Cycling the lake erie coastal stewardship trail dec 2011
1. The Zen of Cycling the
Lake Erie Coastal Stewardship Trail
September 11-17, 2011
Volunteer Observations on behalf of
Carolinian Canada Coalition
The Event:
Lake Erie Cycling Route – Leaders Mobile Workshop
End-to-End Pilot Ride September 12-17, 2011
Presented by the Waterfront Regeneration Trust in
association with the Carolinian Canada Coalition
and the Province of Ontario
Doug Vallery, End-to-End Tour Cyclist Dec 3, 2011
2. Quick Claims
Observations made and opinions expressed are those of the
author only; this presentation is from “the layman’s point-of-view”
The author does not represent any of the organizations or
individuals who organized, sponsored or participated in the Mobile
Workshop
The author would like to thank the Waterfront Trust as the
primary workshop host – the six-day workshop and supported
bicycle tour was ambitious, well-executed and enjoyable.
The author would also like to thank the Carolinian Canada
Coalition for sharing it’s ambitious Coastal Stewardship plan, and
designating the author as it’s end-to-end observer,
complementing the participation of it’s Directors and staff at each
segment of the workshop.
The content of this presentation is entirely personal; the
participation of the author was “personal” time taken as vacation;
other than “hosted workshop events” the author paid for all other
expenses (travel; accommodations; meals). This was not part of the
GRAVY TRAIN!
3.
4. Personal Perspective
The author’s personal “lenses”:
• A recent Tour Cycling participant and advocate (this was the
author’s second multi-day cycle tour)
• A People’s Ethnographer – professionally, the author co-
founded a market research company that looks at “experience”
through the citizen / consumer eye: In this case, the author
was asking “how does the uninitiated participant look at
the Lake Erie Stewardship and Cycling Trails
experience”?
• A passion for (and quarter-century career in) “environmental
sciences” provides the author with a trained perspective on
ecological features
• A professional interest in the Great Lakes and shoreline issues;
the author has sat on working committees and contributed to
International Joint Commission studies on water quality and
quantity, including shoreline, littoral zone and watershed
components
• A personal “historical” connection to southwestern Ontario
bioregion – ancestors helped to adversely impact the
Carolinian Forest ecology (since the 1820’s) at family
settlements in Essex, Kent, Elgin and Oxford counties
5. Personal Impacts – Historic Carolinian Habitat
Destruction by my “Settler” Ancestors
FAMILY SETTLEMENT HISTORY: Clear the Land; Heat with Wood; Fuel Steamships & Industry with Wood
Baldoon-Selkirk - 1840s [Three families]
Talbot: Norfolk-Oxford-Elgin - 1880s [Four families]
Robinson: Central Lake Ontario - 1820’s [Two families]
6. TRAILS Summary
The Lake Erie Coastal Stewardship Trail is an ambitious effort by by
Carolinian Canada Coalition to link various ecological features, signature
sites and messaging along the abundant and sensitive Lake Erie Coast Coast
from Windsor to Fort Erie
The proposed Lake Erie (Waterfront) Cycling Route Corridor, the subject of
this mobile workshop provides an excellent continuous route linking
linking
municipalities and “overlay” features from Windsor-Detroit to Niagara-
overlay” Windsor- Niagara-
Buffalo
Eighteen preliminary Maps of the Lake Erie Cycling Route have been been
prepared by the Waterfront Trust indicating such “ecological” features as
ecological”
beaches, parks, conservation areas, lookouts, marshes, natural areasareas
Six preliminary Maps of the Lake Erie Coastal Stewardship Trail have been
prepared for each of the riparian county-regional municipalities along the
county-
Lake Erie shoreline including
http://www.carolinian.org/ConservationPrograms_CZP_Virtual.htm
The linking of the Cycling and Ecology Trails is appropriate and
complementary: significant benefits can be realized across a number of
number
evaluative overlays (transportation-active transportation; health-active
(transportation- health-
communities; tourism/ecotourism; economic development; planning;
natural heritage-ecology; cultural heritage)
heritage-
Many stakeholders share in the integrated planning, development,
marketing and operation of physical assets and infrastructure across the
across
numerous jurisdictions.
7. “Part of the Lake Erie Coastal
Stewardship Trail”
The Waterfront Trust’s initiative to create a marked cycling route
along the Erie shoreline and to encourage connected multi-use
trails and cycling infrastructure is complementary to, and a part of
the CCC Coastal Stewardship Trail enterprise.
8. Bicycling Lake Erie Shores – The ZEN
Cycling allows the rider a unique experience – it is both personally
meditative and actively social. Cycling provides the opportunity for a
opportunity
sensual touch of the visual wealth and respiration of an ecological zone.
ecological
Cycling is at a ideal pace that allows for rest, reflection and contemplation
of the smallest as well as more prominent natural and cultural heritage
heritage
features.
Cycling is an intimate and responsible way to mobilize into ecological
ecological
regions with a minimal environmental “footprint”
footprint”
This Lake Erie Bike tour covered approximately 100 km per day over sixover
days; with scheduled mandatory workshop sessions at the beginning of
beginning
the day and at lunch hour, with daily debriefs on cyclability and “key
and
features” of each segment of the proposed route
features”
If an Ecological Cycling Tour was to be contemplated where “signature
sites” and other “significant natural & cultural sites” were visit stops, the
sites” sites”
pace of cycling would likely be halved to a rate of approximately 50 km
approximately
per day (a 12-day Lake Erie Tour)
12-
The concept of “Nodes” of ecological features is appropriate to target
Nodes”
shorter-term cycling adventures (day-trips and weekend excursions)
shorter- (day-
Additional exposure of ecology/natural resource “touch points” through
points”
active transportation including Cycle Tourism could be beneficial to the
beneficial
mandate of Carolinian Canada Coalition, in bringing users closer to
“signature sites”, significant ecological features and “teachable moments”
sites” moments”
(interpretive / educational resources).
9. Mobile Workshop Overview
The mobile workshop was held along the proposed 600 km route of a Lake
Erie Cycling Trail from Windsor to Fort Erie
The workshop was hosted by the Waterfront Trust (and sponsors)
Riparian regional municipal partners included: Essex; Chatham-Kent;
Chatham-
Elgin; Norfolk; Haldimand; Niagara
A number of local municipalities and conservation authorities also
also
participated enthusiastically
Project partners included:
• CIBC
• Carolinian Canada Coalition
• Transportation Options (Bike Train and Welcome Cyclists)
• Share the Road Cycling Coalition
Workshops included representation and presentations from:
• Municipalities on current and planned Trails, associated programs &
programs
infrastructure
• VéloQuébec Association [end-to-end participation]
loQué [end-to-
• Michigan Trails & Greenway Alliance
• Conservation Organizations including Carolinian Canada Coalition
• Ontario Tourism: Regional Tourism Organization 1
• International Cycle Touring Adventures
• Ontario Parks
10. Evaluative “Overlays”
The following is a list of mapping “overlays” from which to evaluate “Regional Ecology”
overlays” Ecology”
and “Cycling-Recreation” Trails [in no specific order of value or priority]
Cycling-Recreation”
Natural Heritage: Ecology, Natural resources, environment
Tourism & Ecotourism
Agritourism and Local Food / Culinary Tourism
Economic Development
Parks & Recreation
Public Health – Active Communities
Transportation – Active Transportation Options
Planning
Cultural Heritage and Historical Resources
Regional and Community Connection (inter- (inter-
jurisdictional)
Markets and Marketing (integration and
messaging)
Cycling, Cycle Tourism and Bicycling “industry”
11. Carolinian Canada Perspective
There are many Carolinian Canada and partner ecology “touch
points” along The Lake Erie Cycling Trail Route:
• “signature sights” with interpretive signage
sights”
• identified Carolinian features
• habitat
• restoration sites
• unassessed Carolinian features awaiting ground-truthing,
ground-
documentation and mapping
Access and Interpretive opportunities abound
“Trail” and point-to-point (nodal) transportation (especially
cycling) provides an outstanding opportunity to “connect dots”
and provide a broader “Big Picture” of Carolinian ecologic sites,
outreach opportunities and issues
Awareness and access could be facilitated through a consolidated
signage and mapping approach that is easily used, understood
and recognized by the uninitiated participant (as well as the
knowledgeable membership of stakeholder groups)
12. Route Observations
The Lake Erie Coast has an incredible wealth of
natural heritage and ecological features
Lake Erie Cycling Route is generally accessible
and a relatively easy cycling tour venue from the
point of view of sightlines, proximity to the
lakefront, and minimal topographical barriers
The Lake Erie Coastal Stewardship Trail is
generally within easy reach of 8 million
Canadians (2 million in SW Ont; 6 million in
Niagara to Oshawa corridor) and 20 million
Americans
The Lake Erie Trail from Detroit-Windsor to Fort-
Erie Buffalo is a logical connector for the Upper
Tiers of the proposed US Bicycle Route System
(routes 10;20;30;36;40)
http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/nbrn/USBRSCorridorMap.pdf
13. Tour Arrival – September 11
Bike Train experience from Toronto to Windsor was generally positive
positive
This is part of the experience of “freedom of movement” – the inexpensive one-way
movement” one-
fare (Toronto-Windsor) was $54 plus $20 for the bike (plus tax = $85); coach seating
(Toronto- seating
was relatively comfortable with ability to work on laptop computer in-seat
computer in-
Bike Train schedule in this corridor is not favourable (arriving in Windsor at 10 pm is
not ideal)
There was no directional cycling signage at Windsor station; no cabs with bike racks
The VIA conductor was rushed and harried; security for offloaded bicycles was
questionable; my bicycle was resting against a railing unattended
unattended
The author cycled ten blocks to hotel after exiting the chaos of the taxi lot at the
station (It was a quiet and refreshing ride through old neighbourhoods and the
neighbourhoods
riverfront area) – a great deal of construction along Riverside Drive.
Hotel was friendly enough to let me sleep with my bike in room although moving
although
bicycle through lobby and elevator was awkward
Opportunities:
• Develop an operational process to remove bicycles from baggage car in presence of owner or
car
under more secure conditions
• Improve signage for bicycle exit
• Improve signage for bicycle receiving process for inbound bikes
• Provide bicycle racks for cyclists meeting passengers
• Encourage bicycle-friendly taxi cabs
bicycle-
• Ensure that rail stations and rail carriers (VIA) are WelcomeCyclist – friendly throughout their
operations
• Ensure that every stop along the route is serviced by the BikeTrain
14. Day 1 September 12 Workshop
Marlaine Koehler, Executive Director, Waterfront
Regeneration Trust:
Lake Erie Cycling Route - Project overview and mobile
workshop outcomes
Alan Halberstadt, Councillor, City of Windsor (Invited)
Josette Eugeni, Manager, Transportation Planning, City of
Windsor
John Scott, Councillor, Town of Essex
Jane Mustac, Manager, Transportation Planning, Essex
County
Todd Scott, Detroit Greenways Coordinator, Michigan Trails
& Greenways Alliance
Dan Dufour, Carolinian Canada Coalition
15. Windsor Waterfront Start Sept 12
A group of cyclists who participated in the Lake Erie cycling route pilot ride which took off
from downtown Windsor, Ont. Monday Sept. 12, 2011, pose for a photo before taking off.
17. September 12 – Summer 26°
John Scott, a councillor with the town of Essex participated in the Lake Erie cycling route pilot ride which took
off from downtown Windsor, Ont. Monday Sept. 12, 2011. – Windsor Star
18. Day 1 - Windsor to Leamington
Fort Malden, Amherstberg –
Carolinian Forest Feature (and washroom)
White Pelican sighting at Glen
Eden http://sally1029.wordpress.com/2011/09/14/pelicans-in-ohio-not-in-a-zoo/
http://sally1029.wordpress.com/2011/09/14/pelicans-in-ohio-not-in-
Tulip Tree and Lake Erie Vista– John
Park Homestead CA – Lake Erie Vista
Kingsville – Chrysler Greenway -
Arboretum
Leamington – Tomato Harvest
20. Day 2 September 13 Workshop
Jean-Francois Pronovost, Vélo
Québec Association:
Profile of Québec cyclists and the
Economic Benefits of Cycle Tourism
Dan Dufour, Carolinian Canada
Coalition
Tom Beaton, Municipality of
Chatham-Kent
21. Day 2 Leamington to Erieau -
Point Pelee National Park –
Carolinian Features
Hillman Marsh
Lake Erie Overlook – Bluff Ridge
with Goldenrod
Smith & Wilson Winery Stop
Erieau – Monarch’s Swarming; toad-kill on road;
Monarch’ toad-
abrupt weather change from summer to fall - “drinking
village with a fishing problem” –“Erieau to Rondeau Park
problem”
Bike-Ferry Concept”
Bike-
23. Day 3 September 14 Workshop
Justin Lafontaine, Projects Director,
Transportation Options:
Cycle Tourism Growth in Ontario, Bike
Train and Welcome Cyclists Network
Peter Delanty, retired Mayor of Cobourg
Benefits of the Waterfront Trail; Role of
Municipal Partnership in its Success
Mark Custers, Assistant Park
Superintendent for Bronte Creek, Ontario
Parks
Lori Waldbrook, Senior Marketing
Specialist, Ontario Parks
24. Day 3 - Erieau to Port Stanley
Erieau Marsh
Greenview Aviaries Park & Zoo
(private)
On-Farm Marketing
Southwold Earthworks National
Historic Site & Carolinian
Features
Port Stanley Beach – Dunes
Revegetation
26. Day 4 September 15 Workshop
Eleanor McMahon, Founder and CEO,
Share the Road Cycling Coalition:
Ontario's Transportation Policy and Bicycle
Friendly Communities
Lori Da Silva, Chair Regional Tourism
Organization 1
Kathryn Russell, Elgin County
Jean Vedova, Owner, Kettle Creek Inn:
International Cycle Touring Adventures
and Experiences
Sarah Hodgkiss, Carolinian Canada
Coalition
27. Day 4 - Port Stanley to Port Dover
Hawk Cliff & Ravines
Backus Woods
Long Point – Turkey Point
Winery & Ecotourism
Normandale Iron Works – “stoves to
facilitate the burning of the Carolinian Forest – 1800’s”
1800’
29. Day 5 September 16 Workshop
Marlaine Koehler, Executive Director, Waterfront
Regeneration Trust:
Lake Erie Cycling Route - Project overview and mobile
workshop outcomes
Bronwen Buck, Carolinian Canada Coalition
Jean-Francois Pronovost, Velo Quebec Association:
Essential elements of a successful long distance cycling
route
Eleanor McMahon, Founder and CEO, Share the Road
Cycling Coalition:
Ontario's Transportation Policy and Bicycle Friendly
Communities
Chris Baird & Mark Boerkamp, Norfolk County
James Goodram, Haldimand County
Phil Bergen, Niagara Region
30. Day 5 - Port Dover to Dunnville
Eco-Industrial Park – Nanticoke
Cycle-Through
Selkirk Provincial Park
Byng Island CA
Lower Grand Marsh (via kayak)
Mudcat – “local icon, hockey team and ecologic feature”
feature”
32. Day 6 September 17 Workshop
• Sandy Clipsham, Carolinian Canada Coalition
Welcome Remarks, Mayor Vance Badawey, City
of Port Colborne
Go around discussion on ride: One positive
comment, one needs improvement
Moderated by Vicki Barron, Waterfront
Regeneration Trust
End-to-end group reflections on 5 days of cycling
the Lake Erie Cycling Route
Marlaine Koehler, Executive Director, Waterfront
Regeneration Trust:
Lake Erie Cycling Route – Mobile Workshop Wrap
Up
33. Day 6 - Dunnville to Fort Erie
Niagara Long Beach Restoration
Wainfleet Morgan’s Point CA
Heritage Trail Marsh Overlooks
Second Growth Carolinian Tree
Remnants at Fort Erie
Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement
(reminder of positive impact on Lake Erie shores)
48. ZEN: Cycling, Ecology & Ecotourism Connections
Cycling, CycleTourism and Ecotourism are complementary activities which support the sustainable, inclusive,
experiential and interpretive focus of the active transportation, ecotourism and conservation movements. Cycling
is a form of sustainable, responsible travel (along with hiking-running-walking / canoe-kayaking-rowing-sailing /
group transit) that respects the conservation of resources and the quiet, non-invasive experience of ecologic
environments and natural heritage. - Doug Vallery
The author’s photo journal of the Lake Erie Bicycle Trail Workshop is available at:
https://picasaweb.google.com/113675351760523726131/LakeErieCyclingRouteLeadersMobileWorkshop?authuser=0&a
uthkey=Gv1sRgCMm0tuCGprGJOw&feat=directlink
Definition of Ecotourism (International Ecotourism Society):
“Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves
environment
the well-being of local people”
well- people”
Excerpt from the Quebec Declaration on Ecotourism 2002
http://www.gdrc.org/uem/eco-tour/quebec-declaration.pdf
http://www.gdrc.org/uem/eco-tour/quebec-
Ecotourism includes an additional focus on :
contributions to both environmental and cultural conservation
inclusive of local communities in all aspects of development, planning, etc.
planning,
involves an experiential and interpretive component
is developed specifically for small group sizes and individuals
Minimum Impact, Maximum Experience
[moto: Ontario Ecotourism Society] http://www.toes.ca/?page_id=83
moto: http://www.toes.ca/?page_id=83
49. Workshop Summation –
Highlights & Conclusions
The Lake Erie Coastal Stewardship Trail concept is an ambitious
program to draw together the rich natural heritage resources of
the Lake Erie shoreline and to provide a focus for ecological
conservation, restoration & education
The development of a regional lakeshore-oriented Bicycle Route
as a connector for existing or planned municipal cycling and Trail
systems is highly desirable; Bicycle access and infrastructure
promotion in this region is highly desirable and a complementary
“responsible” transportation mode
Ecological and Conservation designation and signage could be
improved, to direct cyclists and other users to “signature sites”
features, vistas and interpretive / educational opportunities
Mapping resources amongst stakeholders could be developed
collaboratively to yield the best possible directional and feature
information for multiple types of users.
Cycle Tourism and Ecotourism are high-growth opportunities for
stakeholders to seize and aggressively advance
There are numerous “”business opportunities” that are foreseen
as part of the economic development potential:
50. Workshop Summary (continued)
Business Opportunities
The List of new and existing business opportunities to support Cycle Tourism is significant. Many of these businesses are “micro” or
small businesses that are local and sustainable. Cycle Tourism in southwestern Ontario can extend the “summer season” by five
months, thereby providing increased demand and utilization of existing tourism facilities and infrastructure. This is the start of a long
list of economic development opportunities:
Examples:
Tour development linked to ecological sites and active transportation
transportation
Event management & hosting for regional cycling events
Technology – rapid asphalting for improved trail and cycling paths and paved
shoulders on roadways
Signage consulting, design, material and printing, installation and maintenance for
tourism and ecology “overlays”
overlays”
Ecological and tourism journalism; media development (magazines; documentaries;
travelogues)
Marketing Communications and Ecological Interpretive Messaging Consultation and
Consultation
Mapping technology – improvements to include and enhance spatial “overlays” and
overlays”
multi-stakeholder inputs
multi-
Bicycle manufacturing and support equipment
Bicycle retail and service shops
Multi-use Trail construction and maintenance
Multi-
Media development: High DefinitionTravelogues of Shoreline, Routes and Sites
Routes
Media development: Games and Exercise Videos including “virtual reality” of Lake
reality”
Erie Shoreline Route and ecological / tourism features
Small business services for active transportation – examples:
• Pedestrian and Cycle ferry from Erieau to Rondeau Park
• Pedestrian and Cycle ferry from Long Point to Turkey Point
• Ecotourism guides, outfitters associated with specific features (e.g. Rondeau Marsh; Lower
Grand Wetlands etc.)
• “cycle-tour support services” including destination transport of luggage and purchases of
cycle- services”
cyclists; roadside assistance
51. Workshop Summary (continued)
Business Opportunities (continued)
Examples of Bicycle Industry and Cycle Tourism Business Opportunities:
Opportunities:
VISTA program development – supported stops with access to lake vistas and
“feature” views
feature”
Cyclist-Friendly Rest Stops - (e.g. Welcome Cyclist)– businesses supporting
Cyclist- Cyclist)–
infrastructure, operation and maintenance of destination shoreline / Trail access
shoreline
points approximately every 10-20 kilometres including portable washrooms with
10-
hand sanitizer; local tourism information; ecological interpretation; running water at
interpretation;
site / cooling spray-showers; air pumps and small hardware
spray-
Pop-up Cyclist Overnight Parks (tenting, cooking and toilets/showers)
Pop- toilets/showers)
Alternative Meal Offers (e.g. Farmstead meals)
Portable Toilet industry supplying rest-stops
rest-
Nursery Horticulture and Landscape suppliers centred on private landscape
regeneration and supply of regeneration vegetation to ecological and restoration sites
Landscape and Feature Designers and Contractors – “Designing memorable spaces”spaces”
Off-road activity and entertainment: first aid; massage; yoga; bar and club venues;
Off- and
shopping
Accommodations and Food Service
Secure bicycle racking and storage
Inbound service transportation from “nodes” (e.g. train stations)
nodes”
52. Workshop Summary (continued)
Adjoining Best-Practice Models
Detroit (USA) & VeloQuebec (Canada)
Our Neighbours have demonstrated significant progress & success:
VeloQuebec is a successful model for bicycle route development and
cycle-tourism - this not-for-profit is a membership-based organization
cycle- not-for- membership-
touching a quarter-million Quebecers annually with an uncomplicated,
quarter-
consistent message, clean branding and marketing. VQ also acts as
lobbyist, consultant, media group (magazines), tour operator and travel
agency in conjunction with a highly motivated public Provincial partner
(MTQ) http://www.velo.qc.ca/en/Home
VeloQuebec’s associated Route Verte is rated as the best cycling trail
VeloQuebec’
network in the world by National Geographic
Montreal is ranked #8 in the world for Bike-Friendliness “Montreal is North
Bike-
America’s premiere bicycle city … Read more:
America’
http://www.montrealgazette.com/travel/Bike+friendly+Montreal+tops+North+Ameri
http://www.montrealgazette.com/travel/Bike+friendly+Montreal+tops+North+Ameri
ca/5432884/story.html#ixzz1a0vDu0W6
Quebec could be considered a “mature” cycling market (with room for additional
mature”
growth) - with well over 50% actively cycling at least once-a-week; and a large
once-
percentage of non-cyclers interested in taking up the activity
non-
Detroit is ranked in the top ten of World Bicycling Cities, and is a
Cities,
leading urban jurisdiction in the US, employing non-motorized
non-
transportation as a driver for re-development, public health,
re-
neighbourhood regeneration and community connection
http://www.detroitmi.gov/Portals/0/docs/planning/planning/nonmotor/Nonmotorized_Urban_Transportation_Master_Plan.pdf
http://www.detroitmi.gov/Portals/0/docs/planning/planning/nonmotor/Nonmotorized_Urban_Transportation_Master_Plan.pdf
53. Workshop Summary (continued)
Facilitating Technologies
are also essential for rapid infrastructure deployment within this sector
this
Examples:
The accelerated paving of key regional roadway shoulders would
go a long way to creating a comprehensive cycling network and
stronger regional connections:
Rapid Shoulder Paving (Michigan):
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLCSo764I
OQ
Cold Weather Asphalt Paving (Hwy 417
Ottawa)
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4w3Ukz4
61M&feature=related
54. Workshop Summary (continued)
Economics of Cycling
OVERALL ECONOMIC PROFILE
Excerpt from The Economic Benefits of Bicycle Infrastructure Investments
League of American Bicyclists; Darren Flusche, Policy Analyst, June 2009
Flusche,
The US national bicycling industry contributes an estimated $133 billion a year to the economy.
It supports nearly 1.1 million jobs and generates $17.7 billion in federal, state, and local taxes.
Another $46.9 billion is spent on meals, transportation, lodging, gifts and entertainment during
lodging,
bike trips and tours.
Assumed Ontario “Numbers” based on the US Study
Numbers”
Assuming a 1:28 ratio (population proportion between the US and Ontario) and a similar
penetration of cycling, the following is an extrapolated Ontario industry profile:
• Provincial cycling industry is contributing $ 5 billion a year to the Canadian economy
to
• An additional $ 1.675 billion is spent on meals, transportation, lodging, gifts and
entertainment during bike trips and tours
• It supports 40,000 jobs and generates $632 million in taxation revenues
revenues
HEALTH COST SAVINGS
HEALTH CARE OUTCOMES are characterized by the improved health of the general cycling
populace; cycling is a preventative health activity reducing direct public health demands and
direct
expenditures
“…biking represents a triple win. It reduces local air pollution, does not produce greenhouse gases
“…biking
and keeps people fit.” – University of Wisconsin Research Paper
fit.”
http://www.sage.wisc.edu/people/patz/UWmedpubhealth_article.pdf
http://www.sage.wisc.edu/people/patz/UWmedpubhealth_article.pdf
• Based on World Health Organization estimates of reduced mortality savings, active cycling in
mortality
Quebec generates $50 million annually in Health Benefits
• If Ontario shared a similar penetration of active cycling as Quebec, the Ontario Annual Health
Quebec,
Benefit would be extrapolated to $87 million
55. Workshop Summary (continued)
Economics of Cycling
EXPLOSIVE GROWTH
The last decade has seen significant increase in bicycle users across a number of
across
transport and recreation interests:
Commuting; short domestic tripping
Day trips – Pleasure cycling – Family Activity
Sport (group & competitive)
Health & Exercise
Touring (multi-day trips and events)
(multi-
Social – Local Club Activity; Regional Events
Personal – “getaway” and quiet enjoyment; exploration and discovery in an
getaway”
intimate spatial framework
Infrastructure Development in association with dedicated and multi-usemulti-
Trails
• Bicycle Commuting has grown by up to 77% in the US in the last decade in 38
decade
Bicycle-Friendly Communities (American Community Survey, League of American Bicyclists)
Bicycle -
TOUR CYCLING BENEFITS
• Single-Day and Multi-Day Tourism Dollars spent (Economic Development
Single- Multi-
Benefits) are significant – averaging up to $150 per day per cyclist
• Research has shown that a Tour Cyclist spends more in a tourism region than a
motoring tourist (tour cyclists carry less and are more reliant on purchasing
necessities along the route, and at a slower pace)
• Providing Tourism services to support Cycle Tourism can extend the “summer
the
tourist season” by up to five months in SW Ontario, to include operations from
season”
mid-April, thru May and June, and from Labour Day thru mid November.
mid-
56. Workshop Summary (cont’d) Economics of Cycling
TRANSPORTATION OFFSET BENEFITS – With safer corridors, many
more Ontarians would commute and recreate by bicycle. This would result
would
in motorized traffic-transport reductions and reduced demand for major
traffic-
capital programs for transit & transportation infrastructure; Active
Transportation is a viable alternative
PERSONAL COST BENEFITS – freedom and flexibility - mobility and
accessibility; Cycling is a least cost mode of transportation in terms of
personal investment, public infrastructure, maintenance and parking
parking
options; Cycling can also save precious time that would otherwise be
otherwise
invested in motor vehicle maintenance or the slower pace of walking;
walking;
transportations savings are invested elsewhere
AMENITY BENEFIT – Development of associated trail amenities and
biking infrastructure (providing improved access and perceived amenity)
amenity)
increases Property Values, Community Connection and Neighbourhood
Neighbourhood
Distinction
57. Workshop Summary (continued)
Tour Cycling as a Business
The “Bike Ontario Tours” Survey
Tours”
CHARACTERISTICS OF BICYCLE TOURISTS in ONTARIO
(Exclusive Data Based On Bike ON Tours Customer Survey)
Tour Cyclists are primarily age 30 to 55; in our research it was found that 44% are age 30 to 45, 33% are age 46
55; are
to 55, 6% are age 56 to 65 and 17% are under age 30.
Tour Cyclists hold professional jobs most with annual incomes of over $60 000; in our research it was found
000;
that 47% had annual incomes of $60 000. to $80 000.,18% had annual incomes of over $80 000.,12% had annual
annual
incomes of $40 000. to $60 000. and 23% had incomes under $40 000. 000.
Tour Cyclists enjoy eating out, canoeing, camping, hiking, theatre, shopping, museums/historic sites, water
theatre,
sports/swimming/beaches; our research found these to be the most popular interests in declining order of
sports/swimming/beaches; declining
frequency while other interests mentioned include sight seeing, golfing, skiing and walking
skiing
WHAT ATTRACTS Cycle Tourists
bicycle friendly streets and paths - wide enough for bicycles and other users
access to scenic roads, natural areas, waterfront, cultural and historic attractions
good restaurants
accommodation with a hearty breakfast either provided or nearby
bicycle repair shops and other interesting stores
adequate and secure bicycle parking
theatre, music and arts festivals
route maps and effective advertising
"Reprinted courtesy of Bike ON Tours- Ontario Canada- Route Guides For Bicycle Touring- Consulting-
Tours- Canada- Touring- Consulting-
http://www.bikeontours.on.ca/tourism.htm"
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TourCyclists can spend over $150 daily while on a supported ride, for food lodging and incidentals
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The favourable climate of Southwestern Ontario extends the Cycling Season potentially from April through November
potentially
58. Thoughts
Marketing & Branding
Natural Heritage, ecology and naturalist organizations should come together to
come
create a unified marketing / branding approach to ecological / natural heritage site
natural
development, direction signage and interpretive experience.
Along the Lake Erie Coastal Stewardship Trail, there are a number of differing
number
signage treatments depending on the sponsor and theme
A new signage approach to identify bicycle and multi-use trail routes and features
multi-
(universal identifiers; prominent directional arrows and distance markings; followed
distance
by additional detail “below the line”) would be a .
line”
A new signage approach to identify ecology features and conservation measures is
conservation
desirable
An integrated approach is needed to develop a user-friendly mapping system with
user-
opportunities for informational “overlays”
overlays”
The Waterfront Trust has done outstanding work in motivating and building for
waterfront reconnection and trails in Ontario - as more trails are established on other
Great Lakes Waterfronts, attention should be paid to ensuring that all trails receive
that
equal branding support and a consistent signage treatment that is simple and
is
informative
Signage for cyclists needs to be highly recognizable from a distance and at a glance;
distance
simple symbols, directional arrows and bold distance numbers should be employed as
should
the first level of recognition; additional layers of detail can be added in subordinate
locations)
A standard, cross-jurisdictional ecological signage framework is suggested (next
cross-
slide) [this is a preliminary concept requiring additional consultation & research]
consultation
59. Thoughts
Ecological Signage Framework
There is a wide array of inconsistent directional and interpretive signage that is experienced along the
Lake Erie Coast. What is required in directional signage for cyclists and other responsible travellers is
visibility & simple recognition followed up with more detail and “interpretation” at the destination.
Below is a “top-of-mind” framework for a consistent approach to identification and “direction” to sites.
This is the start of a conversation that requires much more thought:
Ecological Signage Framework
Category Sub-Descriptor Component Direction/ Function - Accessibility Amenity Name Behavioural
Distance
(arrow / (actual name
metres-kms) or description)
Habitat Old Growth Wildlife Trail - Multi Use Vehicle Parking Silence
Migratory Feature Restoration Wildlife - Endangered Trail - Hiking Only Bicycle Parking No Movement off-Trail
Nesting Area Endangered Vegetation Trail - Cycling Only Ramp to Waterway No Removal of Bark-
Vegentation
Conservation Area - Multi Feature Natural Regeneration Vegetation - Beach Shoreline Dock Stay on Trail / Path
Endangered
Park - Multi Feature Reforestation Geologic Feature Vista-Viewing Area Rest Area Stop for Reptiles on Road
Wetland Reserve Topographic Feature Water Access Tables / Benches Stop for Road Animals
Physical Feature Industrial Feature Interpretive / Educational Tent Camping
Impacting Ecology
Settlement Feature Vehicle - Parkway Vehicle Camping
Impacting Ecology
Showers
Water Misting
Additional Footnote Information:
- Sponsor(s)
- QR Codes for reference to more detailed information, as well as for multi-language capability
- References
- Research Resources
- Geographical Coordinates
61. Thoughts
The CYCLING ECOSYSTEM in ONTARIO
Is Consensus and Effective, Comprehensive Action Possible amongst all these “interests”?
62. Thoughts
Political Impressions from the citizen’’s perspective
citizen
There has been little “senior government” movement forward
since “The Ontario Bike Plan February 2008” (42 months), despite
the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario’s suggestion in
The Active Transportation – Active Communities Movement is
grass-roots and led by municipalities – there is a strong interest in
developing cycling and active living programs and infrastructure
based on healthy community needs, sustainable planning and
economic opportunity
Organizations such as the Waterfront Trust, Transportation
Options and Share the Road Coalition have created strong value
and lead by example within a political vacuum at senior levels
Classic interjurisdictional “who does what” argument is stalling
effective action
Funding sources and formula are complicated and not integrated
Organization on the cyclist-user-membership side is fragmented in
Ontario and Canada and uncoordinated – senior governments use
the excuse that the message is not “representative” – there is no
perceived interest group with a single voice
63. Thoughts
National & Ontario Bicycle Policy
Top down leadership is required for funding and model-
program development responding to an effective,
representative citizen lobby group
Ontario Cyclists need to organize into a cohesive
membership group in order to gain a higher level of
visibility
Active Transportation Policy should be a priority before or
concurrent with public investment in more expensive capital
transportation projects
Active Transportation and Active Communities movement is
a multi-jurisdictional grass routes movement keying on
health and community connection
Immediate investment and funding for local-municipal
cycling and trail infrastructure including connections to
regional bicycle route “connectors” should be a top priority
Integration of an ecological overlay into trail network
development is an “added value” for user enjoyment and
education
64. Thoughts
Senior Government Policy Framework
from a Layman’s Point-of-View
Senior governments need to step up and show leadership for an accelerated Cycling and Active Transportation program,
accelerated
possibly involving the following:
Aggressive support for Active Transportation at the municipal level, including funding and operational frameworks to streamline
level,
implementation (at cost-benefit ratios far exceeding any other type of transportation investment)
cost- investment)
Regulations that require all new roadway construction to follow “complete road” design specifications (including bikeability and
road”
walkability)
walkability)
Key Provincial regional routes designated and immediately upgraded to include restriping and/or paved shoulders specifically to facilitate
upgraded
local and regional safe cycling and active transportation – Example Routes:
• Highway 2 – Windsor to Quebec and including a Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail Infill
• Former Highway 3 (Talbot Trail) from Fort Erie to Windsor – Lake Erie Waterfront Trail Infill
• Highways 40/7/21/26 – forming a Lake St. Clair-Lake Huron Blue Water Trail
Clair-
• Highway 6 – forming a South-Central Ontario Cycling Trail from Port Dover to Tobermory
South-
• Highway 17 – Quebec Border to Manitoba Border west of Kenora
• Highway 11 – Lake Ontario to Manitoba Border west of Rainy River
• Highway 12/69 – Collingwood to Sudbury forming a Georgian Bay Trail
• Highway 15 – Rideau Route – Kingston to Ottawa
• Highway 33 – Trenton to Kingston (Loyalist Route)
• Highway 28/41 – Port Hope to Pembroke – East-Central Ontario Route
East-
Requirement that regional tourism authorities include significant support and media purchasing to encourage active transportation,
significant transportation,
ecotourism and sustainability as a primary focus
Development of comprehensive planning, marketing and signage for this regional network which provides a framework on which
municipalities will connect local trail systems to create an integrated network (regions; connectors; loops)
integrated
Process streamlining; red tape reduction: - Environmental Assessment process will be streamlined - establish a class EA that is applied
only where there is significant disruption beyond existing road beds
Encouragement for new “enabling technologies” such as rapid-restriping and/or asphalt equipment designed to specifically add
technologies” rapid-
shoulders
Encouragement for new local and regional manufacturing, cycling support and service industries
Development of a highly visible branding and signage program that is internationally attractive and includes QR codes for multi-
that multi-
language information and direction
Facilitation, access and amenity placement at provincial locations (parks; other facilities)
locations
Inclusion of Bicycle Tourism as a major thrust within provincial tourism planning programs
Development of a comprehensive Cycling Education program that could include a licensing or certification component (revenue stream)
could stream)
similar to the Boating License scheme
Federal involvement justified on the “JOB CREATION” rationale
CREATION”
65. Thoughts
Research Opportunities
Cycling and ecology linkages from the citizen-user point-of-view and an evaluation of the
citizen- point- of-
relationships, priorities and perceptions of natural resource conservation, alternative transportation
conservation,
planning, tourism and economic development
Characterization/profiling/segmentation of the Ontario cyclist
Characterization/profiling/segmentation of the Ontario Ecotourist and Cycle-tourist
Cycle-
Identification of pain and pleasure points for Ontario cyclists
Identification of barriers and entry-opportunities for current non-users
entry- non-
Identification of additional public-private partnerships to grow the sector
public -
Identification and analysis of emotional and rational drivers of cycling behaviour, and relationships
behaviour,
to ecology, natural heritage and touring
Insights into the relationships between cycling, tourism and trail amenities
trail
Rapid evaluation of primary provincial bicycle corridors for upgrading to “complete road” standards
upgrading road”
for safe regional cycling
Rapid evaluation of current and planned municipal cycling and multi-use trail infrastructure, with
multi-
the intent of identifying, regional/provincial connection opportunities and a “big picture” funding
opportunities picture”
number
Graphical and Information Signage prototyping and usability studies / consumer response
studies
Identification of economic opportunities within the Cycling and Cycle-Tourism sectors
Cycle-
Evaluation of CycleTourism and EcoTourism within the broader provincial/national/international
context
Opportunities to attract out-of-province and international tourism to Ontario based on augmented
out- of-
Ecotourism facility and CycleTourism infrastructure
Cost-benefit analysis of investment in Cycling Infrastructure vs other types of Transportation
Cost-
Infrastructure investment
Linkages between “virtual tourism” (documentary video productions; travelogue; media coverage
tourism”
and geo-games) and visitation and tourist dollar expenditures “in reality”.
geo- reality”
66. Personal Conclusions
The Lake Erie Cycling Route is a “natural” tour cycling venue and
provides a framework upon which the Lake Erie Coastal
Stewardship Trail and other multi-use Trails can connect
Integrating ecological and natural heritage sites, features and
directional and interpretive signage adds significant value to a
provincial cycling network, augmenting benefits across many
sector “overlays”
Cycling infrastructure development is an inexpensive “low-hanging
fruit” that deserves immediate public and private investment
Current 10-year planning horizons should be compressed to a
four-year action plan to accelerate substantial social and economic
benefits
For the Author’s Tour Photo Log, copy & paste this link:
https://picasaweb.google.com/113675351760523726131/LakeEri
eCyclingRouteLeadersMobileWorkshop?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1
sRgCMm0tuCGprGJOw&feat=directlink
Doug Vallery doug@experiencerenewal.com December 2011
Please get in touch for discussion and comments.
