Bike All Winter

The Cause

The Bike All Winter program aims to increase the number and visibility of people using bikes for
transportation during the winter months. The program targets Bow Valley residents that are not using bikes for transportation year round but would like to start. Participants receive assistance to winterize their bike, including subsidized winter bicycle tires, lights and fenders; training on winter bike riding; and a Bike All Winter Mentor in exchange for a commitment to ride their bike in winter.

The Bike All Winter program takes a holistic approach, addressing the socio-economic barriers that prevent people from cycling in the winter. The program provides 100 participants with training on winter bike riding, a mentor, as well as studded tires, fenders, and lights to winterize their bike. The program subsidizes the cost of the equipment so it's affordable for everyone, regardless of income level. Using an innovative pay-what-you-can model, the program allows participants to contribute towards the cost of their equipment based on what they can afford. Historically, participants have contributed approximately 25% of the total costs required for the equipment, demonstrating their commitment to the program.

Having the right equipment is not the only barrier to winter cycling. People also need ongoing support and encouragement, as well as role models who demonstrate that winter biking is achievable and enjoyable. When people observe their neighbours, family members, co-workers, or friends commuting by bike during the winter months, it helps normalize this form of transportation and encourages others to consider it as a viable option. This visibility not only fosters a sense of community but also inspires a cultural shift towards embracing cycling as a year-round means of transport.

Who Will it Benefit?

This project is aimed at 100 Bow Valley residents who are not currently using bicycles for winter transportation but want to start. While the program is open to the general public, it will specifically target groups that may lack alternative transportation options, such as youth, low-income residents, new Canadians, and seasonal workers.

The key program benefits for the 100 participants:

Improved Physical and Mental Health: Participants will experience better health outcomes through the physical activity of cycling, which has been shown to improve cardiovascular fitness, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.

Cost and Time Savings: Affordability is a challenge for Bow Valley residents, according to a recent report on living wages Canmore is the most expensive among participating communities in Alberta. Bicycling is an efficient, affordable mode of transportation. By riding a bike instead of using a car, participants save on fuel, maintenance, and parking costs, freeing up personal resources for other essentials.

The key program benefits for the broader community:

Environmental Benefits: All Bow Valley residents will enjoy cleaner air due to a reduction in vehicle emissions. Fewer cars on the road mean less air and noise pollution, helping the community contribute to local and global climate action efforts.

Safer Streets: More bicycles on the road make streets safer for everyone. Studies show that an increase in bicycle use correlates with a reduction in vehicle accidents, leading to safer conditions for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.

Increased Parking Availability: Fewer cars on the road mean more parking spaces for those who need them, such as people with disabilities, parents with young children, or those unable to cycle during the winter.

Community Connection and Support for Local Businesses: Winter cycling helps participants feel more connected to their community. As cyclists navigate the town, they are more likely to engage with local businesses, fostering a stronger sense of community and supporting the local economy.

This program will transform winter transportation habits and help create a healthier, more connected, and environmentally sustainable community in the Bow Valley.