Pilot project could help people with diverse abilities enjoy Kelowna’s Knox Mountain

A joint effort called Adaptive Equipment wants to set up a rental outlet at the base of Knox Mountain to help people find new ways to get around.

The two groups – Elevation Outdoor Experiential Programs Association and Community Recreation Initiatives Society – are asking council to grant them a $1 lease for space at the base of Knox Mountain from May 1 to Oct. 15 for a pilot project renting standard and low barrier electric bikes to residents and tourists alike.

“The primary goal of Adaptive Equipment is to develop collaborative programming to help break some of the stigma and isolation around recreation for those with diverse abilities, making low barrier and adaptive equipment more accessible for all in our community,” states a report going to Kelowna City Council on Monday, March 8.

Part of the plan will be to train people who participate in their programs in running the concession. It’s also seen as a revenue generation operation for the two agencies.

While the report talks about bike rentals, photos accompanying it shows other types of adaptive equipment being used as well. No details of what equipment is being offered or rental rates are included in the report.

If approved, they would set up in the gravel area next to Poplar Point Drive beside Okanagan Lake.

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