photo by Laurel Paluck

jack
asks:

Where Have All the Yellow Bikes Gone?

by Amy Chartrand

A new project in Peterborough has been making a strong visual presence, particularly in the downtown area. For some, however, Peterborough's Yellow Bikes are still shrouded in mystery.

The program was launched July 13th at Nichol's Oval with a bike parade attended by over fifty supporters. The next day, 20 pioneer bicycles were distributed around the downtown business core for use by registered members.

Today, there is approximately twice that number of bikes on the road with a promise of at least 20 more to come by the end of the summer for a total of 60 bikes.

For a one-time registration fee of ten dollars, you can have your own key to unlock any of the bikes you find. Just imagine, exercise, faster than walking, errands, a cool cruiser ripping down the George Street strip; all for the price of cheap wine.

The program, however, has had its flat tires. Originally, program organizers planned on placing yellow bike stands around the city as drop-off and pick-up sites. These were intended as a common meeting place for yellow bikes alike.
Unfortunately, 6 days before the program launch, the insurance company responsible for covering the program under OPIRG decided to revoke coverage and leave Yellow Bike to find its own insurance at an estimated minimum of five thousand dollars annually.

Many question the need for insurance. Basically, the city requires insurance in order for bike stands to be placed on city property. The reason being that if an individual takes a yellow bike from a stand, the bike malfunctions, and the individual is injured, the individual may sue the city. Fair enough…but for whom? Certainly not Peterborough Yellow Bike.

Another issue stemming from a lack of program stands is that of borrowing the bikes for longer than a single one-way trip. Originally, if someone needed to use a bike for longer than a ride, for errands per se, they could lock the bike up away from a stand, and be considered by all as 'taken' for the time being. The only way now to avoid your Yellow Bike from being taken by another member is to sleep with one eye open.
For now, program members must be satisfied with yellow bikes strewn about the George Street landscape. The eventual goal is to have enough bikes on the road to exceed demand, as well as stands to concentrate bike numbers and ensure successful pick-ups.

Memberships are for sale at Wild Rock Outfitters on Charlotte St. or at Peterborough Green-Up in the lower level of Peterborough Square.

Peterborough Yellow Bike members and supporters will be meeting with City Council in September to try and resolve the insurance/bike stand roadblock. E-mail your support to peterboroughyellowbike@hotmail.com as well as city councilors, or use a yellow bike to show the community you approve.