Sep 14 '09 - 450 W - Vote Good + 5 :: Bad - 5 Cash for clunkers, bicycle edition
Published September 14, 2009 by The Windsor Star
Trevor Wilhelm
It's a new approach to economic stimulus: pedal power.
Windsor bicycle store Maximum Edge has seized upon the current economic zeitgeist and is offering its own cash-for-clunkers program.
"There's all the media hype and the frenzy for cash for clunkers," said manager Jaime Kasurak. "We're just trying to ride on the coattails of all that."
The promotion allows cyclists to bring in old bikes, regardless of the condition, and get 30 per cent off the price of a new one. Kasurak said the shop, on County Road 42 just east of the airport entrance, has more than 100 bikes.
Prices start around $350 and go up from there.
The original cash-for-clunkers program was created by the U.S. government, which offered consumers up to $4,500 when they traded in older gas guzzlers for more fuel-efficient vehicles. Despite industry lobbies, the Canadian government doesn't offer the same program.
In the U.S., the incentive was far more popular than expected. It sparked a dramatic surge in auto sales, spurred vehicle production and even boosted overall economic output.
Kasurak is hoping the same for his bike shop, but so far that hasn't happened.
"It hasn't taken off yet," he said.
Apart from making a few sales, Kasurak said he hopes his version of the program will help promote cycling as a feasible transportation alternative. He said Windsor, with its generally flat terrain and warm weather, is prime cycling country.
"Mainly, I'm trying to get people on bikes," said Kasurak. "It's a great alternative form of transportation, it's a great form of exercise. I'm just trying to make people conscious that they probably have an old bike in their garage and they don't enjoy riding it because it's rusted out, it's old.
"So it's the whole idea of maybe they can get rid of an old bike in their garage and it's going to a good home."
Kasurak, who doesn't own a car, lives what he preaches.
"I got rid of my clunker car," he said. "I rarely drove it anyway. It wasn't much of a car to begin with. I've been fortunate that I'm able to ride a bike to work."
The shop plans to donate the old bikes to charity. If you run a charity and can use them, call Maximum Edge at 519-969-7575.
Original article:
http://www2.canada.com/windsorstar/news/editorial/story.html?id=fc45bfc0-7553-4404-8ea8-a859ec49daab
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