I have been taking public transit from Lumby to Vernon since the beginning of August for a 12-week employment course and self-esteem course at Independent Living Vernon. Even though the course does not start until 10 a.m., I have to get on the bus at 6:30 a.m. because B.C. Transit does not have another bus that will get me there on time for my course.
The next bus leaves at 11:15 a.m. It is a very long day for me and with cerebral palsey, my feet get tired and sore quite easily.
Therefore, I take my bike as my transportation throughout the day so I can access lunch and other amenities when I am in Vernon.
Recently, I went to hop on the bus as usual at 6:30 a.m. and was refused by the bus driver.
The bus driver stated that my bike was not welcome on the bus because of a policy that states no bikes are allowed due to reduced visibility when it is dark outside and headlights are needed.
So my options were miss the course or bike all of the way into Vernon from Lumby.
I decided that I had ventured this far so I might as well cycle into Vernon even though I knew that I would be exhausted, frustrated and have difficulty concentrating on the course.
I got as far as the Shell station in Lavington and was wet (it had been raining), dirty, cold and exhausted. Luckily, I got a ride from someone the rest of the way or I would of had to give up and go back home.
It is interesting to me that the City of Vernon tries to encourage the use of bicycles and B.C. transit tries to encourage ridership. Yet, this policy is discouraging people to take transit six months out of the year.
Taking the bus from Lumby to Vernon is even less accessible than I first thought.
Quintten Meints
Lumby
