May, 2013 - Peg City Car Co-op

It appears as though the summer weather is just about here! That makes it the ideal time of the year to try out more active ways to get around the city. It is also the time of year to check out a series of different commuting-related events that promote both active transportation and transit! So dust off that bike and check them out. Best part, they are all FREE!

1. Winter Cycling for Everyone : Film and Panel Discussion – May 30th (6:30-8 pm)

Ok, ok, so with a delayed summer, who really wants to think about winter cycling? But did you know that Winnipeg has been selected as the next location for the Winter Cycling Congress in 2014? Come check out a short film and panel exploring winter cycling.

Location: Winnipeg Free Press Cafe in The Exchange District

Panel discussion after film– featuring Paul Jordan, COO of the Forks, Councillor Justin Swandel, design whiz Andrea Tetrault (Winnipeg Cycle Chick) and speaker Timo Perälä. Moderated by Bartley Kives.

2. Commuter Challenge – June 2-8

Hey you, it’s June! It’s the perfect month to get outdoors and start commuting to work by bike, walk, or bus (or canoe, rollerblades, carpool, telecommute, etc.). Did you know that in addition to being good for your health, commuting by bike may also make you happier?

Register through the Green Action Centre website for a chance to win great prizes (including a prize valued at $100 from us!).

3. MEC Bikefest – June 15

Come join the fun and connect with your local cycling community. You can try out gear, test ride a new bike, browse exhibitors’ booths, score deals at the MEC Gearswap, or learn skills at a bike clinic. There’ll also be group rides, performers, entertainment, and kids’ activities.

All the fun takes place at the Forks.

4. Downtown Biz Living Room: Downtown Cycling Presentation and Workshop – June 19th (10-11:30 am)

Join Bike to Work and the Downtown BIZ as they host a cycle-friendly workplace workshop to promote the cycling initiatives taking place downtown. Watch a video that recognizes Winnipeg workplaces who are championing cycling initiatives; and a “how to” video on how to make your workplace more cycle-friendly. Be entered to win a bike rack and other prizes!

5. Bike to Work Day – June 21st

Make sure you register in advance and then ride your bike to work on Friday, June 21st! You’ve already practiced during the Commuter Challenge, so how hard could it be? From 6:30-9 am stop at any number of pit stops placed a long cycling routes for refreshments and some quick bike fix-ups. Peg City Car Co-op will be hosting a pit stop at River and Osborne. After work head over to the Forks between 3:30-7 pm for a BBQ!

Join us at The University of Winnipeg at 7 pm the night before (June 20th) for the first annual Bike Shorts Film Night (sponsored by Peg City Car Co-op).

BONUS: Peg City Car Co-op Turns 2! – June 24th

It was two years ago that Peg City Car Co-op was launched on Bike to Work Day! We started with 36 members and 3 cars! Today we have 8 cars and almost 150 members! En lieu of party, we encourage you to maintain your healthy active transportation habits built over the past month and bike, walk or bus to work.

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Peg City Car Co-op Doubles Fleet, Serves More Neighbourhoods Thanks to Local Investors

WINNIPEG (May 21, 2013)—Peg City Car Co-op is doubling its fleet of fuel-efficient carshare vehicles located around central Winnipeg neighbourhoods. The city’s first and only carshare is expanding its service to include West Broadway, Corydon Village, The University of Winnipeg, and further into Downtown Winnipeg. This builds on existing locations at the Legislative grounds, Osborne Village, and South Osborne. Expanding into more neighbourhoods means carsharing will become a practical option for more Winnipeggers.

Approaching its second anniversary, Peg City Car Co-op has grown to 140 members and counting. Continued growth is anticipated with the fleet expansion to 8 vehicles, which already includes an electric Chevrolet Volt. The latest vehicle locations include: 125 Sherbrook Street (Resource Assistance for Youth), 708 Jessie Avenue (Bluestem Housing Co-op), Good Street (Buhler Centre – UWinnipeg) and at Garry Street and Broadway (next to Cambrian Credit Union).

The expansion is all thanks to $66,000 raised from individual Manitobans who purchased investment shares in the local car co-op. Through the Province’s Community Enterprise Tax Credit (CED) program, Manitoba investors received a 30% personal income tax credit. This successful campaign is part of Peg City’s goal to reach a fleet of 11 cars, serving 350 members, by the end of 2014.

“This is a big step for the car co-op. By doubling our fleet, we can expand the carshare network to serve more neighbourhoods and provide even better service for our existing members.” says Shoni Litinsky, President of Peg City Car Co-op’s board. “It’s a key part of our overall strategy to provide the “Sometimes Drive” option for Winnipeg residents who get around primarily by biking, walking and taking the bus but want occasional access to a car. It feels really great to have local individual investors show their support and help make carsharing possible in more Winnipeg neighbourhoods.”