Saskatoon Cycles & Bike Valet Service

In 2011, 80% of the bike valet volunteers were Saskatoon Cycles members – how is that for awesome! When RoadMap asked if we would like to take on the valet service for 2012, it was easy to say yes, to what is now a major fund raiser, for Saskatoon Cycles. By the way, over 4000 bikes were parked in 2011.

Then the work started. A coordinator (that’s me) has been hired, bike racks have been donated (City Park Cycle Shop) and fence panels have been donated (Super Safe Fencing). While these arrangements were being made, contact was made with upcoming festivals and events in Saskatoon. (if you know of a venue that the Bike Valet should be at, please let me know).

The reality is that not all festival/events are in a position to pay what the bike valet is worth. There is no question, all agree with how important the valet service is to the event (increased attendance), to the environment (less pollution), to health (more active people), to the city (increased bike traffic equals less vehicular traffic so less wear & tear on streets etc) and for everyone (smaller carbon foot print). Budgeted funds for the valet are not available, at this time.

So to the point of this article is that Saskatoon Cycles is asking for support of the Bike Valet Service – from you, the member and from the environmentally conscious company you work for. Together we can make a difference in our city by increasing cycle transport, cleaner air, healthier bodies and safer roads. To make this easy, I will fill in all the paperwork required and would like to use your name in support of the application.

Hope to see you at the valet – on one side of the table or the other – volunteers are always welcome so pick the event you would like to be part of, free admission is one of the perks.

– Sharon Elder