(Cochrane, AB) – Three Cochrane parks now have new, locally inspired bike racks thanks to a
community partnership between The Town of Cochrane, Bike Cochrane and the Rotary Club of
Cochrane.
The new bike racks, known as “Rotary Hitching Posts,” have been donated to the Town of Cochrane
and installed at Centennial Park, Mitford Park and Appaloosa Park.
The project was developed by Bike Cochrane and the Rotary Club of Cochrane after identifying a
need for more bike parking at local parks and playgrounds. Designed with Cochrane’s western
heritage in mind, the racks provide a secure place to park a range of bicycles, including children’s
bikes, strider bikes, e-bikes and larger family bikes.
“Projects like the Rotary Hitching Posts are a great example of what can happen when community
organizations and the Town work together,” says Michelle Ambrose, Director of Parks & Active Living.
“Bike Cochrane and the Rotary Club brought forward a creative idea that responds to a community
need, and the Town is pleased to support it by providing space within our parks and taking on the
long-term care of these new amenities. Small improvements like this can make it easier for residents
and families to choose active ways of getting around Cochrane and enjoying our parks.”
By adding bike parking to popular community spaces, the project supports families who choose to
walk, wheel or cycle to parks and playgrounds and helps make active transportation a more
convenient option.
“We believe that all children in Cochrane should be able to safely wheel and walk to any school in
Cochrane. Continuing that mission and encouraging children to also bike to their favourite
playgrounds is supported by having safe places to lock and park their bikes at the end of their
journey,” says Paul Perrault, Chair of the Active Transportation Committee, Bike Cochrane. “We’re
proud to participate in this project with the Rotary Club of Cochrane, and look forward to adding
more bike parking all over Cochrane.”
“Getting around town on a bicycle is great exercise, decreases traffic congestion and provides a
wonderful reason to get out and enjoy the outdoors,” says Anita McDonald, Rotary Club of Cochrane
member and Rotary Hitching Posts Project Lead. “The Rotary Club of Cochrane is so happy to help
more families get out and enjoy our wonderful town of Cochrane by bike.”
The Town of Cochrane thanks Bike Cochrane and the Rotary Club of Cochrane for their contribution
and continued investment in community spaces that encourage residents to get outside, stay active
and connect with their community.
Learn more about Bike Cochrane at bikecochrane.com and the Rotary Club of Cochrane at
rotarycochrane.ca.
The new “Rotary Hitching Post” bike rack at Centennial Park is one of three installed through a partnership between the Town of Cochrane, Bike Cochrane and the Rotary Club of Cochrane.
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