July 28, 2023 - The cycling community across Canada, the USA, and abroad, was saddened by the news that Bob “Fergus” Bell, 67, the founder of Wike Bicycle Company in Guelph, ON, passed away suddenly in mid-January while vacationing in Chile with his wife, Anna Shaftoe.
Bell was a mechanical engineer who had worked overseas in Chile for five years early in his career. Later he was employed at a number of local businesses while establishing his own company that opened in 1990. The demand for Wike’s legendary bicycle trailers grew and the company built a worldwide reputation.
The company ships products around the globe and proudly claims to be North America’s largest manufacturer of bicycle trailers. Bell didn’t just want to change urban transportation in his hometown of Guelph… he hoped to change the world!
A fierce advocate for active transportation, Bell was also a Guelph city councillor for 16 years and served three terms. He strove to improve his local community by promoting bicycle trails and hiking, along with the development of social and affordable housing which was close to his heart.
Where others saw challenges, Bell saw an opportunity, and in 2017 he invented the world’s first foldable cargo bike that converted into a stroller in less than 30 seconds. Dubbed the Salamander, it won gold in 2018 at the prestigious EuroBike Awards in the Special Purpose Bikes category — a rare honour for a North American bicycle company.
The one-of-a-kind Salamander folds and can fit through most doors and hallways, meaning you can take it into malls, the grocery store, etc., yet it can be serviced by a normal bike shop. Always innovating, the e-Salamander was born soon after and became a dream come true for many families.
Bell’s company, Wike, developed more than 20 types of trailers ranging from child and pet trailers to niche trailers that can tow a kayak or golf clubs. They also manufacture trailers and products for individuals with special needs, enabling older children, and adults to enjoy the outdoors with their families. He was proud to say that Wike’s products are designed and made in Canada, and sold around the world.
Bob went the extra mile to be of help to friends, old and new, and people he met through the course of his business and time in council. He was always ready to be of service.
Bell developed a special appreciation for Chile and its people and had always wanted to return to Chile for a holiday and specifically to Bell’s Bay on Lago Blanco in Tierra del Fuego. And yes, Bell’s Bay was named after Bob. He was remembered as an enthusiastic camper and fisherman and was a founding member of the local Cerro Sombrero Fishing club, which is still in existence today on the shore of Lago Blanco.
He thought that Bell’s Bay was the most beautiful place that he had ever been to and that is where he died suddenly after a morning of fishing.
We join the cycling community in sending condolences to his family and friends, and pay tribute to his longstanding support of cycling and sustainable transportation.
This tribute article was first published in the eBikes International’s Spring 2023 edition. The Wike Bicycle Company is currently under new management and remains committed to Bob Bell’s legacy.
