The piste cyclable (PPJ) is now equipped with bike repair stations

The piste cyclable (PPJ) is now equipped with bike repair stations

A social entrepreneurship project, entitled L’Équipiste, which consists of endowing the PPJ and establishing partnerships with local merchants along the cycle path was launched yesterday to sell equipment and tools to PPJ users.

This project was designed by a group of students from Sieur-de-Coulonge High School, namely Vanessa Legault, Kayla Legault, Clara Martin, Malyka Massy Tellier and Alexus Frost. To get the students in place, they had to demonstrate to elected officials that the project meets a real need. The terminals, installed in Vinton, Bristol and Waltham, are equipped with an air pump and various tools (screwdriver, adjustable wrench, set of Allen keys, pair of tire levers, etc.). They are also protected from the weather and secured by stainless steel cables. The GPS coordinates of the terminals will be displayed on the maps of Biciborne and Vélo-Québec. The MRC Pontiac, after having received the appropriate training from Biciborne, will ensure the long-term maintenance of the equipment.

This project has obtained the support of La Défriche (Carrefour jeunesse-emploi du Pontiac) and Lab Finance. La Défriche coordinator Karim El-Kerch believes that this project will help the PPJ to develop and that it was a real need on the ground.

L’Équipiste is said to be improved in the coming years with the addition of several other terminals. La Défriche said it was very proud to be able to mentor and support young people in the region as part of this initiative and to provide them with the opportunity to develop their skills in social entrepreneurship and community action.