Saskatoon Cycles November 2018 newsletter

Saskatoon Cycles News

• Since the bike valet season has ended, there has been some very active behind-the-scenes action regarding the future of the bike valet. A small focus group of volunteers have met to discuss the possible options for the coming season. The consensus was to move boldly ahead with several options. Our preferred option is to search for funds to hire a full-time 6-month manager. This has necessitated the development of a business plan with specific details about the operation. We will highlight the details of the plan at the AGM on Friday, November 23.
• Several members have attended the information sessions of the BRT and the AAA network last week. Several months ago, we launched a campaign to gather support for the downtown cycling network. This was very successful and attracted the attention of the ward councilors that received the postcards many of you submitted. Thank you! We expect to be in front of the City Council in the new year when the next step in the decision process will be made.
• We have a new supporter! The SignSmith has agreed to help us with all of our signage needs – thanks Dave!
  

  

• Success! Saskatoon Cycles applied for funds for the Winter City events and was approved for several events. Would you be interested in helping with a Bike to Work Day this Winter? Volunteers will be needed to make these events happen. Please contact us at info@saskatooncycles.org.

Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities

• November 23: Saskatoon Cycles Annual General Meeting help upstairs at the Bike Doctor. Supper and social from 6-7pm (pizza and 9Mile beer will be available for purchase). The meeting starts at 7 pm. Several board positions will be available. If you are willing to let your name stand, or just want more information, please contact us at info@saskatooncycles.org.
• We are seeking a few interested individuals to provide ideas and feedback on our upcoming website redesign. Please contact us at info@saskatooncycles.org.
• Thank you to Erin Edwards who has taken on the stewardship of the Saskatoon Cycles t-shirts. Orders that will be made through our website will be sent to her and if possible she will deliver by bike. She will keep track of our stock and advise the board of the need for new orders or creative sales events.

Local Cycling News

• On October 26-27, Saskatoon’s own Meaghan Hackinen (photo above) racked up 733.8 kilometers in 24 hours to break the previous women’s course record in the World 24 Hour Time Trial Championships in Borrego Springs, California. Meaghan maintained a pace just shy of 31 km/hr throughout the night and into the afternoon as temperatures soared to 35 degrees in the desert heat. She chased the eventual female winner all the way to the finish, sprinting at 35 km/hour for the final hour to place first in her age group (30-39) and second overall, narrowly losing the world title to America’s Jen Orr by just 3.5 minutes. Congratulations on your amazing accomplishment, Meaghan! We are so very proud of you
• Attention CAA members! They now provide services for cyclists. Learn more about CAA’s Bike Assist
• #GetMyBikeBack: Please help the Saskatoon Police Service stop the epidemic of bike theft in this city. Register your bike at saskatoonpolice.ca

• Are there issues on your commute? Please contact the City if you have any concerns about the infrastructure that you find on your route. Feedback and/or words of affirmation can be sent to  tom.simpson@saskatoon.ca
• Did you know you can submit a cycling event for the Saskatoon Cycles website calendar?

National/International Cycling News

• Dan Fuller has recently made a request for some participants in a study he is doing on active transportation. Dan is well known to many in Saskatoon as an original member of BCBC. He is now at Memorial University in St. John’s. Check out the following for more information: http://teaminteract.ca/saskatoon/
• The Winter Cycling Congress will be held in Calgary from February 6-9, 2019. To stay in the loop on updates as they are available, please join their mailing list: http://www.wintercycling.org/conferences
• Read: Why more urban cycling saves everyone money
• Read: Why New Bike Lanes Are Good For Everyone — Yes, Even Drivers