Community Cruisers is on a mission to promote bicycle use for transportation, health and equity in the Bow Valley.
Community Cruisers (CC) values underscore every program and product; those values are inclusivity, creativity, sustainability, and respect for all road users. To this end, the non-profit society, which has been operating since 2007, helps people of all ages and abilities obtain and learn how to use a bike.
Jen Tweddell lived in a variety of bike-friendly cities around the world. When she came to Canmore with her partner they soon learned about CC, and Tweddell was quick to get involved. She calls her values and the non-profit “the perfect fit.”
Among the many programs offered by CC, Tweddell is particularly excited for the second Bike All Winter program.
“This is a program where we help people in Canmore and Banff get equipped and build confidence for winter bike riding,” explains Tweddell. “In addition to equipping the bikes, we pair each student with an experienced winter bike rider, and we do group rides.
"Last year Bike All Winter had 38 participants, 30 from Canmore, eight from Banff. This year 165 applied. The youngest applicant was four, and the oldest is a senior. We accepted a total of 87 applicants between Canmore and Banff.”
The application process, which was open for just under a month, hinged on several factors including funding, the financial need of the prospect, as well as their demographics.
While help is available for low-income earners, CC aims to include people from all walks of life so everyone can learn from each other and see how bicycle riding is accessible and can be enjoyed by all.
You can support CC by donating a bike or bike parts.
“If you are no longer using a bike, bring it to us and our volunteers will refurbish it,” says Tweddell. “We take both bikes and parts. What we cannot fix is recycled or used as parts. We are also always looking for volunteers as we are 100 per cent volunteer driven. We offer lots of opportunities for people to work with us, so please get in touch.”
CC runs The Hub Bike Workshop in Canmore where they sell affordable used bikes and members get access to tools, equipment, and information to maintain their bikes. Recently CC has been pleased to announce their opening of the Banff Hub, which is accessible Tuesdays from 5-8 p.m. in the Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre.
Community Cruisers has plenty to offer the community. Learn more online and on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
