Downtown Yonge BIA Welcomes Cyclists with Free Bike Valet Service

TORONTO, June 17, 2014 /CNW/ - Cyclists take note! The Downtown Yonge BIA is introducing Bike Valet to four major downtown festivals this summer:

June 19-22: Bike Valet powered by Downtown Yonge at NXNE
June 29: Bike Valet powered by Downtown Yonge at WorldPride
August 21-24: Bike Valet powered by Downtown Yonge and Scotiabank at Scotiabank BuskerFest

Bike Valet is a free bike parking service operated by Cycle Toronto. Think of it as a coat check for bikes. Guests drop off their bike, receive a ticket stub, and pick it up when the event's over.

"We're thrilled to bring Bike Valet to Downtown Yonge," says Jared Kolb, Executive Director of Cylcle Toronto. "Torontonians are cycling like never before, but this means that it's often tough to find bike parking, especially at events and festivals. Bike Valet solves that problem by adding a dedicated service for event participants."

In previous years, festivalgoers who struggled to find bike parking were found tying their bikes onto hydro poles, tree branches, or anything they could find. In hopes of improving cyclists' festival experience, this year's bike valet has the capacity to safely store over 200 bikes.

"The Downtown Yonge BIA is committed to creating a welcoming environment that is accessible and user-friendly for everyone", says Mark Garner, Executive Director of the Downtown Yonge BIA. "Bike Valet is just one component of our strategy. It addresses the needs of Toronto's growing cycling population while integrating environmental initiatives into our festival portfolio."

Other Downtown Yonge BIA active transportation initiatives include installing new bike racks, hosting free bike repair clinics, and working with office tenants to change employee commuting behavior.

The bike valet will be located on the south side of Dundas Street West, between Yonge Street and Bay Street. Look for the Downtown Yonge BIA flag and the Cycle Toronto tent.

Visit www.downtownyonge.com for more information on upcoming events and projects.

About Downtown Yonge BIA

The Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area is an association of 2,000 businesses and property owners in downtown Toronto. Founded in 2001, its mandate is to revitalize and position Downtown Yonge as Canada's premier business, shopping and entertainment destination.

SOURCE: Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area

Media Contact 

Mark Garner
Executive Director
416-597-0255
[email protected]