The Transportation Options team has extensive experience and success in the development, launch and coordination of cycle tourism products and other sustainable tourism initiatives across Ontario. The following is an overview of the services that we can provide to government, regional tourism or private business clients.
Menu of Services - Cycle Tourism Destination Development Ontario By Bike Network
Industry training workshops
Customized research, information and supporting regional toolkits
Providing businesses with bicycle-friendly business certification
Promotion of region as a cycle tourism destination
Gateway Signage Program
Welcome Cyclists regional entry point signs
Distance and directions provided to nearby communities
QR codes driving user to custom map with bicycle friendly business locations
About Transportation Options Established in 1992, Transportation Options is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable mobility and tourism solutions across Ontario. The organization has taken a lead in the development and promotion of cycle tourism in Ontario through projects such as the Ontario By Bike Network and the Bike Train Initiative. We do so by engaging in projects that research, develop and promote new transportation and tourism choices, with a focus on those that are integrated, environmentally sound, healthy, service-oriented, and improve the experience of users.
In 2012, Transportation Options is launching the Ontario By Bike Industry Partnership, a province-wide cycle tourism development and promotional program. The Partnership will build on our innovative and award-winning cycle tourism initiatives, and provide a coordinated, province-wide approach to cycle tourism development and promotion in Ontario.
Core services of the Ontario Welcome Cyclists Partnership include:
Coordinating a Program Advisory Committee and industry consultations on cycle tourism excellence.
Working with Ontario regions on cycle tourism product and destination development and marketing
Developing and bringing to market cycle tourism packages, feature itineraries and special events
Transportation Options Recent Milestones 2007
Greenbelt Express Toronto-Niagara Bike Train launches
Bike Train wins I Bike T.O. First Annual Award
2008
Welcome Cyclists pilot launches in Niagara
Bike Train wins 2 Ontario Tourism Awards: Innovator of the Year, Best Tourism Marketing Partnership
2009
Ontario Cycle Tourism Forum held featuring international speakers
Bike Train expands to North Bay
Montreal-Toronto Bike Train pilot launches
Bike Train finalist for TIAC Deloitte Tourism Innovator of the Year
2010
Bike Train expands to Windsor/Essex and Muskoka
2,500+ Bike Train passengers over 30 weekends to date
Welcome Cyclists Network launches and expands to 8 new regions, 210 bicycle friendly businesses certified to date
GO Transit offers “Bike Train service” on Toronto-Niagara route
VIA Rail offers “Bike Train service” on daily corridor trains
Partners Summits held in April and November
Strategic Plan developed in consultation with 100+ partners and supporters representing government, business and non-profits
2011
Welcome Cyclists Network expands to Eastern Ontario and Manitoulin Island with 9 more workshops, 400+ bicycle-friendly businesses certified to date
Destination development consulting work in various regions
New events, ‘Celebrate Cycling in Ontario' Prince Edward County & Windsor/Essex event locations Festival’
Lake Erie Waterfront Trail development work with partners Waterfront Regeneration Trust
Lead in coordinating Ontario Tourism support to Velo Quebec's Grand Tour 2011 in Eastern Ontario
Ontario Welcome Cyclists Partnership under development
Introduced pilot project Parkbus, offering express bus service to Ontario parks
2012
Ontario Welcome Cyclists Partnership launched with initial pan provincial Advisory Committee Meeting
Promotion and marketing of Ontario's cycling destinations
Continued expansion of Welcome Cyclists Network, with 28 workshops and 19 participating regions to date
Program management of Parkbus, offering express bus service to select national parks and Ontario provincial parks
Continuation as promotional partner to rail service providers offering Bike Train transportation options
Consulting work, destination development services continued
2013
Hosted the Ontario Cycle Tourism Forum, an industry conference in March
Continued expansion of Welcome Cyclists Network, with 38 workshops and 26 participating regions to date
Program management of Parkbus, offering express bus service to select national parks and Ontario provincial parks
Promotion and marketing of Ontario's cycling destinations
Consulting work, destination development services continued
2014
Programs relaunched under new brand name: Ontario By Bike
Continued growth of all programs
2015
Continued expansion of the Ontario By Bike Network, with 60 workshops and 33 participating regions at year end
Coordinated significant marketing campaigns and outreach
Continue administration and growth of the Ontario By Bike Network or certified bicycle friendly businesses
Parkbus growth nationally and with Active Days and Nature Link programming in Ontario
For more information please contact the Transportation Options: Louisa Mursell, Executive Director 416-827-2774 / 1-866-701-2774 lmursell (at) transportationoptions.org