I
t is no secret that Canmore residents love to cycle and visitors flock here from all over to ride bikes. The town is heaven on earth for mountain bikers. While the Legacy Trail, which now starts at Canmore’s north-west boundary at the Travel Alberta visitor centre, is just one cycling facility that draws a wide variety of cyclists of all ages and abilities to Canmore.
The Canmore Community Cruisers wants to encourage residents and visitors alike to use their bicycles as the cheapest, healthiest, most sustainable, and in many cases, the quickest way to get around town. Armed with tons of research to show being a bicycle friendly community also means more business for local stores, cafes, restaurants, accommodations, and attractions, Community Cruisers applied for, and was successful in obtaining, a grant from the Alberta Ecotrust Foundation to engage Canmore businesses in welcoming cyclists to their establishments.
The goal is to shift thousands of short trips around town from using cars to using bikes. Not only will this contribute significantly to greenhouse gas reductions and improve local air quality, but it will reduce traffic congestion, and make parking more readily available for those who really need to use their cars. The visibility and awareness of more bikes on town streets also make it safer, not only for cyclists, but also for car drivers. Last but not least, when Canmore has lots of people walking and cycling in its core business areas, then the streets are welcoming, alive, and vibrant.
Community Cruisers is excited to announce that Paula Remple, who is also the Canmore Business & Tourism Business Engagement Coordinator, will be leading the effort to engage businesses in Bike Friendly Canmore. Paula is an excellent role model, riding her bicycle to work most days, despite the weather, even when it is wintery or wet! A major objective of the project is to certify businesses that meet specific bike-friendly criteria and promote them to cyclists via a variety of means, including a listing on the Town of Canmore’s Bike Canmore website, which is under development.
The project got off to a great start on April 29, when North-American Bicycle Friendly Business District expert April Economides was invited by the Town of Canmore to deliver an idea-generating presentation and discussion to a record number of 70 attendees to Canmore Business & Tourism’s Learn @ Lunch. Some businesses are already off and running (or rather…. Cycling!) ….
Elaine McPherson, owner of E=MC2 was one of the first. She states: “I really wanted to commit to a healthier lifestyle, and have the functionality to use it for business as well. I’ve had the bike for about a month now – and I don’t know why I didn’t do it sooner! As a busy entrepreneur – riding to and from work forces me to take the break I need. I love the commute in the mornings – everything smells so fresh and the view of the landscape & wildlife is priceless! Using the bike for business throughout the day is great – especially with all of the nature trails available. It’s like riding into a postcard as you run your errands for the office!”
Jessica Stoner of REMAX Alpine Realty decided to put her long held idea into action after floating it to the group at the Learn@Lunch session. She has since led two Rolling Real Estate Tours adding: “I was surprised at the overwhelming positive reaction to the idea, and I decided it was time to give it a go. It is a natural fit. When people think of Canmore, they think of biking. As both a REALTOR and a passionate cyclist myself, it seemed obvious to organize a bike oriented real estate event.”
The kick-off Learn@Lunch event inspired Robert Flatt and Kristina Cardinale of the Grizzly Paw Brewery to take immediate action. Said Krista, “In the middle of that presentation Rob looked at me and said ‘lets do this as soon as we get back to the brewery’”. They purchased a bike rack and now offer a discount entry to people who arrive by bike. “I think especially where we are located, riding bikes to the brewery is perfect, and it’s a much safer way to get to the pub from the brewery (where 80% of our customers go after the tour)” added Krista.
Finally, renowned Canmore special event manager, Cyd Fraser, is keen to lead the way in making town events bike friendly too: “I look forward to seeing a well-organized system that encourages all event/community coordinators to take this on with enthusiasm which would have a ripple effect out into our audience…. The whole world!”
If you would like more information about how you or your business can help to make Canmore one of the most bike friendly communities in Alberta, contact Paula today.
Contact:
Gini Dalgas, Chair
Canmore Community Cruisers
Email: canmorecommunitycruisers@gmail.com
Phone: 403 609 6695
