Canadian Hotels Offer Free Bikes

Here’s an idea that I hope catches on: Fairmont hotels is offering guests free use of bicycles at its Canadian hotels.

All 20 of Fairmont’s hotels in Canada will have BMW cruise bikes available by the middle of May for members of its rewards plan, according to Lori Holland, the company’s executive director of public relations. Joining the plan, the Fairmont President’s Club, is free. Children’s bicycles will be be part of the fleet.

The bicycle program is part of the upscale chain’s fitness program and its green initiatives.

Fairmont also has 18 hotels in the United States and another six in Mexico and 12 outside North America. Holland said there are no immediate plans to expand the program beyond Canada, but I’m betting that will happen if it’s successful.

And it should be. What a great idea. I’d love the opportunity to borrow a bike for a ride around Stanley Park in Vancouver. Or the Boston Common. Hint, hint.

Hawaii Superferry Shipwrecked By Court Ruling?

The owners of the controversial Hawaii Superferry will suspend operations after the state Supreme Court ruled that it should not have been given permission to start without an environmental review.

The Honolulu Advertiser reports this morning that this shutdown may be permanent. The company will begin laying off workers on Thursday.

Legal challenges forced the high-speed Superferry to cease operations after a rocky start in the summer of 2007. It resumed service between Oahu and Maui in December 2007, but was blocked by a grass-roots campaign when it tried to begin sailing to Kauai. Service to the Big Island had been scheduled to begin in 2009, and then was pushed back to 2010.

Opponents of the Superferry said it endangered marine life, including whales, and created traffic problems on shore. Supporters said it was good for tourism and for the economy in general.

In any event, the only public transportation between the Hawaiian islands is, once again, on airlines.

Alternative Fuel For Airlines?

I just ran across an interesting Associated Press story about fuel alternatives for the airline industry. (It was published last week. I’m having time-management issues.)

The alternatives under consideration include synthetic coal-based fuels, hydrogen, and biofuels made from seeds and oils. The AP reports that it’s unlikely these fuels will cost less and bring lower fares, but they may lead to greener and cleaner air travel.

Which is all good, but I am concerned about the biofuels thing. If the airlines aren’t going to feed us – and they clearly are not – won’t it be pure torture to fly around in a giant tube that smells like a french fry?

Starwood Launching Green Hotel Brand

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is launching a green hotel brand called Elements.

The hotels will use energy-efficient technology and appliances, and will stress recycling.

The first one is scheduled to open this July in Lexington, Mass., about 12 miles northwest of Boston.

Superferry Protested In Hawaii

The controversial new Hawaii Superferry got a rough reception in Kauai on Sunday, where activists prevented it from reaching shore for a couple of hours.

The newly launched ferry service is providing an alternative to flying among the Hawaiian islands, but environmentalists are not happy with it. There was a much more subdued protest in Maui, as well.

I’m not sure what to say about this because I don’t think it’s something tourists ought to have much voice in. The people of Hawaii need to figure this one out, and no doubt they will.

Update 8/29: The Superferry service has been suspended.