi – use trails in Squamish. There needs to be better signage, rules for all modes of transportation who use the trail, including pedestrians. As it is now there are many riders who disregard others using the trails and can be dangerous. I no longer feel safe using them and choose not to for safety reasons. The underpass under the blind channel is an accident waiting to happen.
Designated lanes for bikes, scooters, roller blades etc., and a designated lane for people on foot, would be beneficial.
Carl says
The Program directly supports mode-shift, helping to reduce vehicle emissions and other environmental impacts from transportation, as well as traffic congestion,
So, they’re gonna drive back and forth to Whistler to reduce/mitigate environmental impacts – interesting optics…