(PLEASE READ: Change.org prompts you to donate funds to this petition after signing. If you choose to donate funds, the funds go to Change.org, not to the bike park. Change.org then uses that money to promote the petition to get more signatures. This is not a crowd-funding effort and money collected doesn't directly go to save the bike park. There appears to be no way to turn this feature off.)

We, the undersigned residents of North Vancouver and surrounding communities, write with urgent concern regarding the announced closure of the North Shore Bike Park, scheduled for March 30, 2025. The abrupt announcement on February 14, 2025, giving merely six weeks' notice, has sent shockwaves through our community.

The timing and nature of this closure raise significant concerns. The Bike Park has recently made substantial investments in facility improvements, including a new foam pit zone, rearranged air bag area, and newly built terrain. These recent upgrades, combined with the sudden closure announcement, suggest external factors rather than a planned business decision, and rumours on social media suggesting the Bike Park is going to be replaced by a pickleball facility, support this.

While we understand that commercial properties must make difficult decisions regarding tenancy, the community deserves transparency and consideration in decisions that impact vital community resources.

The North Shore Bike Park has established itself as an irreplaceable community asset:

Critical Indoor Recreation Space

• Provides essential year-round access to recreation, particularly crucial during Vancouver's extended rainy season
• Serves as one of the few indoor facilities of its kind in the region
• Offers a controlled environment for skill development and safety training

Youth Development and Community Safety

• Creates a supervised, positive environment for children and teenagers
• Provides a healthy alternative for youth recreation and socialization
• Builds confidence and physical literacy in young riders
• Serves as a safe gathering space that helps keep youth engaged in positive activities

Economic and Community Benefits

• Attracts visitors to Capilano Mall, supporting other mall businesses
• Enhances North Vancouver's reputation as a world-class cycling destination
• Provides affordable recreation options for families
• Creates local employment opportunities
• Builds community connections through shared interests and activities

Active Transportation and Skill Development

• Supports the City's, District's, and Provinces's commitment to active transportation
• Develops the next generation of cyclists
• Provides structured programs and lessons for all skill levels
• Teaches essential cycling skills and safety awareness

We respectfully request that Capilano Mall:

• Immediately pause the closure process to allow for community consultation
• Schedule meetings with the Bike Park operators to explore viable solutions for continued operation
• Consider the broader community impact in your planning process
• Provide transparency regarding the rationale for this sudden closure
• Work with the community to find an interim solution until any future mall redevelopment

The North Shore Bike Park isn't just a tenant in your building – it's a cornerstone of our community that promotes health, safety, and positive youth development. Its sudden loss would create a significant void in our community's recreational infrastructure that cannot be easily filled, as evidenced by this selection of impact statements from users of the Bike Park:

• "The jumps are really good and it makes me feel safe to lean how to do them by myself. It helps me be a better biker. I love the summer camps and all the bike people that work there." ~ Joshua Lawrence, 8 years old (and Shredder of the Month, Nov 2024)
• "It's my favorite place to go on weekends, even when it's not raining. I always ask my mom and dad if we can go. I've gotten so good at bike riding by practicing there. I can even stand up and ride now." ~Arlo Matthews, 6 Years Old. 
• (If you would like to add an impact statement to this section, please leave a comment below and we will try to incorporate it)

By signing below, we demonstrate our community's strong support for the North Shore Bike Park and our desire to maintain this valuable resource for current and future generations.