By Nathalie Gara-Boivin
Who says Greater Sudbury isn’t a cycling town? New initiatives and new people are helping to change old car-dependent habits. Greater Sudbury isn’t on the top-ten cycling destinations, but things are definitely improving, thanks to new initiatives and new ideas.
There are many new trails being developed through the Rainbow Routes Association, which allow for a variety of cycling opportunities within the City of Greater Sudbury. You can discover new and exciting commuter routes and leisure trails, guaranteed to be a more enjoyable ride than being stuck in traffic. Visit the trail map at www.rainbowroutes.com. Trade in your fossil fuel power for pedal power at least once a week this summer and see how great you feel.
A new influx of people who are either moving or coming back to Greater Sudbury are bringing with them a cyclist mindset. Recently retired active “baby boomers,” young professionals and students that now call Greater Sudbury home are bringing their insights and experiences from other cities that support cycling initiatives. They have lived in cities where it’s natural to hop on your bicycle to get around. More people see the benefits of turning to pedal power for getting in shape.
A new pilot project, called Rack and Roll, will be launched by Greater Sudbury Transit this spring. This new program, which is supported by the Bicycle Advisory Panel (BAP), will feature a specially-designed bike rack mounted to the front of a transit bus. Imagine pedaling to a distant destination and then coming back on the bus with your bike for a single bus fare? While this program is new to Greater Sudbury, many North American cities including Ottawa, Toronto and Kingston already have similar programs. If you want to learn more about this, members of the Bicycle Advisory Panel will be doing a live demonstration at the Greater Sudbury Earth Day Festival on Saturday April 19, at Market Square.
Who says you need to be a lonely cyclist?
Last year, members of the BAP hosted a series of events to promote cycling and will continue to do so this summer.
The third Saturday morning of the month between June and October, join us for the Sustainability Joy Rides, a public cycle tour around Ramsey Lake. More than 150 people attended throughout last summer and it was an opportunity for cyclists of all ages to meet. The rides were a great way to attract many people who had not been on their bikes in a long time.
On Saturday October 20, 2007, more than 70 people joined members of the BAP for the 3rd annual Tour de Sudbury. This event attracted all generations with the youngest cyclist of this 26 km ride being only nine years old.
Participants were also inspired by the Otesha Project, a group of young women who cycled over 2,000 km from Winnipeg to Greater Sudbury to demonstrate their passion for a sustainable lifestyle. They encouraged Sudburians to use their bikes instead of cars for commutes of less than 8 kilometres. This year the 4th Ramsey Lake Cycle Tour will take place on Saturday, June 21. So if you haven’t made it to our event in the past, make sure to get your bicycle into gear.
Still not motivated to get your old bike out, or buy a new or slightly used one? Here are a few financial considerations: with the rising cost of fuel that is estimated to reach $1.50 this summer, you might want to compare the cost of pedal power versus the $100 to fill up your tank. It might just be what you needed to get back into shape.
Secondly, since December 1st, 2007, the Ontario Government is giving people a tax exemption on Provincial sales tax for all bikes (under $1,000) and bike helmets. And finally, bicycle to the Greater Sudbury Earth Day Festival on Saturday April 19, 2008 and get in free by showing your helmet.
Look for more information about Bicycle Advisory Panel and other cycling initiatives at www.mysudbury.ca/BAP. Why not send us your pedal power ideas? Get around faster, save on cash and get in shape this summer because my Sudbury cycles!
Nathalie Gara-Boivin is a volunteer member of the Greater Sudbury Bicycle Advisory Panel and the Greater Sudbury Earth Day Festival Committee.
