Emergency-response volunteers to take to the saddle in Vancouver
By going where others can't, the bike-mounted volunteers will support other emergency responders in times of disaster
This year, in Vancouver, a squad of emergency response volunteers will take to their bikes, tasked with helping their community in moments of distress.
As reported by CTV News, the emergency response cyclists will be a part of the Neighbourhood Emergency Assistance Team (NEAT), supporting other responders if disaster arises—such as a catastrophic flood, for example, or an earthquake. These volunteers will be able to access places that may be off-limits to other vehicles, possibly in situations where debris has blocked roadways. Carrying equipment and facilitating communications, assessing damage and relaying vital information to other responders will be the squad’s primary responsibilities. In a city as well-known for cycling as Vancouver, the innovative idea seems especially appropriate.
Volunteers already signed up and trained for the emergency response program spoke to CTV News about the necessity of the idea. “We know that our radios are going to work to a degree, but we could lose cellular service,” said Marilyn Douglas, a member of the NEAT. “Radio communications could also be very congested, so it could be faster for us to get things from point A to point B by bicycle carrier.”
“It’s very important,” said Capt. Whitefield Crump of Vancouver Emergency Management. “We’re trying to get ready for any kind of major emergency here in Vancouver.” Cyclists could provide assistance in the event of a flood or earthquake.
Other B.C. municipalities have had bike-centric emergency initiatives. In May 2014, as part B.C.’s emergency preparedness week, New Westminster’s police, fire and city officials held the Amazing Disaster Rally. The event took riders on a 25-km route that featured emergency-related challenges. Over on Vancouver Island, Victoria ran similar rallies in 2013 and 2014. The City of Victoria and the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition designed events that had participants practise searching for a lost person, conducting damage assessment, riding over difficult terrain and travelling through tight spaces.
For riders interested in volunteering with the Neighbourhood Emergency Assistance Team, the City of Vancouver is inviting them to do so online, via the city’s website.
