Cyclists are banding together to provide a unified voice and shared platform for all two-wheeled enthusiasts in Cochrane. Bike Cochrane, a not-for-profit comprised of the spectrum of local enthusiasts, advocates and industry professionals, is aiming for an official launch by spring 2019. Between now and then, the group is building awareness and momentum behind what it hopes will fill in the gaps for connecting local and travelling cyclists to the safest routes through town, advocating for mountain bike trails, improving connectivity between communities and building positive relationships between those on two wheels and other groups. "Our mission is to serve Cochrane by promoting and advocating for cycling in our community," explained board president Ross Stirling, a former triathlete and active recreational cyclist. "We want to develop a cycle-friendly culture in Cochrane." Stirling explained that the group will look to advocate for safer infrastructure for cyclists, the development of trails, as well as acting as stewards for positive relationships with other groups – including those on four wheels or four paws. Graham Pye, the owner of local Bike Bros. in Cochrane, is director of operations for the board and believes connectivity between communities, especially some of the newer outlying areas, has posed a struggle for many cyclists. People are also surprised at the lack of mountain bike trails in the picturesque town – having to travel to Kananaskis or elsewhere for mountain biking. "In the shop, I was certainly hearing from people visiting town who were quite shocked that there's quite literally nowhere to ride your mountain bike in town ... short of informal trails in Cochrane Ranche, we don't really have anything." Pye, an "everything" cyclists with an expertise in mountain biking, said with the growth in Cochrane, people are also surprised that there isn't a bike skills track yet – considering Canmore has three. He said the group has reached out to Cochrane BMX – a growing club that has been seeing success competitively on the national stage. "(Cycling) means something different to so many people. It can be the way you get around, or the thing that puts a smile on your face or a medal around your neck," said Pye. Jerold Hoshowatiuk, the board's vice-president, who has a diverse background with BMX and road cycling is motivated by the connectivity issues for cyclists around town that range from "less than spectacular" to "cumbersome." He is also looking to create safer access for children to get around town on two wheels. As a father of two boys, Hoshowatiuk is troubled that his sons can't ride from their Bow Ridge home to Glenbow Elementary safely and is looking forward to engaging more parents and residents to move the group forward positively. "This isn't a spring, it's a long-term thing ... I feel very positive with some of the ways we're moving forward." Mayor Jeff Genung, an active, competitive cyclist and Ironman competitor, is looking forward to the group presenting to council in the early new year. "I recently had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the Bike Cochrane group, and I’m looking forward to working with them in making Cochrane a more bike-friendly community. I was impressed with their eagerness to not only promote Cochrane for all types of cycling, but also to find ways for cyclists and motorists to co-exist," said Genung. "While we see many cyclists pass through Cochrane, or utilize the local hills for training, this important initiative will help bring cyclists into downtown and ensure safe trails connect throughout the community." Those interested in purchasing Bike Cochrane decals for $2 to wear their support can stop by Bike Bros. or Cafe Roubaix.
