Introducing the Yuba FastRack: Revolutionizing Cargo Mobility in Our E-Bike Fleet

We are thrilled to announce an addition to our e-bike fleet - the Yuba FastRack electric cargo bike. With its impressive design and incredible versatility, the FastRack promises to redefine the way you think about transporting people and your stuff. Discover the features of the Yuba FastRack, known in our fleet as the Model Y.

The Yuba FastRack: A Game-Changer for Urban Mobility

Cargo bikes have long been a sustainable and efficient choice for transporting your groceries and more in urban environments.

The Yuba FastRack boasts an array of specifications that make it an impressive addition to our e-bike fleet:

1. Powerful Electric Motor: The FastRack is equipped with a Shimano STEPS E7000 motor that provides seamless pedal assistance. Whether you're transporting heavy cargo or navigating hilly terrain, this e-cargo bike will effortlessly get you where you need to go.

2. Ample Cargo Space: The FastRack features an extended rear rack that can accommodate a variety of cargo, from groceries and gym equipment to kids and pets. The large platform and versatile accessories make it easy to customize the bike for your specific needs.

3. Eco-Friendly Riding: The Yuba FastRack is 100% electric and emission-free, contributing to a greener and healthier urban environment. It's a sustainable alternative to cars and trucks for short-haul cargo transportation.

4. Smooth Ride: With its sturdy frame and comfortable seating, the FastRack ensures a smooth and stable ride, even when carrying heavy loads. You'll enjoy both convenience and comfort during your journeys.

5. Battery Life: The e-bike's long-lasting battery allows for extended trips, with a range of up to 90km.

A Versatile Solution for Urban Living

The Yuba FastRack is not just a cargo bike; it's a versatile solution for urban living. Whether you're a parent shuttling your kids to school, a small business owner making deliveries, or a daily commuter running errands, this e-cargo bike is designed to meet your specific needs. Its adaptable platform can be configured with various accessories, such as child seats, cargo bags, and panniers, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. It can also be stored easily vertically making it a viable option in a home with less storage.

Join the E-Bike Revolution

As an e-bike subscription company, we are committed to providing our customers with the most innovative and sustainable transportation options. With the introduction of the Yuba FastRack to our fleet, we are proud to offer another way to get around and potentially replace car trips that require moving cargo.

Try the Yuba FastRack Today

We're excited to offer the Yuba FastRack as part of our e-bike subscription service. If you're ready to experience the convenience, sustainability, and versatility of this remarkable e-cargo bike, don't hesitate to try it out. Book a test ride directly on our website.

Wheels Up Ontario and British Columbia! Bike Walk Roll Week : October 16 - 20th, 2023

Bike Walk Roll Week is a fantastic initiative by Green Communities Canada to spark interest in switching to a carbon neutral journey to school. Collecting data to gain insight into how students move is the key! Here’s how Bike Walk Roll Week works: See if your child’s elementary or middle school is on the participation website, which has an interactive map to track the location of every school. If you do not see a school on the list, add it. Then, take an easy 30 second survey which will be transferred to the main database, which will also generate a Walk Bike and Roll Score just for you.

There are additional resources available for every classroom, as well as guidebooks for kids to share at home. The cool thing about data collection which is so immediate and wide-spread is that the information gained from October 16th - October 20th, 2023, can be used to analyse infrastructure needs and gaps in various communities across the two provinces, British Columbia and Ontario. Classrooms can also compare and track progress and encourage more cycling knowledge and uptake through this focused, week-long campaign.

The benefits for mental and physical health to students who walk or bike are well documented. Neighbourhoods supported by safe bikeways and routes are embraced by more families. Recently, Culture Link Toronto produced a thorough study called: Engaging School Communities in Cycling Infrastructure. At its core:

“For students, cycling is not only a fun activity and a way to get exercise, but also an important travel option that builds independence and equity. Studies have shown that students who walk or bike to school experience reduced stress, increased happiness, decreased depression and anxiety, and increased attention and alertness during the school day. More students biking also means less traffic congestion and less pollution around schools. Making these benefits available to all students is a matter of justice and equity.”

“Concerns about safety on the streets, however, are a major barrier. The concerns often influence parental decisions about whether to encourage their children to bike independently. Safe, protected cycling infrastructure designed for all ages and abilities is a crucial, enabling ingredient, along with other key considerations, such as access to bicycles and cycling education.” 

Culture Link has been instrumental in reaching thousands of school-age children, many who are New Canadians, with their community led Bike to School workshops and programmes.

Charlie’s Freewheels is an inspirational, cycling outreach project in Toronto which aims to empower the youth leaders of tomorrow through free bikes, gear, resources, bike maintenance workshops and group rides. Charlie’s Freewheels continues to hold weekly events throughout the autumn months.

Similarly, The City of Vancouver’s  Active School Travel Program educates citizens about the healthy and fun choice of walking, biking and rolling to school as a fun transit option, and traces areas of improvement in infrastructure which would aid in this adoption. The District of North Vancouver, for example, conducted two studies with North Van Schools designed to improve walking and cycling routes to school.

The rise in popularity of Bike Bus enthusiasm reveals a very visual expansion of families, teachers and mentors who want to improve the local environment and regional traffic in tandem with the health and safety of their children. There was even a Global Bike Bus Summit this past spring in the home of the original “bicibús”, Barcelona, Spain. 

Joining this movement, Zygg has added the Yuba Fastrack to its fleet of e-bikes in Vancouver and Toronto. It is super-easy to handle, has a long 90 km range, a detachable battery, 10 speeds, 4 levels of pedal assist, integrated lights and you can securely and comfortably carry two kids on the back! Can you think of a more awesome way to get around town?

Follow Bike Wall Roll on Twitter and Facebook.

Cycling Into The Autumn and Winter - Yes You Can!

Riding your bike or ebike in the autumn, especially with the present fresh temperatures in Toronto and Vancouver, is an excellent way to expand your green-transit routine and explore what your region has to offer. There are a few things to consider to make your commute or excursion super easy and comfortable as the seasons change.

Clothing

“Layering” is key to being prepared during fluctuating conditions. Start with a base-layer or simple, breathable tee, add a warmer jersey, hoodie or even a jean jacket, so when you & the day warms up, you can always adjust to the right feel. An outer shell keeps the wind and the rain out. Rain pants, flexible gloves, and even waterproof shoes will have you in top shape. Shop local. These Vancouver and Toronto faves have tons of great ideas to get you kitted up:

• West Point Cycles (four locations in Vancouver and one in Langley, B.C.) has dozens of shells and light jackets.

• On The Rivet - a chic cycling retailer on West Broadway in Vancouver - is chock full of all-weather gloves.

• Pillar Heights - a bespoke, active-wear, clothing company - specialises in made-to-order merino wool or hemp base layers, neck warmers, jerseys and pants in ten gorgeous colours!

• Sweet Pete’s in Toronto, not only has great cycling accessories, it’s a great place to browse for casual tees and layers.

• Blacksmith Cycle (who happen to be Zygg’s upstair’s neighbour on Sorauren Park in Toronto) is a high-end, cycling outfitter. You are able to walk away with small items, like a cosy neck-warmer, at a bargain-price!

Weather & Road Conditions

Before you head out, make sure to check the local weather forecast. Plan your route and how you ride, accordingly. Watch out for slick streets, especially in the morning, and early evening, with dew, rain and even some early snow difficult to detect. Fallen leaves may be damp and very slippery when wet. Take your time! Available daylight stealthily decreases in the upcoming months. Make sure to use your front and back lights in the morning, and as the day transitions into evening earlier, when other riders and drivers are adjusting to the light conditions which may cause “glare”. All models of Zygg e-bikes come with built in lights, however, if you need an extra pair Fix Coffee + Bikes in the Parkdale area of west Toronto have a good selection at all price points. They also carry fashionable coffee / tea mugs and brew-gear for that cuppa on the road. Pull over, take a break and breathe in the scenery.

If you are a bike food delivery rider who often works into the later-hours, make sure to get a visibility boost with reflective gear, like the Zygg Thermal & Waterproof Delivery Bag with reflective strips and lettering.

Fall Tune-Up

Since you may pick up extra debris during autumn cycling, clean your bike (especially the chain, pedals and derailleur) with a damp cloth and a bit of soapy water. Keep your tires pumped to the correct PSI. On Zygg Ebikes that would: 

• Model A: 60 PSI

• Model G: 55 PSI

• Model Qs: 60 PSI

• Model R:  55 PSI

Keep a close watch on changing weather conditions, especially that first snowfall, whereby all who are on the road will need to ease into the potential wintry conditions. Check local street routes for road closures, delays and street maintenance. For Toronto there is an updated Cycling Route, Cycle Track and Bike Lanes clearing site.

In Vancouver, there is an interactive map for gauging and reporting the need to clear streets and bikeways of leaves and other obstacles. 

Now that you are ready, get outside! 

The Routes

Our friends at Bike Share Toronto have assembled their Top 5 Fall Bike Rides for taking in the fall colours in the city of Toronto, which includes : High Park, The Brick Works Park, The Beltline, Tommy Thompson Park, and Taylor Creek Park.

Destination Vancouver’s “Bike Rides To Enjoy The Fall Colours” is an excellent resource for autumn trekking via bike or ebike. Their highlights include UBC, False Creek Sea Wall, Stanley Park, 10th Avenue Bikeway, Arbutus Greenway, Trout Lake, Coal Harbour Seawall and The Seaside Bike Route.

#BikeTO #YRVBike #GoByBike #GetOutside