The wheels are in motion for a community bike rental program, but municipal officials are still cycling through the idea.
On Monday, council approved a motion asking the region's tourism development coordinator to initiate talks with Demon Electric/RYDE, and any other businesses interested in a pilot project.
“It would be great if we could get the e-bike rental going with the businesses who are interested if there’s no cost to the municipality,” said South Kent Councillor Clare Latimer.
Earlier this year, the municipality put out a call to cycling advocates interested in creating a community bike-share program.
The request for interest was issued in February and closed in March. It received only one response.
It was from Demon Electric/RYDE, a company based in Richmond Hill, that has national and international experience working with fleet operations, including municipal projects.
"The vision for the pilot model would be one of collaborative funding with financial resources provided by private operators, with support from Chatham-Kent tourism, as well as third parties, including potential sponsors and government,” read the report.
In conversation with Tourism Development Coordinator Andrea McCulligh, Latimer asked if there was any potential for the program to be a long-term venture.
McCulligh said that could be discussed in the future with the company.
"I'm sure if we approach them looking at requesting options for long-term access, they would be willing to discuss that and negotiate that as part of their services as well," said McCulligh.
A report detailing recommendations and associated costs will come back to council in July.
