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| Taking 2015 to the Next Gear! |
It's March and soon the cycling season will be in full swing. We have been busy getting ready for the season and have many exciting projects already under
our belt and more great programming underway for 2015.
This industry e-newsletter provides a quick update on the Network, plus shares our new 2015 marketing materials and valuable research we're making available to our industry partners and participating locations.
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| Now Available - 2015 Edition
Cycling in Ontario / Le v�lo en Ontario Guide |
| For a third consecutive year, Ontario By Bike has partnered with Direction Ontario to produce:
In 2015, this 24-page publication features over 50 day-trip and overnight cycling itineraries suited for either recreational or experienced cyclists, or mountain bikers. Recognizing the economic impacts and tourism potential of cycling events in Ontario (see our 2014 Ontario Cycling Event Tourism Impact Study), we've added cycling event listings at the back of the guide.  
We're encouraging our industry partners to post, tweet and share this fantastic cycling publication with consumers. We've put together some sample Facebook and Twitter posts that can be used to promote the publication. Click here to download. We've printed 35,000 copies again this year (25,000 in English and 10,000 in French) and have already begun distributing this full-colour, magazine-style publication at consumer travel shows, visitor information centres, through local cycling businesses, as well as through bike clubs. To view the digital copy visit - www.OntarioByBike.ca/2015 If you're interested in assisting with distribution and having print copies available at your location send an email to info@OntarioByBike.ca. |
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"From Niche To Now: Cycle Tourism in Ontario"
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A Report on the State of Ontario's Cycle Tourism Sector
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| Transportation Options and the Ontario By Bike Network are excited to announce the release of our comprehensive report on the state of Ontario's Cycle Tourism Sector.  
Over 35 sources of information were used to compile this 24-page report, including 2014 primary research conducted by Transportation Options and partners. The report is available for download at www.ontariobybike.ca/from-niche-to-now Included in this report are 8 sections highlighting activity related to the cycle tourism sector: Ontario Cycle Tourists; Marketing & Communications; Cycle Tourism Impact on Businesses; Bike Retail & Accessory Sales; Ontario Cycling Events; Bike Transportation; Bike Share Programs; and Cycling Infrastructure & Facilities.
The report's research highlights that:
- Cycle tourists have attractive demographics
- Cyclists take frequent day and overnight trips annually
- Experienced cyclists participate in multiple cycling events annually
- An increase in cycling events and participation equates to an increase in cycle tourism and positive economic impact in host regions
- Cyclists in Ontario use digital and printed cycling maps
- Businesses are feeling a positive impact from cyclists
Join us to learn more, we will be presenting the findings at the upcoming Ontario Bike Summit, April 1, Toronto. To access more cycle tourism research from Ontario visit: www.transportationOptions.org/research |
| New Network Assessments and Exclusions |
In an effort to continually improve Ontario By Bike as a resource for cyclists and visiting cycle tourists, Ontario by Bike posted a new Terms of Assessments, Exclusions and Other Considerations document in January.  With these terms, Ontario By Bike will periodically review certified bicycle-friendly participating locations and make assessments on the eligibility and continued relevance of registered locations. They will also be used to guide approvals of new applications.
These assessments may determine, for example, that a participating location should be switched to a more relevant certification category, removed as a Network listing and placed elsewhere on our website (as a resource for cyclists), or if necessary, be removed entirely from the website. Should any changes be required, the Ontario By Bike Network will make every effort to connect with participating locations and offer solutions, where applicable, to ensure that these locations continue to be able to offer their services to cyclists.
If you have any questions regarding these new terms, please email info@OntarioByBike.ca
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| Bike Parking Resources for Businesses |
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Nothing says "We welcome cyclists", like having a bike rack placed out front of your location!
Each year, the Ontario By Bike Network is excited to watch more and more locations take the time to install creative bike parking or support bike parking initiatives in their community and around the province.
The Ontario By Bike Network has compiled resources that provide information to Network participants with a variety of bicycle rack options.
In this document, you will find a number of Ontario and other Canadian businesses who offer bike parking solutions for businesses and other locations.
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| Featured Business The Bicycle Parking Company |
If you are considering making a small investment to install attractive bicycle parking in front of your business or location, have a look at what is available at
The Bicycle Parking Company.
 Whether you operate an accommodation that is looking for space saving, secure bike parking or a tourist attraction that is looking to draw in cyclists with a publicly accessible repair stand, there are many options to select from. Their products include bike racks, lockers, cages, repair stands and much more!
This Ontario By Bike Network location is based in Burlington. Call (647-931-0800) for an appointment,
visit their website for more details or see flyer in our bike parking document, referred to in above article. Mention that you're an Ontario By Bike Network participant and receive 15% off!
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| It's Show Time! |
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We recently spent a few days engaging with cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, distributing cycling maps and sharing inspiring info at the Outdoor Adventure Show in Toronto, February 20 to 22.
Our booth and display always proves popular with cyclists picking up our guide, plus cycling maps from dozens of regions and municipalities from around the province, complimentary Pedal Magazines and other resources we have on display. Shows like these can be a great place to reach cyclists. Many of our tourism partners will also be at the show, a number that increases annually.
Visit our Ontario Cycle Tourism Information Booth (booth #721) on March 6 to 8 at the Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place to see what it is all about.
To enquire about having the Ontario Cycle Tourism Information Booth available for your show, conference or event, please contact
info@OntarioByBike.ca
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| Spring Workshops |
| This spring the Ontario By Bike Network continues to expand into new regions: * April 15/16: South West Ontario; London & Sarnia * May 6: North Bay & Mattawa * TBA - Brant County
Stay updated on all Network expansion and industry workshops by visiting OntarioByBike.ca/workshops
If you wish to be notified with details regarding the workshops above, please send an email to info@OntarioByBike.ca |
| Stay Tuned! |
| Keep an eye on OntarioByBike.ca, as later this spring we'll be developing a mobile-friendly website with some key design updates.  |
| Like Our Facebook Page |
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Ontario By Bike Stay up to date on industry news and connect with consumers on our Facebook page! Now also on Twitter:
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| New Cycling Maps |
|  Our research shows that while cycling, printed maps are the most preferred source of information for Ontario cyclists.
It comes as no surprise that the number of regions and municipalities in Ontario creating dedicated cycling maps is on the rise! There are now 39 dedicated cycling maps (or maps featuring cycling routes) in Ontario. New maps this spring are available from Oxford County, City of Kawartha Lakes, Simcoe County and coming soon, a map for the new Greenbelt Route. Additionally, a number of reprints and updated versions of pre-existing maps are either available now or on their way. Contact your local or regional tourism office to ensure you have maps in stock, and know what cycling resources are available, a minimum requirement for Network certification. |
| Updating our 2015 Event Listings! |
| The cycling events page is one of the most popular pages on our website. We have been updating our Events Page over the past months as new 2015 dates and information become available! If a cycling event or tour is coming through your community and is not already included on our 2015 page, please let us know. We'd be happy to add it!
Send emails to info@ontariobybike.ca with event details and 2015 dates. |
| Missed Industry E-Newsletters? |
| To catch up on any information you may have missed, check out previous issues. Sent only a few times a year, this is our 9th issue. Industry E-Newsletter archives. |
| Consumer E-Newsletter |
| This is our industry e-newsletter that we issue several times a year to stay in touch with our Network participants, workshop attendees and tourism partners. If you are interested in receiving our consumer e-newsletter, sent to over 5,300 subscribers monthly for 7 months of the year, sign up HERE. |
Purchase an Ontario By Bike? Metal Sign
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| Consider adding to the window decal provided to all locations upon registration. These outdoor metal signs (7"x7") are valuable marketing tools that help locations easily communicate that their business caters to cyclists with specific services and amenities.  Cost for signs is $30, includes HST and shipping. If you're interested in ordering a metal sign for your business, please email info@ontariobybike.ca. |
| Industry Partnership - Update |
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Did you know that we have a cross provincial industry partnership with a 30 person advisory committee including regional representatives?
The Ontario By Bike Industry Partnership Advisory Committee meets twice annually and connects as needed to share information on cycling and cycle tourism related developments regionally and at the provincial level.
In February 2015, the Ontario By Bike Industry Partnership Advisory Committee held their bi-annual web conference. The conference slides, audio recording and the meeting minutes are all available online.
To review please click here.
Find more information on the partnership click here:
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| Pedal Magazine |
|  www.pedalmag.com
Come pick up the latest edition at the Toronto International Bicycle Show, March 6 to 8. |
| Not Yet a Participating Location? |
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It's easy to register on-line to become an Ontario By Bike? participating location.
If your business meets the criteria to become certified as bicycle friendly, simply visit the Add Your Business page and follow the instructions. Registration will be reviewed and your listing added within 48 business hours. Look forward to receiving a welcome package with decal in the mail. |
| Already a Participant? |
| Add to your basic listing with a more detailed description, full contact details and your logo. * Go to the website's Login Page and log in. * Navigate to your listing, and click the 'Edit Listing' button. * Need help, give us a call. |
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| The 2015 cycling season is right around the corner, but there is still a lot to do before the season begins! The Ontario By Bike Network looks forward to a busy spring season as we expand our program to new regions and municipalities, develop new programming and marketing initiatives, and enhance our online platform for regional partners, businesses and most importantly - cyclists! Connect with us to share stories from last year, fill us in on new cycling products and experiences in your region or reach out and find out ways we can share your story with our community!
Sincerely,
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Louisa Mursell & Michael McCreesh
& Joanne Hurley
Phone us at
416-827-2774 or 1-866-701-2774
Email:
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