Happy Holidays to our Bike Friendly Community!
We have lots of exciting plans for 2021, and we wanted you all to be informed on what we've been working on. There's a lot of info here, be sure to read to the end.
Just a reminder to all of our 2020 Members that your membership is about to expire, and you’ll stop receiving our member communication and perks. You can renew online by clicking this link.
We have created a Corporate Membership Structure as well, for the business community to be able to support us while giving their employees some perks. If you would like to chat more about these, please email us. Purchase your Corporate Membership by clicking here
Why support Bike Cochrane by purchasing a Membership?
As we work with stakeholders to develop trails and improve bicycle connectivity, one of the questions we are asked every time is how many people we represent. If nothing else, membership in Bike Cochrane gives us a mandate to advocate on your behalf. The more members we represent, the more grant opportunities open up to us as well.
You also :
Support trail maintenance, remediation, construction and cycling advocacy as a whole within the town of Cochrane
Keep the bike park insured
Have access to Participate in Bike Cochrane events
Receive 10% off Accessories, Parts and Clothing at Big Hill Cycle
Have voting Rights at our AGM
What are we working on for 2021?
We have created three working committees to help focus our efforts and accomplish more. Here's what they've been up to for the past few months.
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
2021 Goal: Accomplish a meaningful improvement in active transportation.
The Active Transportation Committee of Bike Cochrane is working with the Town of Cochrane to prioritize cycling infrastructure projects for connectivity in our town. We have reviewed the existing 2012 Bicycle Plan for Cochrane, researched the best methods globally for implementing cycling infrastructure and gathered existing traffic data to understand the gaps and weaknesses in Cochrane’s transportation network.
2021 will see Bike Cochrane
Present as a delegation to the Town of Cochrane’s Town Council in January,
Pilot a traffic study of cyclists in the winter,
Build out a traffic study plan for the summer to better understand usage on our multi-use pathways.
This will also involve Bike Cochrane working with the Town to write provincial and federal grants in order to fund these infrastructure projects. Stay tuned to Bike Cochrane’s Active Transportation Committee Blog to see project priorities, and to participate in surveys designed to better understand cycling usage in Cochrane.
If you have some time, we'd love for you to complete this 1 minute survey to help us better understand your cycling needs around town. Click here for Survey
TRAILS COMMITTEE
2021 Goal: Accomplish our first officially recognized mountain bike trail in Cochrane.
In 2020 Bike Cochrane established a relationship with The Town of Cochrane - Parks Department to do our first volunteer trail remediation work at the Ranche and we plan to keep the momentum rolling into 2021 to do more trail improvements within the Ranche to help better the trail for all users
We are in discussions with stakeholders and private land owners in Cochrane to scope the possibility of allowing access or developing trails. While we are not in a position to provide more detail at this time, we are optimistic that we will have progress here and achieve our 2021 trail goal by summer in time to have our members biking on trails this year.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE
2021 Goal: Ensure we improve engagement with our membership and community, and involve them in our planning.
SPEAKER SERIES
The community engagement committee is excited to have created a winter speaker series, which will only be available, at no cost, to all Bike Cochrane members. If you're a member, watch your inbox for a signup link. Speakers include:
Jason Pohl, Canadian Professional Triathlete - December 29th
Performance mindset, the source of confidence; the better you feel, the more confidence you have to produce amazing results in your life. To join this exciting chat you can RSVP at the following link.
Richard Shoebridge, Olympian (former World Record Holder) and Elite Zwift E-Racer - January 9th
Take your riding fitness to the next level with E-Racing/riding – How to set up your pain cave for year-
round training and racing, and how to get involved with Zwift riding.
Shane Campbell, Owner/Sales Manager, Big Hill Cycle - Date TBD
Part 1: Layering for year-round bike enjoyment.
Calvin Zaryski, Head Coach, Critical Speed Racing Team - Date TBD
The science behind high performance. How to train for success.
Tim Lomenda, Owner, Big Hill Cycle - Date TBD
Part 2: Bike maintenance for safety and performance.
Russ Colnett, Owner, Fixes and Fit Cycling Analysis Studio - Date TBD
Bike fit for optimal performance and injury prevention.
Richelle Love and Rose Serpico, Owners, TRI IT Multisport - Date TBD
Sports nutrition for a healthy and vibrant lifestyle.
BIKE RODEO
The Community Engagement Committee is also working on a Bike Rodeo for spring 2021, which will involve cycling for all ages and styles, all around town. We plan to have kid races, guide-led adult group rides, bike maintenance talk, bike safety talk from Cochrane RCMP, Bike Park Demo and more. We envision this to be a town wide event to kick off the 2021 Cycling season and showcase how great our Cycling community is. We also plan to make this COVID-friendly so no matter where Alberta is with restrictions, we plan to go ahead with our rodeo!
Volunteer Positions Available
Communication Coordinator – Do you ever read these newsletters and think “Oh man, I could write better than that!” Well, we probably agree! We are still looking for some help to ensure that the Bike Cochrane membership stays informed with regular updates of our progress and upcoming events.
Toques Arriving This Week
We are expecting our new Bike Cochrane Toques in the next couple of day, they will be available for purchase at Bike Bros and Big Hill Cycle. See a sneak peek at the bottom of this email. Toques are priced at $35.00/ea.Watch our social channels for arrival. You can pair them with a membership for $70/Individual and $110/Family.
2021 is going to be a very exciting and rewarding year for the cycling community in Cochrane. With your support we hope to accomplish all of our goals and continue towards a community connected through cycling.
Merry Christmas from us to all of you.
