Saskatoon Cycles, a locally based not for profit cycling advocacy group, is seeking a contractor to manage the 2012 Bicycle Valet program.  The program runs a secure bicycle valet at several summer festivals and events within Saskatoon.  The service is offered as a free amenity to patrons of these events.

The term of the management contract will be from April 9, 2012 through September 20, 2012.  The primary responsibilities of the contractor will be to:

• Work with Saskatoon Cycles to finalize a 2012 rate schedule.
• Contact event organizers to arrange for execution of a 2012 Bicycle Valet event contract; both previous clients and seeking out of new clients.
• Prepare a 2012 program calendar that includes dates, venues, and contact information.
• Work with Saskatoon Cycles to promote the events in coordination with event hosts.
• Work with Saskatoon Cycles to secure sponsorship and grant applications to supplement Bicycle Valet funding.
• Manage and expand the existing volunteer database to ensure events are staffed appropriately.
• Prepare a volunteer orientation package and train volunteers to work at the Bicycle Valet venue.
• Ensure supervision of staff either directly or arrange for a Saskatoon Cycles Director/Bicycle Valet Committee member to be present with volunteers during all event hours.
• Provide a secure & weather proof trailer for storage and hauling of all Bicycle Valet supplies.
• Haul the valet tent, tables, racks, fencing, and other event supplies to and from the event site.

On Sunday, Feb 5th the coldest bicycle parade on Earth is back for it’s third year! It takes place at the Farmers Market, Saskatoon, as part of the WinterShines Festival. Visit the Ice Cycle 2012 website for all the details and register as a rider.

And join us for the Gear Up for Ice Cycle event hosted by The Two Twenty on Friday, Feb 3rd from 5-7pm for some Paddock Wood beer, pizza, blings for your bike, cycling tips…

To Saskatoon Cycles membership:

The main goal of Saskatoon Cycles over the past year has been to convince the City of Saskatoon and City Council that an increase in money set aside for cycling infrastructure is key to improving the safety of cyclists in our city.

Currently, the city dedicates $75,000 per year to these initiatives; an amount that Saskatoon Cycles has been clear is far too small.

Members of Saskatoon Cycles and others in the community have been working the past few months to convince City Administration and Council that an increase in cycling spending is a sound investment for the residents of Saskatoon.  The preliminary 2012 budget was recently released and we are proud to announce that it includes a total of $500,000 for cycling, an increase of $425,000 over this year.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Local Doctor Touts Benefits of Cycling, Calls for Better/Safer Infrastructure

Saskatoon, October 4, 2011 – Evidence is mounting that the benefits of urban cycling far outweigh the risks. Saskatoon Cycles, a cycling advocacy group with over 1,200 members, is pointing to studies showing that urban cycling, with its reputation as a risky business, produces a dramatic net health benefit.

Cycling commuters live longer. An estimated 3-14 months of life was gained by an individual shifting from the car to the bicycle for short trips. A study cited in Walking and Cycling for Healthy Cities, (Pucher, J. and R. Buehler,) compares that startling benefit to the estimated 5-9 days lost due to the risk of traffic crashes.

A 2010 Canadian study by the National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health supports those results. It reports that a moderate amount of cycle commuting or brisk walking has been shown to greatly reduce rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, many cancers, and improve mental health.

Dr. John Dosman of Saskatoon agrees: “As a family physician the major health challenges I address every day, and will in the future, are those chronic conditions we hear so much about–obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, depression, and anxiety.  The scientific evidence overwhelmingly shows that even 15 minutes of daily exercise can change outcomes for these conditions. But I struggle each day to find ways to get my patients to be more active.  Helping them to find the time in their busy schedules to conveniently include physical activity is often one of the main challenges.”