Paul Mills and Rick Nonnekes represented Cycle Transitions (CT) at the Ontario Bike Summit in Toronto on Tuesday, April 19th. CT was asked to make a presentation highlighting how it has contributed to the cycling culture of Cobourg. Here are some the ways CT does that:
- a low-cost facility for folks to repair and maintain their bicycle;
- low cost bicycles for sale
- maintenance courses
- space for like-minded groups to meet
- subsidized memberships
- a sweat-equity program
- safe cycling courses
- safe cycling programs in the local schools
- providing bikes for special events (migrant workers fair), people (Syrian refugees)
- assisting the Polices Services with bike rodeos
- assisting the local hospital fundraising event – Bike Up Northumberland
- with the Bicycle Action Committee, advocating for safe cycling infrastructure
The presentation was well received. It was pointed out that a “do-it-yourself” bike shop is unusual in a community of Cobourg’s size – most are located in larger centres – and to do the things CT is and has been able to accomplish really speaks volumes about all the volunteers who help out!