Cyclilng Tourism - It's IMPORTANT!

It's common to see large numbers of runners at road races in Burlington.  Hamilton hosts the oldest road race in North America, the Round the Bay Road Race.  It started in 1894 and is sold out well in advance of race day.

Cycling rides, known as GranFondos, are increasing in frequency & popularity.  The cycling "tourist" is 30-55 years old, professional, with a white collar job earning over $60,000.  They spend more and stay longer than average tourists.  The 3 year old Vancouver to Whistler GranFondo is a good example of what it brings to a city.
 
According to the CBC, the over 7,000 riders who participated, brought in over $20 million into the local economy.  20% of the riders were from outside of Canada, some from as far away as Brazil.

The Golden Horseshoe will host several rides in 2013 including GranFondos:
GranFondo Niagara - As of Feb., the site boasts over 1,000 spots have been taken.
Steve Bauer CanFondo - In support of the Milton Velodrome.
Epic Tour Halton - starting from Kelso Quarry.
Ride in Memory of Greg - Share the Road Ride in its 8th year.

Chip & Tar projects
planned for Burlington

Burlington with a central location, scenic hills and routes, is ideally situated to take advantage of cycling tourism.  Judging by the number of riders, there will be huge benefits to the local economy. Burlington should be doing more to encourage cycling visitors.

However, in addition to the lost opportunity to put bike lanes on Lakeshore Road, (without removing the centre turn lane), Burlington's rural road projects are deterrents to cyclists.  Burlington has adopted a policy of applying chip and tar (C&T) surface treatments to it's rural roads.  While these applications are cheaper by a factor of 5, they overlook the benefits of cycling tourism.

Cyclists do not like to ride on chip and tar roads and will avoid them at all costs!  C&T roads are not smooth, have loose gravel from the edges of the roadway and cyclists are prone to flats on these roads.

Google "cyclists chip and tar" and you'll find a list similar to that on the left.

Cyclists hate C&T roads!  Cycling clubs are posting chip & tar alerts on websites to enable cyclists to avoid C&T roads.  Contrary to assurances from engineers, these roads are not cycle worthy, even after several years of ageing.

C&T is myopic rationalization that looks good on the surface but once you scratch underneath, the basis for applying C&T is without merit.

As a Burlington taxpayer, I applaud the cost savings, but in this case the economic benefits of cycling tourism far outweigh the additional costs.  When we chip & tar, it's the same as hanging out banners telling cycling tourists to avoid Burlington.

Vote - it matters!

David said...

"The improvements to the Bike Lanes that the city has done over the past few years is awesome. Who do I vote for in the upcomming city election to ensure that Burlington continues to expand / maintain this great cycling infrastucture. What local businesses have been supporting this change as well?"

Fabulous question.  Thanks David.

1. Share the Road Cycling Coalition has received "pledges" from candidates who have committed to promoting active lifestyles, including cycling.  Several Burlington candidates have taken the pledge, some have NOT!  See the information here at . http://www.sharetheroad.ca/active-communities-s13791  Click on VIEW THE LIST.

2. In Burlington, several Businesses & city hall promote cycling.  MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op.) is probably the biggest advocate supporting a tremendous range of cycling events in the city.  They even provide free bike tune ups at these events.  Thank you MEC!!!  You've got my vote.

When Ontario Bikes, Ontario Benefits

Eleanor McMahon's Share the Road Cycling Coalition released its Green Paper at the Toronto Bike Show.  Its worthwhile reading that layouts out a framework for an Ontario Bike Policy.
Highlights include: Greater investment in cycling infrastructure, Education program for cyclists and motorists, Public Awareness & Promotion (cycling is beneficial for you) and Cycling Policy & Legislation. Once the new HST comes into effect, Ontario will reap $20 million in tax revenue from the sale of bikes & accessories.  The Green Paper asks that these funds be earmarked as an investment in cycling initiatives resulting in a better quality of life for Ontarians.