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Prairie Pedalling: The Saskatchewan Cycling Boom Submitted by Lee Smith & James McKnight A glance around the streets of Saskatchewan’s cities these days suggests that cycling is booming. It would appear that more and more Saskatchewanians (nearly half of whom live in either Saskatoon or Regina) are choosing two wheels to get around—and not just for fair-weather recreation or exercise. Once thought of as a last resort or child’s play, it would seem that cycling as a main mode of transportation in three, and even four seasons, is being adopted by locals more widely than ever before. With cycling for transportation exploding in popularity across North America, Saskatchewan’s cycling surge should come as no surprise. The number of bicycle commuters in the United States increased by 64% from 1990 to 2009 1 , while bicycling for transportation has come to represent the majority of all bicycling activity, from 43% in 2001 to 54% in 2009 2 . In addition to this, research has found that Canadians cycle on average about three times more than Americans 3 —a surprising figure on its own—and in 2006, Saskatoon had the second-highest rate of bicycle commuting per capita among Canadian cities, behind only Victoria (Regina placed 16th) 4 . And in spite of a dip in this local trend in 2011 according to StatsCan, anecdotal observation of Saskatchewan’s multiplying cyclists in recent years leaves one optimistic about upcoming 2016 Census data. Another reason to be optimistic about the future of cycling in Saskatchewan, and another bit of evidence suggesting an uptick in the interest of cycling generally, is the emergence of citizen-led groups dedicated to promoting it. Three such groups that are leading the charge for two-wheeled transportation at the grassroots level are Saskatoon Cycles, Bike Regina, and the Bridge City Bicycle Co-op. All three of these groups are non-profit volunteer organizations that actively promote cycling in one way or another within their communities. Saskatoon Cycles is a citizen advocacy group that “advocates for a city in which cycling is a viable, year-round mode of transportation that is safe and convenient for all ages.” 5 They are known for hosting numerous events (including Ice Cycle and Bike the Moveable Feasts), making media appearances, educating and promoting safety, and their major public programs and projects. Most notable among these is their very popular bike valet service, which parked 7,500 bicycles at Saskatoon’s numerous Separated Bike Lane in Saskatoon, Credit: Lee Smith events and festivals last year, and is now facing challenges of high demand. 6 Other projects include infrastructural collaborations with the City of Saskatoon such as the recent 23rd Street (and soon to be 4th Avenue) protected bike lane pilot project in the downtown (more on this project later). A lot has changed about the group’s dynamic since then. No longer seen as the “frustrated fanatics” at City Hall, they are now the respected authority when it comes to cycling. They have a healthy relationship with City Council and Administration, and are given a seat around numerous discussion tables, enabling effective and successful cooperation on many different initiatives and projects. They are the go-to contact for the city’s media organizations, they partner frequently with other grassroots organizations, and have made a credible name for themselves in the community. Meanwhile in the Queen City, Bike Regina strives to “make cycling to work and school safe, convenient and fun for people of all ages and abilities in Regina. Through 3 SPPI PLANNING JOURNAL
partnerships, outreach and events such as Bike to Work Week, [they] will advocate for a better cycling environment that promotes safety, physical activity, health, equity, and environmental sustainability.” 7 The group was established in 2009 in direct response to the City of Regina’s request for meaningful input on proposed on-street cycling initiatives. With a “loose membership” of over 1,500, their main goal is simply this: to get more people on their bikes—which is easier said than done. Bike Regina has become a valuable stakeholder in the City’s future planning process, reviewing and commenting on major policy initiatives such as the City’s Official Community Plan and upcoming Transportation Master Plan. The City now works cooperatively with Bike Regina by offering them a seat at the table during early discussions of these projects and others. Neighbourhood Youth Co-op (CNYC), who possessed a large stockpile of donated bikes needing attention, and the two groups joined forces for a mutually beneficial shop-sharing arrangement. The BCBC and CNYC have been operating in partnership at 905 20th Street West since June of 2014. To foster this growing relationship, Bike Regina initiated “RAC Rides,” an annual ride between City Council, Administration, Bike Regina, and local bike clubs which offers a tour of the successes and failures of Regina’s cycling initiatives and developments, concluding with a barbecue where all stakeholders can converse in a casual atmosphere outside the confines of City Hall. However, the “big-C” City is not the only party with whom Bike Regina is involved. With help from the private sector (Saskatchewan Blue Cross, Western Cycles bike shop, and Dream Developments), Bike Regina now has strong support to carry out the various activities which the group provides for the city. This allows them to adopt the mediator role between private and public interest when it comes to cycling. Bike Regina has become a staple participant of various public events such as the Regina Folk Festival, Canada Day celebrations, and a regular at the Regina Farmers Market where they provide education, free “ABC” bike maintenance (air, brakes, and cable), and their own growing bike valet service, which parked over 500 bikes this summer and counting. They also host many fun activities throughout the year, including Sushi Ride, Swimsuit Ride, and Full Moon Ride. Perhaps their most important event, however, is Winter Bike to Work Day, which successfully demonstrates to Council, Administration, and the public at large that cycling is a year-round activity, and that despite less than favourable winter conditions, Reginians still want to bike. Different from the advocacy-focused Saskatoon Cycles and Bike Regina is the co-operative in Saskatoon known as the Bridge City Bicycle Co-op (BCBC). This registered “non-profit community bicycle repair education and resource co-operative” 8 was founded in 2012, originally operating out of a corner space at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market. Volunteers would set up bike stands, offer tools and advice, and sell memberships to bike-riding visitors. Soon a relationship was built with the Core Credit: Lee Smith Membership in the BCBC has effectively quadrupled in the past two years, with over 200 paid members as of September of this year. Membership buys full access to the shared tools and workspace offered by the co-operative as well as the bike-based knowledge and encouragement provided by its experienced and trained volunteers. Ultimately, the goal of the BCBC is to see more people riding, maintaining, and enjoying bikes. They “help to demystify myths about cycling, such as the danger, difficulty, and length of [trips], while simultaneously promoting the healthy and fun aspects of cycling.” 9 They promote accessibility of cycling as transportation through providing “participatory bicycle mechanic education” to all kinds of cyclists and would-be cyclists in Saskatoon, particularly youth. Finally, the Co-op also provides a service for those who are in need of a bike. If someone doesn’t have one and needs one, FALL / WINTER 2015 4
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