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Cycling Promo Video at Tourism Information Centres
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| Now streaming at various Ontario Tourism Information Centres around the province is a compelling and inspiring video promoting cycling experiences in Ontario.  At just over a minute in length and slotted for continuous play throughout the day, all-summer long, the Ontario By Bike video directs visitors to pick up a copy of the 2015 Cycling in Ontario / Le vélo en Ontario guide on site.
Produced in partnership with Ontario Tourism/OTMPC, and regional partners including Grey Tourism, Hamilton Halton Brant (RTO3), Ontario's Southwest (RTO1) and GO Transit; this is sure to travel far!
View the video here
and share through your networks! |
| Video Feature Your Business |
| We want to hear more about your business, and to share more of your good news stories about welcoming cyclists.
Using video format, we are asking participating business locations to pick up their smartphones, or other recording devices, and shoot a short segment (less than 3 minutes) that tells more about:
- Number of cyclists coming to your location and the impacts they have
- Features your or a cyclists' testimonial about your location (make sure you have their permission to share)
- Your experience and participation as an Ontario By Bike certified bicycle friendly location
Ready, Set, Shoot - We are accepting video submissions through till October and will send you a reminder in the Fall. Use DropBox or email files to [email protected].
Please contact us if you would like any additional information. Looking for tips on how to get started with your promo video? Click here.
More comfortable with pen and paper or using your own tracking methods? We are still interested in any data you can share, tracking the number of cyclists coming to your location. Access our easy to use visitor tracking sheet templates by logging into your Ontario By Bike account online and visiting our "Network Participants Only" section or link HERE. |
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Power of Cycling Events
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| Are you aware of all of the cycling events that are taking place near your location?  Connecting with cycling events that are locally-based, or touring cross-regionally, is a good idea as the economic impact of these events is considerable. Plus, event organizers are often looking to share additional information about local accommodations, attractions and other activities with participants; who sometimes arrive early, stay late or train in the region. Looking for event listings in your area? Visit www.OntarioByBike.ca/events, click through to event pages and connect with event organizers today. For research on the value of cycling events visit www.TransportationOptions.org/Research. |
| Uxbridge Kawathas Rail Trail Tour a Success! |
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On June 20-21, Ontario By Bike hosted its first small group tour of 2015 and one of two rail trail weekend rides this year! The group of 22 riders rode from Uxbridge to Lindsay day 1 and on to Peterborough for day 2; a total of 85km. Some riders extended their trip 15km by riding on to Lakefield, along a stunning stretch of the historic Trent-Severn Waterway.
With a great group, beautiful scenery and lots of fantastic stops along the way; exploring this portion of this Trans Canada Trail made for an incredible weekend ride. Many thanks for the fine hospitality from bicycle-friendly businesses, including the new Days Inn & Suites Lindsay that sits a stone's throw from the TCT, Kawartha Dairy - Lindsay, the Olympia Restaurant Cafe and Bar in downtown Lindsay, as well as the Silver Bean Café in Peterborough, among many others! The self-guided tour included accommodation, luggage transfer and transportation back to the start location, as well as two lunches, a breakfast and refreshments along the way. Click here to see more images of the ride! We will be featuring ride details and itineraries on-line to help other groups or individuals enjoy the same ride.
Looking to join, or help to promote our second rail trail weekend ride through Hamilton, Brant and Norfolk Counties in September? For details on both June and September rides visit: www.ontariobybike.ca/rides2015 |
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Let Cyclists Know They're Welcome:
In Person and Online
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Consumers are increasingly recognizing that the Ontario By Bike logo means your location or destination welcomes cyclists. Here are three ways to show cyclists they are welcome at your business and in your community. 
Add a Window Decal - Every certified location receives an Ontario By Bike window decal in their Welcome Package. Add an Outdoor Metal Sign - Once certified, each bicycle friendly location becomes eligible to purchase our popular outdoor metal signs. To request an Outdoor metal sign or a window decal, please email [email protected]. Add Logo to Website - Include the Ontario By Bike logo, a short description and link to your region's "Great Places To Cycle" page on your website. Here are great examples from destination partners including the OntarioTravel.net and The Great Waterway websites, from business improvement areas, trail organizations, as well as businesses networks.
For pre-crafted messages for your website and to download the Ontario By Bike logo, view our Communication Tool Kit.
Please note that any use of the Ontario By Bike logo must comply with our Design Guidelines and Logo Usage Requirements.
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Featured Business:
Days Inn & Suites - Lindsay
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In addition to having copies of the
City of Kawartha Lakes Cycling Routes map on display, staff were knowledgeable about local bike shop closing times and locations, as well as allowing cyclists to roll their bicycles right into the hotel and store them in the new, dedicated and secure bicycle storage!
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Featured Business: Grand River Kayak
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 A long time canoe/kayak rental operator on the Grand River in Dunnville, Haldimand County now rents bikes!
Recognizing the growing demand of visitors seeking bike rentals in and around Dunnville, Grand River Kayak purchased a fleet of single speed 'cruisers'. They are meeting the demand of the leisure and family cyclists, who may not bring their bicycles with them when travelling and consider cycling on their holiday a secondary activity. Find out more about this Ontario By Bike certified bicycle friendly location at: www.grandriverkayak.ca |
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| Ontario By Bike Expands in 2015 |
| This spring the Ontario By Bike Network continued to expand into new regions:
We held a total of 7 workshops in new regions, connecting with over 210 tourism businesses and stakeholders. The program is now well established in 33 regions across Ontario, with over 1,000 certified Ontario By Bike bicycle friendly locations.
For more industry focussed program information, registration and useful resources visit www.ontariobybike.ca/join-the-network
For any inquiries or assistance send an email to [email protected] |
| Stay Tuned! |
| We're getting closer to a newly revamped OntarioByBike.ca. This summer we'll be launching a mobile-friendly website with some key design updates. Here's a sneak peak!  |
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Site Visits - Quality Assurance
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As in 2014, this summer Ontario By Bike will be conducting site visits to select businesses registered as bicycle-friendly locations with the Network. In 2015 site visits will occur in Northumberland County and Halton Region.
During site visits, businesses located in these regions will be inspected to ensure they meet the minimum requirements for certification, and where time permits answer a few additional questions to assist with service and sector assessment. Advance notice and additional information will be sent prior to site visits.
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| 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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| Updated Industry Tool Kits and Regional Cycling Resources |
| Ontario By Bike Network regularly updates the Ontario By Bike Participant's Tool Kit and Regional Cycling Resource (for each region Ontario By Bike is administered in). 
These documents can help improve business service and operations by understanding the cycle tourism market and provide insight into how to access the market in Ontario. Available for download. You must have an Ontario By Bike User Account. |
| Cycling in Ontario Guide 2015! |
| As many of you can attest, our 2015 Cycling in Ontario guides are flying off shelves across the province and are extremely popular with cyclists! With 35,000 printed, we are now down to our last few boxes for the year. 
If you would like receive final copies for your location, please send a request to [email protected]. We'll do our best to fill orders. |
| From Niche To Now: Cycle Tourism Research in Ontario |
| Transportation Options and the Ontario By Bike Network continue to receive great feedback on our comprehensive report on the state of Ontario's Cycle Tourism Sector - From Niche To Now. 
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 |
| 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 6,000 subscribers monthly for 7 months of the year, sign up HERE. |
| 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 10th issue. Industry E-Newsletter archives. |
| Industry Partnership |
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.
Find more information on the partnership click here:
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| 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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| We're in the thick of the 2015 cycling season and we're certainly seeing a growing number of bikes on the roads and trails, as well as on car racks; travelling off to destinations further afield. What a fantastic way to have visitors explore and experience Ontario's wonderful destinations!
As the Summer continues, we know you're all busily welcoming visitors! If you have the time, be sure to connect with us to share stories about cyclists that have visited your business or destination. As well, keep us posted on new cycling products and experiences in your area, so 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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