The Comox Valley Cycling Coalition (“CVCCo”) is hosting an evening of discussion to explore the reality of a Comox Valley Cycling network. We know cycling is good for health and fitness. It is also an economic driver. How can we make it work in our community? The evening will be a collaboration of ideas that includes a chance to hear about lessons learned in Nanaimo with the Island Corridor Foundation trail with its rail and cycling network plan. Next we will have a chance to find out about Comox Valley initiatives and how they fit within a Comox Valley Cycling Network Plan.
All are welcome to join us on Monday, Feb. 29 at 7 p.m. in the Evergreen Room at the Florence Filberg Centre. The evening will feature speakers: Bill McKay - Chair of Island Corridor Foundation and Mayor of Nanaimo; Barbara Price, Town of Comox Councillor; David Frisch, City of Courtenay Councillor; Rob Crisfield, Operations Manager Village of Cumberland; Karin Albert, Comox Valley Regional District Parks Planner. This will be an opportunity to mix and meet others with an interest in the future of cycling in our valley and beyond. There will be some light refreshments.
2015 has been an active, busy year and there has been a real sense of progress in developing working relationships with Councils, City/Town and Village staff, local groups with mutual interests such as Imagine Comox Valley and Rotary and our neighbours the Greater Nanaimo Cycling Coalition. Increasingly we are being approached for input on projects and presentations rather than being the instigators. We have spent time creating a strategic plan to help us focus on our priorities and avoid being spread too thinly.
The CVCCo is excited to announce the completion of our Comox Valley digital cycling map. This map was funded in partnership with local governments. The CVCCo fundraising efforts allowed us to make a substantial financial contribution to this initiative. We also provided many volunteer hours to make this map a reality. The final step will be determining the best host location.
One of the successes this year has been providing almost 400 children with basic Bike Safety skills through the Bike Safe Rodeos at the elementary schools. We have been fortunate to link with Lauren Lan and the iRide program which is provided through BC Cycling. iRide is focused on bike handling skills enabling us to modify our program and focus specifically on road safety skills. More school Bike Rodeos are already booked for the spring and we look forward to also offering more adult Bike Safety courses.
Many of our members have been generous with their volunteer time on the Board, at School Bike Rodeos, Bike Parking and other Special Events. We truly appreciate our members, whether they are able to actively volunteer or not, as the support gives us credibility when we are approaching politicians and Engineering and Planning staff. We look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming Annual General Meeting. Come and hear our great panel of speakers, and please bring your friends who may be interested in learning about cycling developments in the Valley.