It was the beginning of a coming-of-age movie: in 2019, I moved to Kitsilano within walking distance of my first corporate job. It was the beginning of summer, when Vancouver particularly shines. I got a fancy new bike, the kind that converts down and is foldable for storing. It was my time to become a bonafide Vancouverite. Although born and raised in BC, biking to work in Kitsilano during this time of year felt more like a rite of passage. As a young woman starting in the beauty industry, looks did matter. I wanted to stay visible while biking, but the only options looked like I was clocking in for a construction shift. I settled for a hot pink hi-vis vest that I wore over my jacket and backpack. On my first day cycling to work, my manager teased my outfit choices.

All of my outerwear choices were influenced by those early lessons from my grandfather; winter jackets with a reflective stripe down the back, lime green yoga mat bags, bright white running hoodies, it appeared I always had to trade style for safety. Friends and colleagues would poke fun at these choices. I knew personal safety was important, but it seemed to come at a social cost.