RENFREW: A new organization that brings together and provides a voice for cyclists, hikers, walkers and paddlers in the Ottawa Valley is holding its first public ride and meeting at Ma-Te-Way Park on Sunday, June 5.
In partnership with the Renfrew Pinnacle Pedallers, the Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance (OVCATA) is encouraging everyone in local communities to ride in support of the two rail trails that meet in Renfrew and then to meet for introductions and an information-sharing session.
There has been growing interest in cycling and active (non-motorized) transportation (AT), and until now, there has not been a single, organized voice for these activities in the Ottawa Valley. This past winter, a group of friends who had come to know each other through an informal network of cycling and active transportation (AT) advocates decided to form OVCATA as a membership organization.
Riders will meet at Ma-Te-Way Park at 9 a.m. on Sunday, June 5, and they can choose to ride either of the rail trails that intersect there (mountain bikes are needed for these) or go for a ride on area roads. Then, at 11:30, there will be a public information session hosted by the new organization.
A canteen at the park’s Activity Centre will provide meals and refreshments, and the OPP will run a bike rodeom startug at 9:00 a.m. at the park. There, young riders are directed to various stations where they learn to observe traffic indicators, balancing skills, bike rules and more. Helmets are necessary for participants.
MPP John Yakabuski has been invited to the event as part of a campaign launched by the province-wide Share The Road Coalition and its Ride the Riding campaign. However, due to another commitment, he is unable to attend.
“John’s a cyclist and has been supportive on the issues we are involved with,” said Mr. Theilheimer. “He said he hopes to attend, with his bike, if his schedule allows. This is great, because cycling and AT need political champions like John.”
Debbie Fiebig, of the Pinnacle Pedallers, is pleased that the new Alliance has formed. “It goes well with our work here. We’re seeing a big wave of enthusiasm for cycling in our area, and it’s great that we can hook up with like-minded people from all over the Valley.”
The Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance was founded, according to co-chair, Ish Theilheimer, to be “A voice for cycling and active transportation. We want to educate and advocate for the interests and safety of all cyclists and everyone who participates in AT.”
Co-chair Shawna Babcock has been active promoting AT in Renfrew County for years and has been co-chair of the County’s Active Transportation Working Group as well as the Physical Activity Network of Renfrew County. She is enthusiastic about the formation of OVCATA because “It will bring people together in support of better infrastructure, education and resources for AT, which will be a major benefit in terms of our collective health and well-being, the environment, and the economy. Improved access to cycling and active transportation benefits us all in so many ways.”
The information-sharing session will be an opportunity to get involved with OVCATA. Its charter directors are co-chairs Ish Theilheimer (Golden Lake) and Shawna Babcock (Deep River), Secretary Ron Moss (Pembroke), Treasurer Debbie Fiebig (Renfrew), Communications Chair Steve D’Eon (Deep River), Education Chair: Ole Hendrickson (Ottawa / Morrison’s Island), Membership Chair David Wieser (Petawawa), and members at large Peter Hageraats (Pembroke / Ottawa), Chris Hinsperger (Eganville), Damien McCarthy (Petawawa) and Jeff Mills (Almonte). Robert Howe of Barrys Bay provided legal advice and support for the organization’s incorporation.
