SavedByBikes.com: A new approach for an old problemBy Nathan Shaw
A bicycle is not just a bicycle to Steve Inniss. It's our future.
Tucked away in one of Canada's busiest office towers in downtown Toronto, Inniss has just opened a new store that aims to change the face of North American commuting and make us all greener - one bike at a time.
SavedByBikes.com is the exclusive Canadian distributor for STRiDA - a revolutionary folding bicycle.
Aimed at commuters, or city dwellers whose storage space may be limited, the STRiDA bicycle is made up of a unique rustproof triangular construction, which folds and unfolds in 5 seconds flat. Instead of a chain, it has an oil-free belt made from Kevlar, so those wearing their good office wear need not worry. GO Transit has approved the folding bike to be allowed on its trains, since the clean belt will not mark up the seats. The bikes also fit snug on buses, streetcars and the subway.
More and more urban centres in North America are grappling with out of control infrastructure deficits and congestion costs. Inniss believes it doesn't have to be this way. "Demands on the budgets of North American cities to support the auto-infrastructure are too enormous to sustain," he argues. "To say nothing about gridlock, opportunity cost, stress from commute times, and parking costs."
Along with the bicycle is savedByBikes.com's unique new concept store and website, which targets people whose commute currently involves automobile use for all or part of the time.
The company's mission is to help people consider a greener, more environmentally friendly alternative. For some, part of that consideration involves borrowing a bike overnight to try their own commute; a service the company offers at no charge. With high foot traffic and unique location at First Canadian Place, Inniss has found huge interest in his cause. "People believe it is an important and timely business idea - taking the risk to bring solutions directly to commuters, via the bike shop in a bank building," he says. "Quite a few want to know if there is any room for investors. I think it stems from the fact that it is the right thing to do."
Bicycle use is often seen as a visible indicator of a modern, diverse city, enhancing the culture of the city itself. Thinking globally, but acting locally, is the intention. "We must change our ways to reduce emissions and help strengthen our planet's ability to deal with stress," Inniss says.
The STRiDA is sweeping Europe and Asia by storm where it's been referred to as the rolling miracle. Can our society be 'Saved By Bikes?' Perhaps it can.
