Cycling Tourism Self-Assessment Tool for Operators

Self-Assessment completed by:*
Tourism business owners and managers are good choices to complete this Self-Assessment. Tip: Staff members on the front line with visitors will have a particularly good perspective to bring to the discussion.
Title/Position:*
Business Name:*
Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code
Date*
Phone*
Email*
A copy of your completed Self-Assessment will be emailed to the address you provide.
Please be advised that completed self-assessments are stored on Destination Northern Ontario’s database. Your business/personal information is protected under Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) with results kept confidential and only shared within DNO for the purpose of providing insights into needs and trends in product, training and workforce development initiatives and will not be used for anything outside this purpose. For any questions, please contact Karen Peacock, Senior Coordinator, Industry Training at k.peacock@destinationnorthernontario.ca.
A note on your responses: When you receive your completed self-assessment (emailed to you after you click the submit button), pay special attention to any 'Does Not Meet' selections. These are opportunities for improvement. Ideally, you want to see all 'Exceeds' or 'Meets' selections.
Key Practices for Working in Cycle Tourism
General Practices
4 Questions
1. Operator has completed Tourism Excellence North’s Visitor Appeal Assessment Tool*
The Visitor Appeal Assessment Tool is a standalone TEN Self-Assessment tool that evaluates the visitor experience of your tourism product.
2. Operator’s business and required operating licenses are current.*
3. Operators are involved with their local or regional Destination Marketing Organizations, Destination Northern Ontario, and tourism partners within their cluster on priority product development, marketing and/or training initiatives.*
4. Operator is Ontario By Bike Certified – Bike-Friendly.*
Legal Practices
4 Questions
1. Operator has a minimum of $2 million liability insurance. A higher amount of liability insurance may be required depending on the event (i.e. level of risk, alcohol involved, etc.). Inquire with insurance provider to ensure correct coverage and amount.*
2. Operator complies with all municipal, provincial and federal health and safety laws and regulations for their business operation.*
3. Operator has prepared and reviewed a written occupational health and safety policy and has developed and maintained a program to implement that policy. All postings and training requirements have been met.*
4. Operation meets or exceeds the minimum standards of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the AODA’s Design for Public Spaces Standard.*
Operations
14 Questions
1. Operation has fair, clear and consistent booking/cancellation policy for guests (e.g. inclement weather, road closures, multiple packages and/or a variety of trip durations offered during off-peak season, etc.) in place.
2. Staff is knowledgeable and can provide cycling route maps, information on cycling routes in immediate area, nearest public transportation node, bike shops and hours, bicycle rental and tour operators, weather reports etc. If information is not available, guests have access to an Internet-connected computer, and free Wi-Fi is available.*
3. Accommodation has covered, well-lit and secure bike lock-up area, such as bicycle stands or posts, in highly visible location.*
4. Accommodation has long-term motor vehicle parking option for cyclists on a multi-day bike trip.*
5. All frontline staff are knowledgeable of participation in Ontario By Bike Network program.*
6. Operator uses environmentally-sustainable practices where possible (e.g. reusable cups, plates and cutlery) and communicates this to guests prior to arrival.*
7. Staff have undertaken Service Excellence training through Ontario Tourism Education Corporation (OTEC)*
8. Operator provides amenities such as a basic bicycle repair toolkit, luggage transfer option and assistance, guest transportation, laundry facilities, first aid kit at check-in area, water bottle filling station, outdoor space with hose for bike cleaning.*
9. Operator provides basic spare parts for bicycles, if location is more than 3 km from bike shop.*
10. Operator provides bicycle rental packages or complimentary bicycle service for guests.*
11. If more than 3 km from food and beverage services, operator informs cyclists and/or provides alternative food option (e.g. bagged lunch).*
12. Early breakfast option if served on-site (i.e. 6:00 am) is provided.*
13. Assistance with Ontario By Bike Network evaluation is given whenever it is provided (e.g. number of rooms sold to cycle tourists and cyclists’ reviews of accommodation).*
14. Operator supports local cycling clubs, trail networks, works with local bike shops and supports local cycling events.*
Campground-specific
5 Questions
1. Adoption of an “always room” policy for self-supported cycle tourists only (note: such a policy would not include tourists who are travelling by motor vehicle and are carrying bikes).*
2. Waiving of restrictions on the maximum number of tents or maximum number of unrelated people per campsite.*
3. Access to electrical outlets for charging electronic devices, wildlife-proof storage containers for food and lockers for valuables.*
4. Access to cooking facilities, showers, potable water, food provisions and other supplies. Provide rental tents, trailers, or cabins and on-site shopping for basic provisions.*
5. Separate zone for guests with tents, preferably a grassed area that is flat and smooth.*
Marketing
4 Questions
1. Operator has a defined brand that is strong, consistent and attractive throughout the operation. It represents more than a logo, letterhead and website. It is also the set of expectations, memories, stories and relationships that, taken together, account for a consumer’s decision to choose one product or service over another.*
2. Promotional materials are distributed via visitor information centres, accommodators and other service providers, and staff are well-trained about attractions along the entire route, not just their location.*
3. As a participating location, the Ontario By Bike Network Decal is displayed in a visible location.*
4. Operator actively promotes operation on social media, updates website as needed and promptly responds to and engages with visitors and general enquiries.*
Congratulations! You've come to the end of the Self-Assessment. Once you click 'Submit' your completed Self-Assessment will be emailed to the address that you provided at the start of this form.
You will also receive suggestions on how to use the data from your completed Self-Assessment AND a list of online resources for organizations and regulations that appeared in this Self-Assessment

Cycling Tourism Self-Assessment Tool for Operators

Key Practices for Working in Cycle Tourism

General Practices

Legal Practices

Operations

Campground-specific

Marketing

Ready to start learning?