by Mike Bulthuis
Set within about a square-mile, and adjacent to downtown, Vanier’s character as an urban neighbourhood creates a number of opportunities for getting around. Transit routes aren’t always the most direct – making even more desirable the possibility of cycling, especially for shorter errands or community jaunts. The 2014 arrival of RightBike, Ottawa’s own (well, Causeway’s own) community bike-share, is about to make this even easier – connecting Vanier to a growing list of other downtown and downtown-adjacent neighbourhoods.
In January, the City’s Better Neighbourhoods Program (BNP) announced the winning submissions for 2014. Vanier residents may already be familiar with the program; Eva Russell wrote earlier this month about the community pedestrian and cycling wayfinding signage to be permanently installed this spring – another outcome of the BNP, and another demonstration of what the City aims to achieve through the program – namely, “small-scale projects that make neighbourhoods more liveable, vibrant, healthy and beautiful.”
Enter RightBike.
Operating as a community-owned bike-share system, RightBike has operated in Westboro and Wellington West since 2012, growing in 2013 to include the Glebe. First envisioned by Causeway Work Centre, the Wellington West BIA and SLOWest, the bike-share began operations with 40 (purple) bicycles and 3 “rental” stations, known as “hubs.” Hubs are hosted by businesses or community institutions – much like the one in front of Cycle Logik (above) – and inevitably help to facilitate street-level interactions. Last year’s RightBike expansion saw growth to 8 hubs, creating greater possibilities for inter-neighbourhood trips (bikes can be left at a different hub from where they are rented). Clearly, proximity of hubs within a growing network matters.
As one of three BNP winning submissions for 2014, RightBike plans to expand the community bike share to Vanier, Overbrook, Sandy Hill and Somerset West. Through the BNP, the City-RightBike partnership will help trouble-shoot possible issues with expansion, whether related to right-of-ways, hub locations, or other unanticipated hiccups – while benefitting multiple neighbourhoods over several wards.
Not only does RightBike offer individuals viable opportunities to bike short distances (with either a paid membership or daily fee), but the initiative creates employment opportunities for marginalized individuals. Indeed, RightBike is a member of the Causeway group of social businesses, a network of socially-minded, not-for-profit ventures focused on creating training and employment opportunities for persons experiencing barriers to the labour market. RightBike’s bikes are maintained by mechanics with Cycle Salvation, another initiative of Causeway (giving used bikes another chance at life).
Causeway clients may work for extended periods with one of their social businesses, or may graduate elsewhere into the labour market (as an aside, it’s exciting to see such social businesses growing in and around Vanier; Gourmet Xpress, at the corner of Montreal Road and Marier Street, was profiled earlier on VanierNow, while EcoEquitable is set to open its fashion boutique at Heartwood House, on McArthur, later in February). As with other social businesses, more than teaching and learning employment-related skills, RightBike clients and staff experience deeper inclusion within the urban social fabric.
So, why Vanier?
Beyond proximity, Shane Norris, head of RightBike, suggests Vanier already understands the RightBike mission. He points to Vanier’s growing cycling culture. Not only is the neighbourhood adjacent to downtown, but we’re increasingly connected to a citywide (ish) cycling network – with the East-West bikeway being developed and the Vanier / Overbrook - Sandy Hill multi-use crossing over the Rideau River set to become a reality in 2014-15. Last year’s VéloFest – spearheaded by Vanier Cycles - was a big success, with a repeat already in the works for June 1, 2014.
Beyond the neighbourhood’s cycling culture, Shane also points to RightBike’s existing relationship with the Vanier Community Service Centre (VCSC). In fact, since 2012, the VCSC has coordinated Vélo Vanier, described by Citizen Cycle as a “free bike loaner initiative.” With just under 90 bikes, Vélo Vanier operates like a bike library – offering loans, with periods of a day to several weeks, for no-cost to Vanier residents (the K1L postal code pays!). The program was launched by VCSC after an initial purchase of 40 bikes from Cycle Salvation, and subsequent contributions of the Optimiste Club and individual donors (made possible with external funding). Borrowers include kids or adults, with a primary goal of making cycling accessible to all. These bikes, too, are maintained by Cycle Salvation.
RightBike and Vélo Vanier are each unique; however, having them both in the neighbourhood may foster innovative synergies – further enhancing access to bikes and cementing Vanier’s cycling culture.
What's Next? Businesses wanted
Before RightBike sets up shop, they’re welcoming businesses or community institutions - particularly those with space for outdoor bikeracks -- to self-identify! While a business needs an individual to be on-site for handing out keys to unlock the bikes, the RB staff make this a painless affair, providing all of the scanners, software and training needed. Indeed, the face-to-face contact is a key element of RightBike – and its goals for community interactions. Even moreso, space for a local servicing centre for the mechanics would be welcome (RightBike staff carry broken bikes via cargo bikes; this is a carless operation). Donations to the bike fleet are welcome, too (contact Shane, or head over to the RightBike headquarters).
RightBike’s planned expansion into Vanier creates exciting opportunity – fostering cohesion across neighbourhoods and cementing Vanier’s place in Ottawa’s urban environment. Maybe it's time for our own bike repair shop / café on Montreal Road?
Photos: RightBike (2013)