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Free ride for all
Paul Bickford
The so-called Yellow Bike Program is being launched to loan bikes to anyone wanting to get around the community. All a borrower has to do is take a bike and return it after using it.
The program is being co-ordinated by Kevin Wallington, who says the goals are to cut the number of bicycle thefts in the community and to encourage more people to ride. Cpl. Jim Forsey of the RCMP says many bikes stolen in Hay River are just to get from point A to point B. "This program would eliminate that reason." Last year, 69 bikes were reported stolen in the community. The program's bikes - mostly mountain bikes - are being donated by the RCMP. They are stolen bikes that have never been claimed by their owners. Wallington says between 10-15 bikes should be ready within the next couple of weeks. "They're going to need a lot of work to get up and running." The bikes will be professionally painted yellow by Poison Painting. "The yellow identifies them," Wallington says. "It's a colour that can be recognized easily." Four bike racks will be set up where people can pick up the yellow bikes and drop them off. They will be located at the Community Youth Centre, the arena, The Rooster convenience store and Bigway Foods. For now, the bikes will be available from Monday morning to Friday evening. The program is being overseen by Wallington in his role as co-ordinator of the Hay River Community Youth Centre. Pilot project Wallington says the program is a pilot project. "I think it's going to be trial and error. We'll learn a lot from this." The community should also get involved to help the program succeed, such as ensuring all bikes are returned after being used, he says. "I think as a community, we can make this happen."
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