While the yellow bicycles hit Peterborough streets July 13, the bike racks or depots have yet to be set up around the city, says Cathy Hooper, one of the Yellow Bike co-ordinators. The City agreed to support the program by permitting the scattering of bike racks on public property but only if the group had liability insurance.

The group did, but the insurer backed out just before the launch. It will cost Yellow Bike $5,000 annually for insurance, says Cathy.

“It would flatten Yellow Bike,” she says.

The Yellow Bike Program makes bicycles, distinctively marked with yellow paint, available to anyone in the city who needs one. A cyclist simply obtains a key for $10 and then uses it to unlock a bike. For $10, residents can keep the key and borrow the bikes as often as they wish. If they return the key, they get a $5 refund. The program exists in various states and Toronto recently started its own.

The Yellow Bike crew is heading to city hall Aug. 11 to make a presentation, ultimately asking the City for the go-ahead to set up depots. Cathy says they will request the City forego the insurance or cover it through its own plan.

Right now, the 30 bicycles are located at businesses and other private properties in the downtown area. Volunteers have spent hours welding the depots, which are supposed to be located at various focal points in Peterborough.

Cathy and her friends originally approached the City about the program more than two years ago, however had difficulties recruiting mechanics and welders for the project and securing funding. The group received funding from Eco Action and the Ontario Public Interest Research Group donated space for a workshop.

Residents and visitors interested in using a yellow bike can purchase keys from Peterborough Green-Up in Peterborough Square.

Send this page to a friend

Articles may be reprinted with permission. Contact us at peaceful@newsroom5.com or 1-800-294-0051