Free bike valet pilot project coming to Toronto waterfront

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Cyclists heading to the waterfront can soon access some white-glove service at no additional cost.

That is if you don’t miss out on a 10-day pilot project.

The Waterfront BIA is partnering with Cycle Toronto to offer a free bike valet service from July 5 to July 15, Cycle Toronto said Thursday in a statement. The service will allow cyclists to drop off their bike with Cycle Toronto and pick up a bike map, while also enjoying the waterfront.

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The drop-off spot will be at the northwest corner of Queens Quay W. and Rees St. and the service will be available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for all 10 days of the pilot project, Cycle Toronto said.

“Having a secure place to park your bike is one less thing to worry about while enjoying your day,” Cycle Toronto Executive Director Michael Longfield said. “We are excited to partner with the Waterfront BIA to show that bikes mean business and get more folks down to our waterfront to eat, shop and explore.”

Cycle Toronto said the “secure” service works like a coat check and that it is a safe and manageable way for people to visit the neighbourhood with “experienced staff” keeping an eye on their ride.

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The charity group said bike valet services can help reduce automobile traffic and make bike parking easier to access, especially along the 22-km Martin Goodman Trail, which is one of the most used bike corridors in the city.

The Waterfront BIA is also hoping the pilot project will “demonstrate how enhanced bike infrastructure can improve conditions for retailers along the Waterfront.

“With this initiative, we want to ensure that cyclists have a safe and convenient place to keep their bikes during their visit, enabling them to fully explore and enjoy the diverse businesses and experiences that the waterfront has to offer,” Waterfront BIA operations director Oliver Hierlihy said.

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