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Ontario By Bike Network:
Industry Update - November 2020
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We recognize that 2020 was a challenging year for all our tourism partners and businesses across Ontario. We empathize with all impacted by the very serious situation around COVID-19, disruption to business and constant changing environment. As the year is soon to end, and as we look forward, we wanted to reach out and share some additional information and resources with you, our valued industry partners.
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Cycle Tourism & Cycling Activity
2020: Survey Stats & Findings
To assist in assessing the impacts of COVID-19 on cycle tourism and cycling activities, in October we issued a second survey to cyclists. The results also provide insight on cyclists thoughts on 2021, and build on findings from the May survey.
With over 900 cyclists responding, Ontario By Bike, along with our partners (Waterfront Regeneration Trust and Greenbelt Foundation) have compiled a full report, available for download HERE.
Highlights Include:
Cyclists were active this year, most increased their amount of cycling.
- 76% of cyclists increased the amount of cycling or did the same amount this year, including over 50% who increased the amount.
Cyclists tended to travel closer to home this year.
- 90% of cyclists cycled closer to home and within the province in 2020.
- 72% of cyclists travelled locally, 60% regionally, 31% cross regionally; 10.5% interprovincial; 2.5% international; 4% did not travel.
While the majority of cyclists took day trips, a fair number also took overnight trips that included cycling this year and some participated in organized cycling event or tours.
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40% of cyclists took overnight trips in 2020, 60% only made day trips.
- 28% participated in some type of organized cycling event or tour in 2020.
Cyclists anticipate that they will be travelling more and participating in more organized cycling activities in 2021.
- 79% are considering making non local travel plans that include cycling in 2021, should travel restrictions allow.
- 57% are considering participating in some type of organized cycling activity, including events and tours in 2021.
Cyclists use a variety of resources when planning cycling outings and routes.
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2021 Marketing Partnerships
- NOW AVAILABLE -
We recently made available our 2021 marketing partnership options. As the interest and participation in cycling and travelling within Ontario grows, our digital and print resources continue to be a go to options for trip planning. Now with the decrease in international travel, reach readers, Ontario travellers and cycling enthusiasts, to help them find and visit your location by partnering with Ontario By Bike in 2021.
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Print
Ontario's only cycle tourism publication remains popular in both its print and digital formats. Connect with cyclists from Ontario and farther, with your ad, inspiring stories and info on cycling routes and experiences, helping cyclists explore more of
Ontario by bike!
The 9th annual Cycling in Ontario Guide is published in both French and English languages!
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Digital
Digital resources are the most frequently used source of information cyclists use in pre-planning trips and outings.
More cyclists than ever are visiting OntarioByBike.ca, engaged through
our enewsletters and
following us on
social media.
Get in front of cyclists with a variety of content partnerships or display advertisement options.
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Events
Each year Ontario By Bike
is an exhibitor at a
number of Ontario and
Quebec shows and events. Benefit from this added exposure and reach a new audience, with reduced expenses and resources, through our events partnership.
All events are currently scheduled for 2021, but should cancellations happen, we offer a guaranteed reimbursement.
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- Booking deadline November 16 for print. Digital deadlines extended till sold -
Don't miss this opportunity - All options sell out
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Content Call Out
We are always looking for great new stories and updates to share through our social media channels and consumer enewsletter with over 15,000 subscribers.
Let us help you get the word out and benefit from a large exposure to the cycling community across Ontario and beyond. Send us an email with any updates or photos/videos from your region, organization or business.
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What Else is New with Ontario By Bike?
Ontario By Bike Network Updates & Status
- 1,505+ business and locations across Ontario are currently certified as bicycle-friendly.
- We're expanding the network to North West Ontario (RTO13c) with a webinar workshop on November 25, and another coming in spring 2021.
- We're expanding the network to Huron County in spring 2021, delayed from 2020.
- We have completed majority of work for 2020 renewal partners, including checking business listings and updating info resources, webinar series and promotions (some held over at partners request till 2021).
- In 2021 we will be working on renewal, updates and hosting webinars for the following partners: Explorers' Edge (RTO12), Northern Ontario (RTO13bc), York Region, Simcoe County, Renfrew County/OVTA, Northumberland County, Lanark County, Halton Region.
Ontario By Bike Rides
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We were able to run 3 out of 4 scheduled rides in 2020.
- These small group tours (~40) weekend packages including accommodations, some meals, support van and more, all sold out.
- We operated rides with extra health and safety precautions and a last minute cancellation policy.
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Our updated impact study shows that $314 is the average spent per person on a 2 day, 1 overnight cycling trip in Ontario; $550 average spent on 3 day, 2 overnights trip (based on 10 impact studies on a selection of 10 rides since 2016).
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2021 ride schedule and destinations to be announced in February.
Other Marketing Partnerships & Activities
- Successful distribution of the 2020 Cycling in Ontario / Le velo en Ontario guide.
- Ontario By Bike partnered with Destination Ontario on a spring and fall digital campaign promoting cycling.
- We assisted media with numerous articles and interviews.
- Our webstats showed significant growth YOY and in 2020 summer months.
- We have in place an ongoing Google Ads campaign driving traffic to our site.
- We've participant in numerous web conferences and industry meetings representing the sector, advocating and supporting tourism recovery.
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Cross Provincial Cycling
& Cycle Tourism Updates
While times are certainly challenging in the tourism industry and for residents across Ontario and indeed worldwide, there have been a few positives that have emerged from these times, one being there has been a huge surge in cycling and cycle tourism activities.
Many of our partners across the province have been actively building new cycling infrastructure, increasing temporary space for cyclists, updating cycling information resources and maps and making plans for 2021.
We recently heard from partners across the province on our Ontario By Bike Industry Partnership Advisory Committee Web Conference. If you are interested in learning more about what's happening in jurisdictions, municipalities and in tourism destinations around Ontario to support cycling and cycle tourism, find out more here, as meeting notes will be posted shortly: TransportationOptions.org/obbip-ac-nov-10-2020
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Stay Connected with Ontario By Bike!
Share your destination or business posts using the hashtag #OntarioByBike & #BikeON!
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Until we connect again, stay healthy and positive.
From Louisa Mursell & Simon Lutz
Ontario By Bike Network
Project of Transportation Options
850 Coxwell Ave ~ Toronto, ON ~ M4C 5R1
Office: 416-827-2774 or
Toll-Free: 1-866-701-2774
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