July 09, 2013 (Oakville, ON) – Provincial Cycling Organization Share the Road and GranFondo Canada are joining forces with Cycle Oakville to provide a Bike Valet service at the upcoming RBC Canadian Open in Oakville from July 22 – 28, 2013.

The Bike Valet will be a convenient and secure area for cyclists to store their bikes when attending the tournament. The concept has been used at other major golf tournaments — including the Canadian Open in Vancouver and Hamilton  — events in the past and is something that is growing in popularity. The idea for a bike valet service was advanced by representatives from Golf Canada and the Town of Oakville who wanted to offer an opportunity for those attending the Canadian Open to do so by bicycle.

The valet will be located just outside the entrance of the Glen Abbey Golf Club at the corner of Old Abbey Lane, and Dorval Drive. Local businesses, including accommodation providers, will be promoting the valet service to their guests.

“We are so pleased that GranFondo Canada and the Share the Road Cycling Coalition offered to provide assistance in terms of organizing and providing this valet bicycle service at the Canadian Open,” said Oakville Councilor Pam Damoff.

Damoff, who also co-founded Cycle Oakville noted: “Our organization was founded to encourage cycling in Oakville, work with partners to engineer safety, education and awareness campaigns, and work with local businesses and BIAs to develop bicycle friendly business districts. This kind of innovative service and approach will provide a unique opportunity for local guests — and those joining us from out of town — to have the choice of cycling to and from the Open. We are very excited to be have this opportunity, and so pleased that Golf Canada has been so encouraging and supportive.”

“We are delighted to be participating in the provision of this service to guests attending the Canadian Open. We are excited at the potential for this service to alleviate traffic and parking congestion. It’s a great way to get in and out of the Open quickly too!,” said Eleanor McMahon, CEO Share the Road Cycling Coalition.

“Our organization was thrilled that Councillor Damoff asked us to provide assistance. While our core business is organizing cycling events, we are also committed to working with and contributing to community organizations — and to growing and promoting cycling. This is a win-win from our perspective, and a great fit,” said Dean Hachey, Director Business Development GranFondo Canada.

The secure bike valet service will be provided free of charge. Donations are warmly accepted with proceeds from the service to be shared between the Share the Road Cycling Coalition and Cycle Oakville.

Read more about the Canadian Open here.