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Jessie Kepchum is an avid bicyclist who took on the task of organizing the city’s two-wheeled transportation program in July. She has spent the summer promoting the program, fixing bicycles and recruiting volunteers to help collect donated bikes and make them run again. She says the program is going well so far with the addition of about 30 bicycles to the roster since July. While she spends most of her time fixing and painting the bikes, when she does hit the streets she’s pleased with what she sees. “I see people riding them,” Jessie says. “I like to see that positive reinforcement.” There was a problem with theft earlier this year when Jessie joined the program. She says the bikes were left outdoors during the winter and subsequently some of them disappeared. Jessie says some of the thefts were a result of people “disrespecting a community service” while others involved people parking the bikes at home instead of returning them to the stands provided throughout the city. However, Jessie says, the bikes “don’t seem to be disappearing so rapidly” at this time. “It’s hard to implement this program,” she says. It currently runs on an honour system, which is the way Jessie would like to see it remain. She says Toronto’s Yellow Bike program runs very much like a library, requiring cards to check out the bikes and fines if they aren’t returned. She says that is more costly. “I like the values of trust and respect and the honour system,” she says. Anyone can buy a membership in the Yellow Bike program for $10, which entitles him or her to a universal key that opens all yellow bikes in the system. Cyclists can pick up and leave bicycles at stands in several locations including Millennium Park, Hilliard and George streets, McDonnel and Park streets, Del Crary Park or Trent University. Memberships are available at Wild Rock Outfitters on Charlotte Street or Peterborough Green-Up in Peterborough Square. To find out more about the program or to volunteer, call 755-8844. |
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Peaceful Communities is reaching more people! The Grassroots Review |
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