This summer in False Creek, pedalling will be the new paddling once water bikes hit the water.
B.C. Water Bikes will run a new, permanent rental business out of Vanier Park.
The park board approved the commercial operation on May 1 and will take a cut of the revenue once the service begins closer to summer.
The rental rates have not yet been set, nor has the start date.
B.C. Water Bikes has been recognized for its hospitality and customer care and was the only company to enter a bid to the park board. The Vancouver tourism outfitter previously rented water bikes by appointment at $35 an hour for adults.
The hydrobikes --- notable for their twinned, yellow pontoons --- are used in at least 74 countries and are considered easy to ride and stable. I’ll take a spin and let you know what I think.
According to the manufacturer, they are “leakproof and unsinkable.”
The rental service will run for the next two summers with an option to renew for two more.
There's no bad way to get out on the water. Now, if only summer would arrive.
