A new program has just been established in Yellowknife and is looking to get more people to engage in cycling.
The program is known as Shift NWT, and one of its organizers, Rebecca Denley, was kind enough to explain what it’s all about.
“The program is to allow people the chance try out bikes and maybe change the way that they move around the city in their everyday lives. What we’re trying to do is encourage people to pledge to bike to work for two weeks at a time, and if they don’t have a bike, then people having been signing up to borrow a bike for free.”
Rebecca went on to explain that the origin of this idea came from the experience that she and her husband had while living in Denmark. They found that they and their kids were each much more active in the community, and autonomous in their individual activities. After moving back to Yellowknife, they recognized that there is an opportunity and a need for improved cycling infrastructure, and possibly even bike-exclusive streets.
“We approached the Northwest Territories Recreation and Parks Association and asked if they would support this. Together we applied for the Healthy Choices Fund, which is government funding for programs that help people choose active, more healthy ways to live their lives.”
There are also several different kinds of bikes available for people to borrow. These include standard bicycles, e-bikes, and cargo bike, which are designed to be able to haul a small amount of supplies. Rebecca stated that these can be good for doing quick grocery runs, and that one rider even used the bike to bring his child around the city.
Rebecca shared how residents can sign up for this program.
“It’s quite easy. What they need to do is go to ShiftNWT.org, and they can read all about the program there. They can join Shift and they can pledge to use their own bike if they want for a couple weeks. We encourage people to sign up, even if it’s to ride their own bikes around for two weeks because those people who sign up through the program will be entered in a draw to win one of our bikes at the end of the season.”
The first season of Shift NWT will last until October 27th.
