LIFT Linking Islanders through Friendly Transportation is continuing its launch of colour-coded neighbourhood destination mirror hangers and new pedestrian destination tags for use on the ferry and around the island. On the afternoon of October 20, all ferry passengers will be invited to the forward main lounge to hear how they can participate in the LIFT ride sharing project with music provided by Bob Doucet and friends.
The event will coincide with the municipality's installation of the first five LIFT stops like bus stops for hitchhiking on the island. The initial LIFT stops, which will be posted on the roadsides leaving Snug Cove during the next couple of weeks, will provide safe roadside pullouts marked by a classic hitchhikers cartoon thumb sign created by Ron Woodall and Will Husby.
Getting drivers and pedestrian commuters on the ferry accustomed to the idea will not be easy. We have an established culture of cars as a private space for individual transportation. For many drivers, the ferry crossing provides welcome solitude and precious moments of down time after a busy day at work or tons of errands. Then there is the issue of pedestrians and drivers being physically separated in the Horseshoe Bay Terminal and again on the ferry with many drivers remaining in their cars on the car deck while pedestrian commuters are upstairs in the lounge areas.
We recommend that ride-seekers go to the car deck at the beginning of the sailing to find participating drivers with neighbourhood LIFT mirror hangers. It seems like a good protocol to ask for a ride at the beginning of the crossing and then return to the LIFT car as the ferry nears Snug Cove. This will allow pedestrian commuters to know they have a ride and don't need to be picked up. And driver can have reading time, nap or restorative quiet time before heading home.
Pedestrian passengers can also wear the Riders Neighborhood Lanyard Tag to let drivers see that they are looking for a ride. These tags can also be used when hitching on the island.
Neighbourhood mirror hangers and rider tags can be obtained at Phoenix, the Bowen Beer and Wine Cellar, the Office at Artisan Square, and the Bowen Building Centre.
We have a unique opportunity on Bowen to be inventive around ride sharing with all its implications for community building. Drivers who are already using the mirror hangers report they have a new awareness about picking up roadside pedestrians and are enjoying the rewards of just doing it and spending a few moments with other folks along the way. And, of course, it is something Bowen-grown and Bowen-scale, local and home grown we can do to reduce car and energy use as we encounter the coming changes and challenges that will inevitably impact all of our notions and approaches to transportation. See www.bowenlift.com.
