East Gwillimbury turns to mountain bikes to physical distance 19

Parks maintenance staff will be utilizing the bikes to reach all park and trail locations within Sharon to avoid driving together in vehicles.

Yorkregion.com
May 19, 2020
Simon Martin

East Gwillimbury employees Jamie Joslin is ready to start her shift. - Provided by Town of EG

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the East Gwillimbury does business as much of the workforce has started to work remotely. The town is coming up with innovative ways to implement physical distancing for those that do have to physically go to work.

One challenge as been with transportation. As employees continue to conduct daily business, they require access to transportation vehicles to move throughout the town to do their work. With limited vehicles available, and with the need to have employees practice physical distancing, the town has acquired mountain bikes to be used as an alternative mode of transportation. This ensures that vehicles can have minimal occupancy and staff can bike to work locations.

“Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest,” Mayor Virginia Hackson said. “As we continue to navigate our response to COVID-19, I am pleased that we are able to look at all types of innovative ideas to help us build back better. Solutions can be as simple as providing staff the opportunity to bike to work sites, exercise and maintain physical distancing.”

Parks maintenance staff will be utilizing the bikes to reach all park and trail locations within Sharon to avoid driving together in vehicles. Each person riding the bike will meet another staff member who drives the vehicle and equipment to the site. Bylaw staff and parks staff are also utilizing the bikes to visit local parks and trails, reminding people about the provincial orders.

According to the town the pilot program provides environmental and cost-saving opportunities by taking vehicles off the road and avoiding the need to rent vehicles, which comes with additional costs related to mileage, gas, maintenance and insurance.

The town said the program may expand in the future with bikes used for staff travelling between facilities or for fitness, health and wellness breaks.