More cycle groups refuse to work with Knights on bike drive

Knights of Columbus in Burnaby are trying to figure out where to donate used bicycles after three organizations have refused to work with them over differences of opinion on LGBTQ+ rights.

Since 2006, the Knights have been collecting bicycles through community drives and partnering with the Vancouver-based PEDAL Society to refurbish them and donate them to the needy. But this month, PEDAL announced that 14-year partnership is over.

“We made this decision after consulting with staff and our board of directors and reflecting on our values,” said spokesperson Cara Fisher in a statement March 13. “As an organization that operates under an anti-oppression framework, and as an ally and employer of the LGBTQ community, our values conflict sharply with the KOC.”

Fisher said the organization “is committed to respect for all people” and serves all communities “regardless of religion, background, gender identity, and sexual orientation.”

Although the organization “will accept donations from anyone,” it won’t partner “with any organization that actively conflicts with our values.”

In response, the Knights went looking for another bike drive partner, but both The Bike Kitchen and Kickstand Community Bikes have refused to host an event with them.

“Advocating for marginalized folks is a key part of what we do as an organization and partnering with your organization would undercut our guiding principles and values,” Alex Alvarez, manager of The Bike Kitchen, said to the Knights in an email.

“The reason for decision is the Knight of Columbus’ stance on LGBTQ rights, reproductive health and abortion amongst other issues.”

Kickstand Community Bikes spokesperson Caleb Cheek said their policy states they are “a safe space for members of LGBTQI+ communities” and all volunteers and partners are expected to live by their principles of inclusion and respect.

“It has come to the board’s attention that the Knights of Columbus engage in funding political activity that undermines the dignity, equality, and safety of the very communities we serve. Kickstand is therefore unable to put on an event in partnership with the Knights of Columbus, or ask our volunteers to participate in such an event on behalf of Kickstand.”

Knights member Graham Darling was shocked by PEDAL’s abrupt ending of the long-term partnership.

In a letter responding to the non-profit, he pointed out, “charity is (the Knights’) first principle.”

He said the Knights have partnered with PEDAL for 14 years, “knowing full well its publicized values and alliances, and without ever having raised any differences ourselves nor applied any religious nor political test … We don’t practice exclusion: you do.”

He said the offer is still open to partner with the Knights on their bike drive scheduled May 9. As of now, that drive not been cancelled, either for lack of a partner or due to COVID-19.

But the news isn’t all bad for the Knights and their annual bike drive. Darling said he has found one bike shop that said it is willing to work with them, although he’s not ready to identify it yet due to the current controversy.

Darling also said his group is looking for volunteers with bike expertise to help collect and refurbish donated bikes.

Those bikes are still destined to make their way to people with low incomes or who otherwise need a low-cost mode of transportation.

Though Darling sees the three rejections as an act of religious discrimination, the Knights are so far not considering any legal action, although he is keeping the Catholic Civil Rights League informed of all developments.