The
Georgian Bay Cycling Route Together we will make it a reality
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Hi, my name is Maja Mielonen and my partner’s name is Guy Nielen. We are chair and co-chair of the Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates, also known as MICA. We bring you greetings from beautiful Manitoulin. This region is actively represented by the LaCloche Manitoulin Business Assistance Corporation, MP Carol Hughes and MPP Michael Mantha, who have given their full support to the Georgian Bay Cycling Route.
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In the winter of 2010, Guy and I started to lobby for paved shoulders on Hwy 6 with a lot of local support. These paved shoulders are now noted as existing infrastructure in the MTO Cycling Strategy draft paper. MICA was inaugurated in Dec 2010.
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In spring of 2011 MICA, supported by the LACLOCHE MANITOULIN BUSINESS ASSISTANCE CORPORATION, held its first Annual Share the Road Ride. I am happy to invite you to our: 3rd Annual Manitoulin Passage Ride Held this year on June 8 & 9 It is a wonderful 2 day ride with FREE FERRY PASSAGE for cyclists, great food, good fun and live entertainment.
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NOW, I am excited to present to you the
Georgian Bay Cycling Route
•It is over 900 km long. •Wraps around all of Georgian Bay. •Involves three Regional Tourist Organizations known as RTO’s. •Includes the Trans Canada Trail. •Connects to existing public transportation options and •reopens the old hwy 69 corridor to active living tourism that is now bypassed by Hwy 400. •A keen cyclist is able to ride the entirety of this route in a week. 5
Today's ride around Georgian Bay starts in South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island. We cycle north on paved shoulders along Hwy 6, through scenic Manitoulin and the breathtaking La Cloche Mountains all the way to Espanola.
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Continuing West – East: We follow the preliminary route laid out by the tireless work of Denis Baldwin and Guy Nielen, primarily using low traffic roads and following the wonderful Trans Canada Trail, A great Rainbow Routes achievement, right through the heart of Sudbury, all the way out to Wahnapitae.
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Heading North to South: We continue south along old Hwy 69, skirting Hwy 400. This section will reestablish active living and economic development options to that region. • Benefiting local businesses now cut off by Hwy 400 along this corridor. • Reopening access for cyclists from north and south to the spectacular, rugged, northern beauty found in Killarney Provincial Park. • Creating recreational and commuting opportunities for locals and visitors alike. 8
Following our Route South to North: •We cycle on low traffic roads, existing non-motorized trails and arrive again on the paved shoulders of Hwy 6 through the Bruce Peninsula to Tobermory. •Ontario has public transportation in place connecting the GTA to our route. •The Parkbus brings you to Owen Sound, and the Go Train to Barrie, offering a perfect and sustainable green holiday option. 9
To conclude today's journey around Georgian Bay: The Ferry represents the essential component.
The M.S. Chi-Cheemaun, provides a very pleasant passage, bringing us back to Manitoulin, the largest freshwater Island in the world.
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Economic Benefits: LODGING You can well imagine that a good bed at night is appreciated after a long day in the saddle. GASTRONOMY We all know that good, healthy food fuels the cyclist. ATTRACTIONS Cyclists, just like all our other visitors, enjoy attending local attractions and events to sweeten their journey.
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Local Benefits & Marketing:
Safe cycling routes •Assist in building healthy, happy, environmentally friendly communities. •Help individuals to make green commuting choices and they also have great socio-economic benefits. •Provide affordable holiday options for local families and individuals. •Keep local dollars local.
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Benefits & Marketing to the GTA: Easy public transportation connections to the Georgian Bay area offer weekend getaways for GTA dwellers who plan to escape the city in a sustainable way. __________________________________________ A document titled Transportation and the new Generation reports a drop of 23% in car miles driven by 16-34 year olds. It states that cycling has increased by 24% between 2001-2009. This same generation has 26% fewer licensed drivers. 45% of this generation are making a conscious effort to replace driving with transportation alternatives. 13
International Benefits & Marketing: The Georgian Bay Cycling Route will in no time become an Internationally recognized cycling destination by its sheer size and connections from every point on the compass. Touring companies from all over the world will start to offer cycling vacations to this splendid route once it is in place. Being green at home often means wanting to travel green on holidays. 14
Where can we find funding? Ontario has made Cycling
Infrastructure eligible under the Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative, as part of a Municipality’s complete Asset Management Plan.
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MICA believes that the Georgian Bay Cycling Route meets MTO funding criteria. Due to the facts:
1. that a large portion of the route has no alternative options. 2. that the Georgian Bay Cycling Route fits into the goals of the Ministry of Tourism. 3. that the Georgian Bay cycling Route satisfies the goals found in the RTO’s strategy papers. MICA sees this route as a vital link to the province-wide cycling network.
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Some implementation needs MICA can see are: 1. Someone taking on the lead for a province-wide cycling plan. 2. Community support possibly led by the three RTO’s involved. 3. MTO’s ongoing involvement making their vision of an Ontariowide cycling web come true. 4. Ontario will need to place Internationally recognized signs. 17
Actions Needed Now: Right now we ask for letters of support from all of you for a feasibility study. We welcome detailed input to this route. Our website will let you interactively add your local suggestions. We believe that the Georgian Bay Cycling Route will enhance and provide essential links to the provincial cycling plan. Together we can succeed in building this wonderful route. 18
We brought with us the beautiful Manitoulin Cycling Routes & Road Map The map is available for $ 2.00. MICA needs to provide 10% of the funding for the Georgian Bay Cycling Route feasibility study. We ask you to assist our small organization with this big project. Please make a generous donation. Maps and donation forms are available at the back. We thank you for your support. 19
Potential Partners: Many hands make light work. This route has so many benefits on so many levels, that we are looking forward to receiving helping hands from just as many sides. By working together from the grassroots up and from the top down, we will create a powerful foundation to ride happily, safely, healthfully and cleanly into the future.
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Your support and assistance will be invaluable to
polish the
Georgian Bay Cycling Route to the Jewel it can be
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We thank you for your time, support and interest. You can find facts, stats, contact information , and map details on our website. www.manitoulincycling.com
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