For Courtney Low and Derek Lai, members of the Personalized Support and Stabilization Team, no two workdays look the same. Courtney, an occupational therapist and Derek, a physio therapist provide care to clients in their home and the community. Covering six Vancouver neighborhoods, their work requires flexibility and efficiency. What started as a practical choice to simplify a commute has become a powerful tool for connection.
How It Started
Courtney’s journey began with a shift in perspective and a folding bike that made multimodal commuting seamless.
I looked at the travel time. If cycling takes the same amount of time as driving, why not?” she says.
For Derek, it started because he was able to combine his work responsibilities of providing home care, his enjoyment of active travel and the ability to get exercise all at the same time: “Once I actually tried it [cycling]… it was really pleasant. It’s honestly just as fast.”
Planning for Success
While cycling requires a bit of upfront planning for hills and weather, both agree it doesn’t take more time than driving – especially in neighborhoods like Kitsilano or the West End. Courtney notes the ability to bypass traffic and the search for parking. Most essentials, from PPE to therapy tools, fit right in a backpack, and for larger items, they are able to rely on their collaborative team for support.
Connection at a Human Scale
Arriving by bike often serves as a bridge to the people they serve. Courtney’s folding bike is a frequent hit:
People are really excited to learn about it and see what it is – always have no problem bringing it in. It’s a great conversation starter and helps build rapport.”
Derek finds this mode of transport fits the role well: “Most clients don’t expect to see somebody to come on a bike. Because I’m a physio, it fits the stereotype!”
Why it Matters
For both Courtney and Derek, cycling for work is a reflection of their values: caring for their clients, caring for themselves, and caring for the planet. They hope their colleagues see that cycling isn’t just a logistical choice – it’s a rewarding one.
“I think of it as a challenge where I get to find different areas of the city to check out – little coffee shops, parks, and places I wouldn’t have found otherwise,” Courtney says.
For Derek, it all comes back to the people they serve.
The way to know a community is to bike through it. Biking is a way to see it, to feel it, and to interact with it.”
