BIKE SHARE SERVICE: TRIAL RUN THIS SUMMER

The National Capital Commission (NCC), in collaboration with the City of Ottawa and Ville de Gatineau, today announced a trial run for the Bike Share Service to begin this summer. Residents and visitors will be able to rent a bicycle for a few minutes or a few hours to speed up their downtown errands on both sides of the Ottawa River.

“This project lays the groundwork for a broader, progressive initiative that will see both residents and visitors in Canada’s Capital Region travelling in an environmentally friendly way, at little cost,” said Marie Lemay, Chief Executive Officer of the NCC. “In addition to increased mobility, the Bike Share Service will offer a new way of discovering the beauty of the Capital’s green spaces and our many urban points of interest.”

The service will be made available through bike rental stations to be set up at various points throughout the downtown core of both Ottawa and Gatineau. Users will also be able to submit comments and suggestions about the service at these rental stations.

“This initiative is in line with our common efforts to improve travel between the cities of Gatineau and Ottawa. This new service will complement the many sustainable transportation options already available in the region. I am confident it will be successful, because it is consistent with the development of our two cities,” explained Marc Bureau, Mayor of Gatineau.

A large-scale permanent operation is planned for 2010. To this end, a market study and operating plan will be undertaken in 2009 to identify user needs and trip patterns, regional requirements, operating costs, number of stations and bicycles required as well as the location of the stations.

“The Bike Share Program is easy to use and environmentally friendly, and it will encourage physical fitness,” said Mayor of Ottawa Larry O’Brien. “This will have a tremendous impact on the quality of life for our residents on both sides of the Ottawa River.”

Once the trial run is completed, we will review and analyze the project’s results. If the project is successful, a tripartite agreement between the NCC, the City of Ottawa and Ville de Gatineau will be established.

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