Treasurer: Chris Alemany, Vancouver Island Representative

Chris is a father, community and environmental advocate, computer technician, former municipal politician, weather blogger, political and union activist, and consultant. Chris grew up in Port Alberni and now lives there with his wife Theresa and their two children. In 2009 he helped found and is President of the Alberni Valley Transition Town Society (AVTransitionTown.org), tackling climate change related initiatives that help Port Alberni residents lower their carbon footprint and become more resilient to climate change. Chris was elected councillor for the City of Port Alberni from 2014-2018.  Chris also serves as Director and Treasurer on the Board of Alberni Community and Women’s Services Society (www.acaws.ca).  Chris has worked at Vancouver Island University (VIU.ca) for 21 years and is a computer technician and lab assistant in the Media Studies department. He serves on the executive of the VIU Faculty Association as Health and Safety representative. Finally, Chris is as passionate about the weather as he is about safe and accessible bicycling and maintains a weather blog called alberniweather.ca. Chris has served on the Board of GoByBikeBC as a representative for the Central Vancouver Island region since 2019 and is currently Treasurer

Erin LaRocque, Metro Vancouver Representative

Serving on the board since 2017, Erin is a born and raised Vancouverite and a long-time four season commuter cyclist. In her day job as the internal, operational sustainability consultant at Vancity, Erin develops and administers programs to help staff move away from single occupancy driving towards active transportation, and she is excited to help in the tangible work GoByBike BC does to bring cycling as a preferred mobility option to people across BC! A firm believer in the practicality and joy of bikes for everyday mobility, she is a committed ‘anti-spendex’ rider; when she’s not in the office working  on all things sustainability, you can catch her cruising around town in heels and skirts for both fun and general transportation.

Jade Chan, Metro Vancouver Representative

My name is Jade and I am a data storyteller with expertise and experience in financial reporting, planning and analysis. At my current role at Loop Energy Inc, you will see me painting the “big” picture to non-accounting senior execs while busy inspiring team members in reaching the next level. When I’m not leading conversation with department heads on forecasting activities, you will find me cycling through the city while exploring different parts of the area and trying new restaurants in town. My friends and colleagues would use these three words to describe me: passionate, task-oriented and resourceful.

Helen Hopkins, Kootenay Region Representative

Originally from the UK, Helen grew up in Northern BC. After living for over a decade in the lower mainland, she moved to the Kootenays in 2020 where she traded her road bike for a mountain bike.

Helen is a human resources professional who encourages physical activity and spending time outdoors in both a professional and personal capacity. She holds a bachelor’s degree and graduate certificate both in Business Administration.

Helen bikes in all seasons to find work-life balance, build community, promote sustainable modes of transportation, and of course have fun. When not working you can find Helen on the trails and ski slopes with her husband and three kids.

Dewi Evans, Okanagan Representative

Originally born in Wales, UK, Dewi moved to Canada in 2016 and has never looked back. An avid lover of the outdoors, Kamloops offers Dewi the opportunity to play, explore and unwind all year round. His hobbies range from skiing and snowshoeing in winter to mountain biking and paddle boarding in summer.

Dewi’s first involvement in GoByBike came as a coordinator during the 2018 summer event. His love for the program was instantaneous, leading him to join the board in 2019. “I just wanted to contribute. Biking is a passion of mine due to the physical and mental health benefits, and when you combine it with a community event and positive environmental change, it was a no brainer for me to join”.

Nicole Malette, Metro Vancouver Representative

Nicole joined the GoByBike BC Board in 2021 with the hopes of helping out more in her cycling community. Nicole is an avid cyclist in the greater Vancouver area, who is never more enthusiastic than when she is tinkering with bike parts or encouraging others to ride. She holds a PhD in sociology, specializing in education and social inequality research. When not riding, Nicole works evaluating clinical education programming at the BC Center on Substance Use.

Jennifer Grebeldinger, Kootenay Representative

Jen is a visual thinker and passionate communicator who merges technical knowledge of local climate action with a deep understanding of how to ensure people are at the centre of climate solutions. A driving belief is that while the bigger goal of avoiding a climate crisis might come from zero carbon and sustainable living, what we cannot miss is people living day-to-day with neighbours and family. It’s this perspective, as well as experience living in different countries – urban and rural communities – that Jen hopes to bring to this Board and contribute to the evolution and continued success of GBBBC.  

Jen resides in the homeland of the Ktunaxa Nations – Ktunaxa’amaki’is – in Fernie with her human and fur babies. She is grateful for every moment on a bike – on roads or trails, for transportation or recreation.