Building Bicycle Tourism in Grey County

Ontario Cycle Tourism Forum 2013 The Grey County Experience

Grey County

• Niagara Escarpment

• Georgian Bay

• Beaver Valley

• Blue Mountain Resort

• Owen Sound

• Bruce Trail

• Good County Roads (some paved shoulders)

Grey County – A Welcoming Destination

Share The Road – Grey County Style

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… and in summer

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Tourism in Grey County

1.5 million visitors to Grey County annually (2006-2010) $230 million in visitor spending 170 accommodation establishments, plus another 85

attractions, golf courses, marinas and trails/CAs 3200 jobs, total taxes=$104 million

including $10.4 million in municipal taxes 4 Season outdoors destination with emerging culinary

and arts/culture experiences

Grey County Tourism

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Vision Welcoming destinations and great experiences

make Grey County the natural place to visit and live.

Goal Increase sustainable tourism revenues through managing & marketing Grey.

2010 - Grey County Cycling Advisory Ctte

Goal: Grey County will be a premiere cycling destination in Ontario in 5 years

Key partners: Local cycling club members, cycling shop owners, advocates The Blue Mountains – municipality to host first Centurion race, Share The Road Grey County Transportation Services - paved shoulder policy, signage Blue Mountain Resort – host to Centurion & downhill mountain bike facility

Tourism department brought the partners together, facilitated communication and

led the tourism initiative

Owen Sound Cycling Club

Tom Thomson Trail – the missing link

Owen Sound Cycling Club - Events

Share The Road ride – Wiarton May 2011

The Blue Mountains - Share The Road

• Community concerns about the Centurion Race • Engaged the community around a series of concerns, competing

needs of agricultural sector, businesses, cyclists and other users • Provided framework to engage everyone in an ongoing dialogue

• Share the Road Coalition included: • The Blue Mountains • Blue Mountain Resort • Village Association • Clearview • Meaford • Collingwood • Wasaga Beach • Cyclists (though not a unified group) • Three local OPP detachments

The Blue Mountains - Community Champions

Bill Abbotts • Share the Road advocate & activist Local OPP Municipal Governments

• Promotional materials • Share the Road magnets, stickers, water bottles

• Ride-along with OPP • 600 water bottles handed out = outreach

• Centurion (4000 participants) • Using local champions

The Blue Mountains - Successes

• A strong Share the Road program and supportive policies can be a draw for tourists and events = economic benefit of destination development

• Having clear policies helps support event organizers in meeting municipal requirements, ensuring safety and improving image in the community

• Regional commitment from Health Units, Municipalities, Counties, OPP detachments, as well as private sector

• Local bike shops & car dealerships provide Share the Road “swag” to customers

• The Blue Mountains has completed an Active Transportation Audit

• The Roads Department has provided road construction and maintenance schedules on the Town website so users can plan their ride

• The Blue Mountains was recognized as a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community in 2011

Grey County Transportation

March 2009 Grey County passed a paved shoulder policy 43.1 kms of County roads now have a paved shoulder Transportation Master Plan

Grey County Transportation Master Plan Goal #1: Create a vision for

all modes of transportation in the County of Grey, with a particular focus on encouraging active transportation options (cycling, walking/running)

Blue Mountain - Cycling Tourism Products

Downhill Mountain Biking X-Country Trails and family guided

packages On-hill events Cycling routes around the resort, trails to

neighbouring towns Pedal & Paddle ~ Apple Pie Trail Adventure Centurion Cycling Championship

Centurion Canada

Racers Race… Riders Ride… Everyone Has Fun!

Friday - Sun Registration and Expo

SATURDAY C25 Race

Kids Ride

Hill Climb

Timex Vertical Challenge – TSN

Live Music & Kids Activities

Awards & Outdoor Movie

SUNDAY C50 Race

C100 Race

Centurion Cycling - Direct Benefits

• Measurable economic impact • Ongoing between events • Leverage series of events • Television coverage • Print and electronic promotion • Legacy programs – grant programs, charity teams

Rider Survey Results

Spent money, Stayed Overnight

They came to Blue for Centurion Training

Grey County Tourism Keys to Success - 2011

Minister of Tourism & Culture Michael Chang at Dundas Square tourism event

Printed initial Cycling in Grey County map Shot short cycling video Created virtual Grey County Cycle Tour to take to special events Gave out 2,000 Share The Road magnets at summer events Focus on cycling in marketing Attended STR, Bike Summit

Centurion Canada

Keys to Success - 2012

Cross-Canada cyclist “There’s a cold beer waiting for me in Saint John’s…)

Re-printed double quantity of Cycle Maps (60,000) Updated website with better mapping, cross Canada route Gave out 4,000 Share The Road magnets at summer events Hosted 2 successful Welcome Cyclist workshops, 20 businesses registered

Updated Cycle Video

Looking ahead - 2013

Expand membership on Welcome Cyclists network Develop experience based itineraries – partner with wineries, attractions, accommodators Continue to support Share the Road initiatives Support active transportation/tourism benefits of cycling – Grey County TMP Expand marketing of cycling