Submitted by Jennifer Williams,
The Meeting Place Tobermory
Starting in mid-July, The Meeting Place Tobermory (TMP) has offered the use of two E-bikes to seasonal workers. The program was designed to offer affordable transportation to members of the community that don’t have access to regular and reliable transportation.
Once the bikes arrived, notice of the program was published in the newspaper and on TMP website. There were 6 inquiries through applications and a number of interviews took place. Two young woman who best met the program objectives were selected. They each completed a safety session and then were provided the bikes, at an affordable rental rate, for the remainder of the season.
Our first recipient had this to say about her experience. “My name is Claire Rae and for the past 2 months I have had the opportunity of being part of the E-bike rental program here in Tobermory. As a full-time seasonal worker, without a vehicle or much ability to access transportation, an E-bike has become a great way to make exploring the gorgeous scenery of the Bruce easy and fun. I love being able to take the E-bike to various spots to read a book or go swimming. I think this is a wonderful initiative for seasonal workers, as well as tourists, to explore this area in an active and fun manner. I will certainly take part again if I return to Tobermory.”
Claire also rides her bike to work in downtown Tobermory, and as you can tell from her comments, has fully used the cycling opportunity to see and do more in her spare time.
Jennifer Williams, an employee of both The Meeting Place and Escarpment Heights Motel, received the second bike. Her experience has given her greater independence. “I was hesitant at first to take the bike; worried about my limited familiarity with cycling. After a few days I realised that the E-bike actually helps with that. My ride from home to work can be 4 kms, and without the added boost from the electric assist, I never would have made it. The bike got me there in a fraction of the time it would normally take.”
For the first year of the program, the E-bikes were offered at a monthly discounted rental rate for the opportunity to have the bikes 24/7. The program is figuring out the question of transportation “affordability” along with other success factors.
Though this program has two bikes at present, TMP hopes to acquire additional E-bikes to offer to seasonal workers next year. From early feedback, we are seeing E-bikes playing a meaningful role in meeting affordable transportation needs and giving some opportunity for work – life summer experiences. It is a creative initiative supporting our work force, especially those who live and work in the Tobermory area.
Please contact The Meeting Place Tobermory at info@tobermorymeetingplace.com for more information or to put your name on a list for next year.
