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PURPOSE OF THE STANDARDS
Purpose of the Standards
The Standards and Code of the BC Bicycle Mechanics Guild exist to:
  • Protect public safety
  • Preserve professional integrity
  • Define minimum expectations of competence
  • Provide a clear basis for accountability
These standards apply to all Guild members, regardless of employment status, seniority, or specialization.
CORE PRINCIPLES
Core Principles
All Guild standards are grounded in three principles:
  • Competence — work is performed only within the limits of training and ability
  • Integrity — honesty in diagnosis, service, communication, and representation
  • Safety — public and rider safety takes precedence over speed, profit, or convenience
These principles guide all interpretation and enforcement of the Code.
COMPETENCE STANDARD
Competence Standard
Guild members shall:
  • Maintain the technical knowledge required for the work they perform
  • Decline or refer work they are not qualified to perform safely
  • Follow manufacturer specifications and accepted industry practices
  • Seek training when working with unfamiliar systems or technologies
Misrepresentation of skill level or certification is a breach of this standard.
SAFETY STANDARD
Safety Standard
Guild members shall:
  • Verify steering, braking, and critical fasteners after service
  • Use correct torque values where specified
  • Perform test verification appropriate to the work completed
  • Follow safe procedures for e-bike batteries, electrical systems, and high-energy components
No service decision may knowingly compromise rider or public safety.
SERVICE & WORKMANSHIP STANDARD
Service & Workmanship
Guild members shall:
  • Perform work to a professional and consistent standard
  • Use parts appropriate to the application and rider use
  • Avoid counterfeit, unsafe, or unsuitable components
  • Document critical service actions where appropriate
Shortcuts that compromise safety or durability are unacceptable.
HONESTY & COMMUNICATION
Honesty & Communication
Guild members shall:
  • Communicate service needs clearly and truthfully
  • Obtain informed consent before performing chargeable work
  • Avoid unnecessary or misleading upselling
  • Represent diagnoses accurately, including uncertainty when present
Trust is a professional obligation.
ETHICAL CONDUCT
Ethical Conduct
Guild members shall:
  • Act in good faith with customers, employers, and colleagues
  • Avoid conflicts of interest or disclose them when unavoidable
  • Respect customer property and confidentiality
  • Refrain from harassment, intimidation, or abusive conduct in professional contexts
Professional conduct extends beyond technical work.
BRAND & CERTIFICATION USE
Guild Name & Certification Use
Guild members shall:
  • Use Guild credentials accurately and only as earned
  • Not imply endorsement beyond the scope of certification
  • Not use the Guild name for misleading promotion or coercion
  • Not represent the Guild as supporting a brand, product, or political position
The Guild is independent and non-corporate.
COMPLAINTS & ACCOUNTABILITY
Complaints & Accountability
The Guild maintains a formal process for:
  • Receiving complaints
  • Reviewing evidence
  • Determining whether standards were breached
  • Requiring corrective action, training, suspension, or removal
Discipline is corrective, not punitive, and exists to protect the public and the trade.
FAIR PROCESS
Fair Process
All members are entitled to:
  • Clear notice of concerns
  • An opportunity to respond
  • Proportionate outcomes
  • An appeal process
Enforcement follows documented procedures, not personal discretion.
PUBLIC ACCESS
Public Access to Standards
The Guild’s:
  • Code of Ethics
  • Core Standards
  • Enforcement framework
are publicly accessible.
Transparency is essential to trust.
CLOSING STATEMENT
Closing Statement
Membership in the BC Bicycle Mechanics Guild signifies a commitment to professional competence, ethical conduct, and public safety.
The Guild exists to raise the standard — not to lower the bar.
BC Bicycle Mechanics Guild
Competence. Integrity. Safety.
The BC Bicycle Mechanics Guild is in its founding phase and is in the process of incorporation as a British Columbia non-profit society.