The Malcolm Island Green Bike Program is up and running for another season.
When visiting Malcolm Island, people can tour around by using one of the Regional District of Mount Waddington’s Green Bikes for free.
Bikes can be borrowed from the Sointula Resource Centre at 165 1st Street (across from the ferry terminal).
“The location is outstanding,” said Operations Manager Patrick Donaghy at the Regional District board meeting May 19.
In an interview, Donaghy said that he and Administrator Greg Fletcher modelled the program after similar ones they had seen in places like Victoria. “It just seems to fit the laid-back Malcolm Island culture and adds to the quality of your Malcolm Island visit,” Donaghy said.
In addition to providing green transportation, the bikes also help reduce, reuse, and recycle waste.
For the bike program, the Regional District rescued 10 bikes from the dump, fixed them up, then painted them a bright lime green “so they are quite distinctive.”
Helmets, which are cleaned after each use, are also provided at no charge. Donaghy said the bikes will be available until the end of September, and the Regional District will be paying $100 a month to the centre for coordinating the service.
Those using the bikes are expected to leave a security in the form of a piece of identification. Hours of use are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
The Green Bike Program is quite popular with lots of use from people from the mainland and international visitors.