Lawyers bike to work for Access to Justice
Vancouver, B.C. -- Almost two dozen lawyers in bike helmets and billowing black robes surprised morning commuters and curious pedestrians as they cycled from downtown's Library Square to the Law Courts on Robson Street to promote awareness of the need for access to justice.
From their previously released press release:
"The Western Canada Society to Access Justice presents Lawyer’s Bike to Work for Access to Justice on Thursday, 29 May, 2008, in conjunction with Bike to Work Week.
A great event during Bike to Work Week to support Access to Justice in an earth-friendly way. This inaugural event includes a symbolic ride from the Vancouver Public Library – Main Branch to the Southwest corner of the Law Courts, inspired by the memory of Access Justice founder, Dugald Christie.
The Western Canada Society to Access Justice is a non-profit society formed in 1990, with the mission of providing first-class free legal assistance to all persons who cannot obtain legal aid or afford a lawyer. All services are provided free of charge by volunteer lawyers. Facilities are provided by social agencies committed to providing help to the needy. Our vision is to foster the principle that all Canadians are entitled to effective access to justice.
This ride event supports Access Justice initiatives. The concept was inspired by the organization’s late founder Dugald Christie’s own long-time association with biking events and lobbying for access to justice reforms. Dugald was well known for his cross Canada rides to raise awareness about justice issues.
'The image of a lawyer in robes on a bicycle heading to a courthouse says a great deal about how Access Justice wants to keep the courts and the justice system firmly within the reach of ordinary Canadians,' says Society Director Phil Dougan.
Participating lawyers are encouraged to bring their robes on the ride to show support."
(L-R) Access to Justice chair Bruce Fraser, Executive Director Allan Parker, and RBS partner and event organizer David Hay.