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Ontario By Bike Network:
Industry Update - November 2019
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Ontario By Bike:
Bicycle Friendly Business Program
Our last industry newsletter already dates back to April and once again we have experienced a busy cycling season. Heading into fall we would like to take the opportunity to reach out to our industry partners and bicycle friendly business network, providing you with an update on 2019 as well as an outlook on our projects as we move forward into 2020.
We are pleased to share, that this year we marked the milestone of reaching over 1,500 businesses that are now part of Ontario By Bike's bicycle friendly business program.
Over the years, the program has grown into a substantial network of tourism businesses and locations that meet the certification criteria and offer the amenities to satisfy the needs of cyclists. Ontario By Bike is helping businesses to increase their exposure in this growing market while providing cyclists with a tool to find suitable accommodations, restaurants and attractions that fit their needs.
As of November, we have already exceeded that number, now with 1,568 businesses, showing continued growth through the year. Additionally, Ontario By Bike is continuing to working with destination partners to extend the program to the final few regions in Ontario yet to participate.
If your business is not part of the program yet and you are interested in getting on board you can get more information and register online at:
OntarioByBike.ca/Join-the-Network. Or simply get in touch by email or phone for further assistance.
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2020 Marketing Partnerships Available
Since 2008, Ontario by Bike has been leading the way in growing cycle tourism in Ontario, and has had much success with a variety of promotional campaigns and coordinated marketing partnerships.
It's that time of the year again, as we look forward to and make plans for 2020. Consider partnering with us to increase exposure for your destination, business or cycling event. Advertising sales are now underway for the
2020 Cycling in Ontario/Le vélo en Ontario guide. The 40,000 print copies of our
2019 edition are almost all distributed, additionally this past year there were close to 16,000 digital views. Advertising space sells out annually.
Book before the deadline November 15, 2019.
How are you engaging with this growing market in Ontario?
Consider a print or digital partnership or have us represent you in
one of our event/show partnership packages.
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Print
Ontario's only cycle tourism publication connects cyclists from Ontario, Quebec and the U.S. and inspires them to explore more of Ontario by bike!
The 8th annual Cycling in Ontario Guide is published in both French and English languages!
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Digital
Looking to ge content, exposure or calls-to-action in front of the eyes of cycliss in Ontario!
Leverage engaging content partnerships or display advertisements on the Ontario By Bike website or popular consumer e-newsletter.
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Events
Would you like to attend and reap the benefits of promotion to cyclists at multiple consumer show and cycling events in 2020?
Too expensive?
Too time consuming?
Let us do the work through our Ontario and Quebec event partnerships.
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2020 Destination Renewals
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As we are moving forward on growing our network we are also constantly working on updates to our regional ' Great Places to Cycle' webpage and managing existing listings to make sure we are providing accurate and valid information to cyclists making use of the program. To ensure our network is up to date we rely on our partner businesses to confirm and update their listing and make sure all the information is accurate.
This is done through our destination renewal program. At renewal time, we verify all certified locations in those regions that are up for a renewal to ensure certification criteria are met and cyclists can find your business. We also provide a number of additional services, that include hosting a webinar for new and participating businesses to participate in. It is important to note that a business listing with Ontario By Bike is free of charge, with program support coming from local and regional tourism partners, as listed and with logos on each regional 'Great Places to Cycle' webpage.
As the new year is approaching fast, we will start working on the following regions that are up for their 3 year renewal in 2020:
- Grey County
- Haliburton Highlands
- Manitoulin Island and LeCloche Foothills
- Peterborough & City of Kawartha Lakes
- Haldimand & Norfolk Counties
- Prescott-Russell
- Southeastern Ontario
- Niagara Region
- Durham Region
- Chatham Kent
You can help us to improve and streamline this process. Please visit the bicycle friendly business page on our website
OntarioByBike.ca/all-bicycle-friendly-businesses and check if your information is still up to date. If your listing needs an update you can either do this through your own login or let us know and we will be happy to help you make any necessary changes.
Thank you!
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What's New in Your Region?
One of the key pillars in the development of Ontario as a top cycle tourism destination are the constant improvements, efforts and participation from you our partners.
No matter if it's new trails, maps, events or any other cycling related products and services, a large number of innovative projects are planned and executed each year to ensure Ontario keeps growing as a top cycling destination across Canada
While we often exchange information with our destination partners about upcoming projects through our Ontario By bike Industry Advisory committees, taking part twice a year, we would also like to reach out to all of you and hear more about news from your end.
Ontario By Bike is always eager to learn more about upcoming projects and stories that can be shared with our community. Send us and email with any updates or photos/videos from your region or organization or business.
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2019 Cycling Events Recap
Throughout 2019 we participated in a variety of cycling-related industry events. This includes the
Toronto International Bicycle Show in March, the worlds largest cycling cycling consumer show, as well as the
Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show, and the
Montreal Bicycle Show. We also were kept busy meeting cyclists at this year's
Bike To Work Day and
Manulife's Ride For Heart, as well as a number of additional events.
Participation at these events has become a vital part of our promotional outreach and the ability to successfully distribute the cycling maps, brochures and our guide plus deliver information and recommendations about our partner destinations.
Our observations have shown that a large number of show and event attendees appreciate the ability to pick up cycling-related materials for Ontario, as well as our annual guide. While lots of attendees are from the areas the shows take place in, we are always happy to connect with attendees from all over Ontario and beyond.
We are looking forward to all the upcoming events in the next year. If you are interested in any potential event partnership opportunities for 2020 visit
OntarioByBike.ca/2020marketing or reach out to us directly.
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Upcoming Industry/Consumer Events
To be a part of the exciting developments in the growing cycle tourism market or increase your exposure with direct promotions consider participating at one of the following events this winter.
Attention Halton Region partners: On November 19, the Halton Cycling Summit is taking place at the Milton Velodrome. This one day event dedicated to cycling in Halton Region will focus on a number of key aspects to further develop cycling across the region.
Ontario By Bike is pleased to be participating at the event as a presenter. Find out more and
register
HERE
.
Start planning and book an exhibit space (or partner with Ontario By Bike) for this top consumer cycling show taking place March 6 to 8. New this year, the show will be moving to Toronto's International Centre, a new location preferred by an overwhelming number of attendees surveyed. Find out more HERE.
Mark your calendars for
Share The Road's
annual Bike Summit, April 6 to 7, in Toronto. The 11th annual held in 2019, bought together
275 delegates and over 60 speakers sharing their work and experiences on bike transportation, shared mobility, safety, advocacy and so much more. Find out more HERE.
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Ontario By Bike / Transportation Options is pleased to announce that a number of new and updated research report have been completed and are now available to be share with our industry partners.
- Best Practices for Cycle Tourism Wayfinding (2019) - Highlights the best practices for cycle tourism wayfinding with an aim to provide a snapshot of successful initiatives and recommendations to help future decision-making as it relates to the implementation of wayfinding for cycle tourism.
- Cycle Tourism Conference Canada (2019) - If you weren't able to attend our March conference, find all the presentations online, and learn more about developing, growing, marketing, serving and measuring this sector from international, Canadian and Ontario experts.
As Ontario By Bike / Transportation Options continues to both complete and monitor research for this sector, do get in touch if new research is made available to you, you have stats of your own to share of if you are interested in a potential research project in your region visit. View our full research pages at: Transportationoptions.org/Research
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Updated Bike Parking Report
As an important piece of information for tourism destinations and businesses, we have recently updated our popular
Bike Rack & Repair Toolset Product Guide providing information on a large number of different manufacturers specializing in creating standard and custom made solutions for bike parking, bike racks as well as bike fix it stations.
Nothing says "Welcome Cyclists" like a bicycle rack in front of your business or on your main street. Providing cyclists and guests with a place to safely park their bike or offering them an option to quickly tune up their bike and fix some small issues can be a competitive advantage helping your place to attract more bike visitors. Furthermore, accessible, safe and adequate bike parking options are also a requirement form most types of businesses to be certified as bicycle friendly with Ontario By Bike
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Stay Connected with Ontario By Bike!
Share your destination or business posts using the hashtag #OntarioByBike & #BikeON!
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Earlier this year we had to say goodbye to Michael. After 4.5 years with Ontario By Bike, Michael decided to start a new chapter in his life and made the big move to relocate with his family to Taiwan.
With an empty seat available it was time to move on and bring some fresh wind into the office.
If you haven't already met by phone or email, we would like to introduce you to Simon, our new Project Coordinator at Ontario By Bike.
As a European citizen and newcomer to Canada, Simon has lived most of his life in Switzerland. With an educational background in tourism management, he has worked on a variety of industry-related projects.
With so many new places to explore around Ontario, Simon is eager to swing on his bike at any given opportunity to pedal his way through Ontario to learn more about our beautiful province.
We look forward to connecting with you again soon.
From Louisa Mursell & Simon Lutz
Ontario By Bike Network
Project of Transportation Options
850 Coxwell Ave ~ Toronto, ON ~ M4C 5R1
Office: 416-827-2774 or
Toll-Free: 1-866-701-2774
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