Toronto Transit Commission Approves Bus Bicycle Rack Pilot Project

The Toronto Transit Commission recently announced it has approved a proposal to add bike racks to the Toronto bus system this summer. The Toronto Transit Commission stated that beginning mid-June of 2005 the bike racks will be installed on 98 buses that service 6 bus routes for a one-year experimental project.

Bicyclists will have the option to load their bikes on the bus rack, which will be located on the front of the bus, before boarding the bus and riding to their destination. TTC Commissioner Adam Giambrone, TTC staff and members of Toronto's Cycling Committee will demonstrate how the new bike racks operate as part of Bike Week festivities on Monday, May 30th. The event is forecasted to be an opportunity for the media to illustrate to viewers and readers how the bus bicycle racks work.

The pilot project includes the following routes: 7 Bathurst, 29 Dufferin, 47 Lansdowne, 161 Rogers Road, 98 Willowdale-Senlac and 310 Bathurst Night Bus.

Sports Rack Name Changes to Rack N Road

A company spokesman for Sports Rack announced recently the company plans to continue with a new name, Rack N Road. A further explanation of the name change reveals the organization expects to partner with new product lines, while maintaining a strong focus on outfitting all types of cars, trucks and SUV's.

Headquartered in Sacramento, California, Rack N Road currently operates ten Rack N Road stores in Utah, California and Washington in Costa Mesa, Roseville, Sacramento, San Carlos, San Jose, San Rafael, Walnut Creek, Salt Lake City, Bellevue and Seattle. The spokesman also explained the company has a new website featuring some of the latest e-commerce innovations and educational tips from its car rack outfitting staff.

Rack N Road was founded in 1991 and currently employs a staff of eighty.

Yakima Racks to Showcase Future Product Line at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market

Yakima Racks recently announced the company will preview its all new range of car and truck rack products, for release in the Spring of 2006, at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market outdoor industry trade show. The show is scheduled for August in Salt Lake City, Utah. The company also explained it plans to enhance its marketing efforts that will include revamping the Yakima Racks website and product catalog, both of which the company feels to be important touch points.

CEO Jim Clark said, “Retailers and consumers will quickly see the benefits of these recent changes to a brand that already commands strong consumer passion. We will take great care to protect its authentic heritage and legacy of innovation, while taking it to the next level. With great new products and a service model that directly supports the changing needs of our retailers and consumers, Yakima and its retailers are poised for an exciting and successful future.”

Yakima Racks Announces Sale of WaterMark Canoe & Kayak Division

Yakima Racks, manufacturer of vehicle car rack systems for cargo boxes, cargo gear, canoe, kayak, bike, ski, snowboard and surfboard equipment, recently announced it has sold off the WaterMark canoe and kayak division to Confluence Holdings Corp, located in Trinity North Carolina. Yakima Racks, now based in Beaverton, Oregon, explained that Arcapita, the holding company that owns Yakima Racks has sold the WaterMark boat division and has altered the corporate title to Yakima Products.

The company now intends to focus its energies solely on car rack systems. Effective immediately is the assumption of Jim Clark as CEO of Yakima Products, formerly CEO of WaterMark. Clark said, “Today marks the next phase of growth for Yakima Racks. With a new management team in place, a state-of-the-art facility, and a clear focus on advancing our products and customer service, we are well-equipped to take the company forward. We plan to utilize our enhanced sales, marketing and product design expertise to engineer superior products that provide an ever-expanding range of gear solutions that seamlessly connect people with their outdoor pursuits.”

The company has hired three executives in 2005, combining over 50 years of industry and design experience to the company. The executives are Steve Rodden, V.P. of product development, Chris Bogue, director of sales for the U.S. western territory and Amy Buckalter, senior V.P. of global sales and marketing. Also the company added that Doug Ragan, veteran sales director, will continue to manage sales in the eastern region of the U.S.

Buckalter stated, “We have a powerful stable of talented, creative thinkers who also understand the importance of strong execution. We are committed to providing continuous leadership to our retail partners through the development of distinctive product lines with a clear point of difference focused on providing not only effective, but imaginative, customer solutions.”

Yakima Racks is a world leader in the design and manufacture of car and truck rack systems for all types of vehicles. Yakima’s products include car racks for bike racks, kayak racks, canoe racks, bike racks, ski racks, snowboard racks, cargo roof boxes and roof baskets.

Line of Volvo Roof Rack Carriers Released for 2005-2006 Models

Volvo Motors recently released the new 2005-2006 Volvo line of proprietary car rack systems and gear carrier attachments. Featured prominently are the Volvo cargo roof boxes, which are available in a selection of sizes and styles for all Volvo sedans, wagons and SUVs; Volvo ski racks and snowboard racks have been newly redesigned with a capacity to hold either 4 or 6 pairs of skis or up to 4 snowboards; Volvo roof rack systems with cross bars have been engineered for sedan models without factory car rack systems pre-installed.

Hampton Roads Transit Authority Reports the Addition of 225 Bus Bike Racks

Virginia Hampton Roads Transit officials have announced the approval of a new program that will allow the public to use bus-mounted bike racks. The Hampton Roads Transit anticipates the new offering will boost ridership among potential customers who may have wanted to use public transit but found the walk to a bus stop too far. Commuters can bicycle to a bus stop and place their bikes on a bus front-mounted bike rack.

HRT officials reported they spent $85,000 to equip 225 buses with the bicycle racks. A diagram explaining how to use the carriers is on the front of the buses, as bus drivers are not allowed to assist cyclists in placing a bike in a rack or removing it. HRT added that is currently running an advertising campaign to coincide with National Bike Month during May.

Van Bike Racks Added to Nevada Rural Transit Vehicles

The Nevada Douglas Area Rural Transit (DART) recently announced that it has acquired van bike racks for all of its public transportation vans. A DART spokesman stated that it is looking forward to the contributions this development will make in expanding multimodal trips, increase ridership, enhance the quality of life, and help to contribute to cleaner air and a more livable community. Adding that the goal of multimodal planning is to provide travelers with a real choice of travel options, the new program is expected to create an ideal solution to the union of bicycles and public transit.

The spokesman cited studies showing that people are more likely to use public transit when it's within a quarter mile walking distance or when it's within a three mile biking distance. DART exceeds these parameters, making it even easier for bike riders to take their bicycles on public transit. The spokesman concluded with the assertion that bicycles and public transportation, when used in combination, provide significantly enhanced access to work, shopping, services, friends and family.

Bus Bicycle Racks Proposed by Toronto Transit Commission

The Toronto Transit Commission recently announced that it is considering a pilot project that would combine two modes of transportation for cyclists, placing bike racks on the front of several buses on six city routes. The proposition is aimed at helping bicyclists to avoid hazardous routes, break up long commutes and take their bikes along for the ride.

The $155,000 proposal would effectively solve the current issue in which cyclists are banned from taking their bikes inside buses. The exterior bus bike racks would allow users to fasten them to the rack before boarding the bus. A TTC spokesman added that the program would also promote alternative modes of commuting that deliver health and environmental benefits, a strategy that is already a part of some other Canadian city transportation programs. Ottawa has successfully implemented a bus bike rack program for five years.

Car Roof Rack 'Ultimate SetUp' Announced by Skiing Magazine

Skiing Magazine recently announced the 2005 results of their annual 'Ultimate Setup' for a car rack system. Testing was performed on most of the options on the roof rack market. Results were based on a ranking system that included ease of use, installation, and an overall score between one and five.

According to the publication the car roof rack 'Ultimate Setup' includes:

Yakima Multi-Mount. This simple crossbar attachment holds kayak paddles, several pairs of ski poles, multiple fly fishing rods, basically anything long and skinny with a combined diameter of less than 5 inches.

Rocky Mounts Lariat SL Bike Carrier. Zinc-and-steel hardware, an idiot-proof mounting system, and a price that’s $20 less than comparable fork-mount bike racks make the RockyMount Lariat the best bike rack around. Works with round or square crossbars, and the aluminum trays come in many colors including camouflage.

Yakima Pro Series Platinum 16s Cargo Box. Slides easily on and off the roof rack, requiring no additional hardware or tools. Innovative mounting clamps securely grip any bar. With 16 cubic feet of storage, it has room for poles, skis, snowboards, camping gear and more. Yakima also makes three other sizes.

Buckalter of Yakima Racks Speaks at Snow Industry Summit

The ski rack and snowboard rack industry was represented at the second annual, two day Snow Industry Summit, which took place at Copper Mountain Colorado, by Amy Buckalter of Yakima Racks. She was a member of a three person panel which addressed the 'Many Faces of Eve' and how the snow sports industry can continue to reach the women’s market.

Buckalter provided statistics that both suppliers and retailers need to consider as snowsports firms continue to market to women, including understanding that women are currently the majority of decision makers; women now earn half or more of the household income; and by 2010, 70% of new entrants into the workforce will be women and people of color. She also identified several companies that have been successful in their approaches to the women’s market. However, companies must continue connecting with the female customer, building relationships and securing womens' loyalty.