Submitted by Noreen Steinacher, The Meeting Place Tobermory
We first told you about our organization’s plans for a social enterprise E-Bike Rental Program in the spring 2024 edition of the ‘Shop Local’ magazine for the Bruce Peninsula published by the Tobermory Press. We continued to build awareness and support with a presentation at the Sources of Knowledge Forum on Sustainable Tourism in May.
The Meeting Place (TMP) Board, staff, volunteers and our partner Westlake E-Bikes have been working hard to bring this plan to reality and after a few unanticipated delays, E-Bikes are rolling out of our customized bike shelter at 20 Centennial Drive in Tobermory, 7 days a week, 9am – 5pm.
Our fleet of 8 bikes are supremely comfortable, touring E-bikes and the whole operation is self-serve through an easy-to-use app with everything you need to be your own guide. So far, most visitors have used the app with ease and enjoyed the cycling experience. This fall, staff or volunteers will continue to be available at TMP to offer any additional customer support as we learn more about the operation.
We want to remind the community that the social enterprise business model is geared to help the not-for-profit sector become more financially sustainable in order to offer stable, high-quality services and stay responsive to community need. Revenues from the E-Bike rental, after costs, will go back into supporting TMP community programs.
TMP will be offering some fall E-Bike activities, highlighting our suggested cycling routes and encouraging residents and longer-term cottagers to get together with friends or family and rent our bikes as a small group for an active cycling experience.
This is a good time to emphasize we are a ‘share the road’ community. You have all seen the signs on Highway 6 north and south. There are so many more cyclists of all ages and pedestrians on our roads, moving to their destinations along with cars. As the biggest and fastest, cars can really disrupt what can be a healthy mix of transportation in our community. While everyone using the roads has a responsibility to look out and follow respective rules, cars driving at the speed limit is critical for a safe community.
Example – I was driving on Big Tub Road today and looked down to see I was at 52 km/hr. There were two pedestrians ahead. It’s a narrow road and I was going too fast. I looked up to see the speed limit post of 40 km/hr. Slowing down to 40 made such a difference and I thought driving at this posted speed there would be very few close calls. Drive the speed limit and share the road.
We would like to thank the many individuals, businesses, foundations and levels of government for their support to date in various capacities as we launch the E-Bike social enterprise. This includes our partner Erik Koning at Westlake E-Bikes, the Municipality of Northern Bruce, the County of Bruce, Tobermory and District Chamber of Commerce, Bruce National Park, Tobermory Press, Grey Bruce Community Foundation Social Impact Investment program, And-Rod Contracting, Glen’s Electrical, Rydall Contracting.
Next issue we will bring you up to date on the Resident Seasonal Worker E-Bike Rental program, bringing affordable, active transportation to some local residents working through the tourist season.
The journey continues. Check out our website at tobermorymeetingplace.com and follow us on facebook and Instagram or check out WestlakeEBikes.ca.
Come out to the Pig Roast in the Park fundraiser on September 21, 5-10 pm for lots of good food and fun.
