Ontario boasts over 80,000 km in trails. Whether you're in downtown Toronto or North of Superior, we have a trail for you. The Ontario Trails Council is a registered charity, led by volunteers who promote the development, management, use and conservation of Ontario's trails. You'll find everything from gentle walking trails to rock faces for climbing and water routes to canoe and kayak.
Showing posts with label Cycling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cycling. Show all posts
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Ontario Trails News - Announcing Trailhead Toronto Nov 24, 2016. We invite all trail groups to attend!
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Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Ontario Trails News - trails news about Ontario Trails, today highlights cycling on Almaguin
Add Your EventAlmaguin cycling group not just spinning wheels creating hubHAPPY VENTURE
Almaguin in Motion is hosting Tuesday evening rides through the summer around restaurants throughout the area.
Almaguin News
ALMAGUIN – Newly formed local cycling advocacy group Almaguin in Motion has had a busy spring.
Since the group founder Dave Wright approached Magnetawan town council in late March with ideas promoting cycling in the area, the group has been busy getting the word out.
One of the main goals of the group is encouraging businesses to become "bicycle friendly" by installing bike racks and registering with Ontario by Bike, a provincial bicycle tourism organization.
Also on the agenda of Almaguin in Motion is mapping out preferred cycling routes throughout the region on both paved and gravel roads, putting up bicycle route signage, installing bicycle racks and, eventually, starting a bike share program.
Courtney Rizzo and Dave Gray, local economic development officers have been instrumental in spreading the group’s message to the local municipalities and have met with great success.
Wright says, "Magnetawan really jumped on board, embraced the group’s ideas and enabled us to start implementing immediately. The council here is very progressive. By Canada Day, Magnetawan will have 15 brightly painted bike racks spread throughout town, 50 ‘bike route’ signs posted on our best cycling routes with over a dozen great routes starting and finishing in Magnetawan already available online."
And you don't have to be a bike fanatic to enjoy riding in Magnetawan. One of the routes is only eight kilometres long, which takes in highways 520, 124 and 510.
Not only has the Magnetawan Central School painted eight of the bike racks, they also painted the first "bike share" bicycle, which will available for anyone to use in town. This bike is one of many the group "AIMs" to have in bike racks around Magnetawan this summer.
AIM already has a Facebook page and is going to create a website tying the region together and will enable cyclists from southern Ontario to discover the great riding here and where to stay, eat and shop.
Almaguin in Motion was formed in April and already has members throughout the Almaguin area and is growing daily.
According to Wright, "We have keen local riders from throughout Almaguin who are coming together and electronically mapping out the best cycling routes from Novar in the south to west of Dunchurch and north of South River. These routes can then be downloaded onto smartphones and bicycle GPS units right off the internet and used by anyone. "
Not only is cycling a great way to enjoy the outdoors and beautiful scenery Almaguin has to offer, it's also a good form of exercise. Cycling is very easy on your joints and can be a great cardiovascular workout.
The most common complaint about bike riding is the seat is uncomfortable. This can dramatically improved by having your seat height and angle adjusted correctly and installing a gel seat cover or by wearing padded cycling shorts.
AIM has a social group ride every Tuesday night at 6 p.m. starting and finishing at a local restaurant/pub. The ride is open to anyone and there is a wide range of ability levels of participants. The location of the next group ride is available on the AIM Facebook page or by emailing Dave at davewright1406@hotmail.com.
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Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Ontario Trails News - an archive of significant Ontario trails News and Events taking place in Ontario, cycling in Ottawa
Add Your Trail |
Denley: Let's not overstate the virtues of cycling
RANDALL DENLEYMore from Randall Denley
Published on: June 29, 2016 | Last Updated: June 30, 2016 9:30 AM EDT
Cyclists and drivers should all obey traffic rules. ERROL MCGIHON / .
I’ve never really understood just what it is that makes riding a bicycle so special. Sure, riding a bike is good exercise and an inexpensive way to get around, but that’s all it is. Cycling’s contribution to our transportation needs is minimal, as is its contribution to improving the environment.
And yet, when they climb on a bike, some cyclists believe they are on a planet-saving moral journey that entitles them to demand special bike lanes and as much government spending as they can get. In addition, they claim a right to ride on sidewalks as required and to ignore the laws that apply to bicycles. All while complaining about drivers and claiming that cyclists are subsidizing motorists.
The city government encourages this line of thinking by pretending that cycling is a vital part of our transportation network, at least until it comes time to spend money on it. According to the city’s transportation master plan, cycling makes up about 2.7 per cent of the morning commute and two per cent over the whole day. As a means of practical transportation, it is close to irrelevant.
RELATED
Reevely: The biking myths that won't die
Reevely: Ottawa's bike-friendliness is a lie
Therien: Cyclists, wear a darn helmet!
Bylaw blitz seeks to bust cars in bus and bike lanes
You’d never know it from watching Ottawa’s cyclists, but a bicycle is classified as a vehicle under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. That means cyclists must obey all traffic laws and have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers, but who hasn’t seen cyclists drive up on sidewalks, sail through stop signs, ride the wrong way on one-way streets and make unsignalled turns?
My colleague David Reevely has written a pair of columns this week that offer some insight into cyclists’ thinking. Without endorsing the practice, he explains that cyclists make a habit of gliding through stop signs because bike routes off major roads are often on streets with stop signs every 50 feet. Actually stopping would take away all of a cyclist’s momentum. Similarly, cyclists ride on sidewalks because the city has refused to make major roads like Bank Street safe.
Clearly, these things happen, but who really thinks it’s safe to ride a bike on a sidewalk meant for pedestrians? One can easily imagine the sympathy a driver would get if he rolled through a series of stop signs, citing reluctance to wear out his brakes, or a desire to burn less fuel.
The city has responded to cyclists’ dissatisfaction by building bike lanes as an attempt to help cyclists get safely through the core. As Reevely observes, bicycle lanes like those on Laurier Avenue are clearly hazardous. The problem comes when vehicles turn off Laurier and potentially cut off or even run over cyclists. This is drivers’ fault, mostly, but cyclists are responsible for their own safety. Anticipating hazards when riding in urban traffic would seem to be a basic survival skill. A bicycle lane isn’t an autobahn for cyclists.
Of all the claims that are made about cycling, the idea that cyclists are subsidizing motorists is the most dubious. Cyclists use the roads, just like car drivers do. Unlike car drivers, they don’t pay licence fees and gas taxes to contribute to their upkeep. Everyone benefits from roads. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to get groceries to the store or a repair person to the house. Even the virtuous electric cars would be rendered useless. We wouldn’t want that.
Cyclists would get a lot more respect if they were willing to follow the rules of the road. This is not just because drivers like rules. It’s a safety issue. Unpredictable moves lead to accidents. Despite what some cyclists seem to think, drivers actually do not want to run them over.
The recent dustup between drivers and cyclists suggests they have nothing in common, but the thing that should unite them is the poor condition of our roads. Too many of our major streets are tough to drive on in a car, much less a bike. Fixing those roads, not more bike lanes, would be the best thing the city could do for cyclists and drivers.
Randall Denley is an Ottawa commentator, novelist and former Ontario PC candidate. Contact him at randalldenley1@gmail.com.
Monday, July 4, 2016
Ontario Trails News - an information archive ab out Ontario Trails and Ontario trail activity, development and projects!
Add your Event |
Maintenance Begins Along the Cataraqui Trail
Robert John | 2016/06/17
Various sections of the Cataraqui Trail will be undergoing regular maintenance over the next few weeks. Part of this maintenance will also include the installation of new gates at several locations. At this time no closures will take place but the public is advised to exercise caution in these areas and to observe directions from the workers involved.
The Cataraqui Trail is a 104 km long multi-use trail along a former railway line that goes from Smiths Falls to Strathcona (near Napanee). Permitted uses on the Trail include hiking, cycling, skiing and horseback riding.
Gates along the Cataraqui Trail are open during snowmobile season to allow snowmobilers with a valid permit to use the Trail. They are closed during the balance of the year to keep other motorized vehicles off the Cataraqui Trail. Other than snowmobiles, only authorized maintenance vehicles are allowed to have access to the trail.
For more information about the Cataraqui Trail please visit CataraquiTrail.ca
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Ontario Trails News - New Minister of Tourism Culture and Sport, Trailhead Ontario June 19-21, and more!
ADD YOUR TRAIL |
Join Us for Trailhead Ontario June 19-21!
Early bird registration ends - June 3rd, 2016
A full and varied program for Trailhead Ontario 2016. Be sure to join us in Renfrew, but book now!!
Rooms are limited and so is the size of the conference. Trailhead Ontario 2016 Symposium Itinerary
We are going to be talking about the new Adirondack to Algonquin trail Plan with representatives from the Adirondack to Algonquin Organization - Please welcome Emily Conger from the A2A Trail Collaborative.
Work with the Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization as they expend trails in the region and take advantage of trails tourism potential in Eastern Ontario!
Over the last two years Petawawa Economic Development has spearheaded the development of a community trails committee along the lines of the OTC RTC model. Join Kelly Williams from Petawawa as he discusses the development and successes of this initiative in support of trails!
Ottawa Valley Outdoor Experiences! rarely is there so much to do in an area. Ottawa Valley has it all. Trails, amenities and more - join us as we learn about their quality and quantity of trails related destinations and experiences
Over the past 6 years the Parks of the St. Lawrence have revitalized their trail system, offering more and newer kilometers of trails in support of the park's other experiences. Welcome Lou Seiler from Parks of the St. Lawrence as he talks about the development and enactment process!
Since 2012 the Ontario Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport has worked to consult with communities on the Ontario trails strategy and the various new legislation in support of trails - i.e. "The Supporting Ontario trails Act." Come and hear from the government on the progress we are making together to make better communities through trails.
City of Ottawa Cycling and trails - Ottawa has a world class system of trails and cycling routes. Come and here the planning department talk about the fit of planning with trail development!
The National Capital Greenbelt in Ottawa has over 150 kilometres of trails that connect to the Trans Canada Trail, Rideau Trail and Capital Pathway network. Whether you have half an hour for a short hike or plan on spending the day, the Greenbelt has something for you.
Trans Canada Trail works with local partners – trail owner/operators – to plan and support development of trail across Ontario. With a connectivity challenge to be met for 2017 come and hear about how the TCT supports trails, communities and it's completion!
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month and it's only right that you protect yourself while out on the trails. Lyme-carrying black-legged ticks can be found across Canada - but the highest concentration of infection is in Eastern Canada - which scientists believe is linked to climate change. Follow these tips to avoid Lyme disease. Come to the conference and hear about the strategies the working group is developing to help the public.
Sentiers Prescott Russell and Glengarry Trails are two trail supporting organizations in eastern Ontario. One is a County Committee the other operates as a "Friends of" model. Learn about both styles of operation and the trails they support!
Township of Madawaska Valley Trail is developing at a fast pace. A regional leader, the Township supports the trail enhancements for both the community and the tourist. Join us to hear about their trail gains.
Principles of Trail Risk Management, and Trails Risk Management - How to Say Yes to Trails, with Jeff Jackson, will provide the latent trail developer, or the trail leader with undeveloped projects or political will to get the trails done, with insight for planners and politicos alike to say yes to trails. We aren't as risky as you think!
Ottawa River-Keeper - programs and plans for development, they were thrilled when we contacted them, because they are a small group protecting a big river and they know you probably also have a river that needs support in order to maintain itself for paddlers!
Just look at the list of projects on this page Mattawa Trail Development, these folks are bringing the house down with all types of trails and new projects. Learn how they are getting it done.
First Nation Tourism and Trails, join First Nations leaders as we discuss the joint relationship on the land we share. An emerging force in tourism and trails we should figure out ways to work with all communities so we co-develop trails!
Register today!
IMBA Training for Landowners - June 22-23 Calabogie!
A full and varied program for Trailhead Ontario 2016. Be sure to join us in Renfrew, but book now!!
Rooms are limited and so is the size of the conference. Trailhead Ontario 2016 Symposium Itinerary
Monday | ||
8:30-9:00AM | Registration | Coffee Served |
9:00-9:15AM | Welcome remarks | Dignitaries |
9:15-10:00AM | Presentation | Renfrew County withAlgonquin to Adirondack Trail |
10:00-10:30AM | Presentation | Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization |
10:30-10:45AM | Break | Coffee Break |
10:45-11:15AM | Presentation | Petawawa - the development of our Regional Trail Association |
11:15-11:45AM | Presentation | Ottawa Valley Outdoor Experiences |
11:45-12:15PM | Presentation | Parks of the St. Lawrence |
12:15-1:30 PM | Lunch | |
1:00-1:30PM | Presentation | Ontario Trails Council AGM (Members Only Please) |
1:30-2:15PM | Presentation | Updates on the Trails Act and the Ontario Trails Strategy with the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport |
2:15-2:45PM | Presentation | Ontario Federation of Agriculture |
2:45-3:00PM | Break | |
3:15-3:45PM | Presentation | First Nation Tourism and Trails |
3:45-4:15PM | Presentation | Trans Canada Trail |
4:15-4:45PM | Presentation | Understanding andPreventing Lyme Disease |
4:45-5:15PM | Presentation | Sentiers Prescott Russell andGlengarry Trails |
5:15-6PM | Networking | Cash Bar |
6PM - 9PM | Dinner & Keynote Speaker | TBD |
Tuesday | ||
8:30 – 9:00AM | Registration | Coffee Served |
9:00-9:15 AM | Welcome remarks | Dignitaries - Madawaska Valley |
9:15-9:45AM | Presentation | Township of Madawaska Valley Trail Developments |
10:00-10:30AM | Plenary Session | Principles of Trail Risk Management, with Jeff Jackson |
10:30-10:45AM | Coffee Break | |
10:45-11:30AM | Plenary Session | Trails Risk Management - How to Say Yes to Trails, with Jeff Jackson |
Noon-1PM | Lunch | Networking Lunch |
1:00-2:00PM | Plenary Session | Water Trails - Developing trails for Use |
2:00-2:45PM | Plenary Session | Ottawa River-Keeper - programs and plans for development |
2:45-3:00PM | Break | |
3:00-3:30PM | Plenary Session | Integrated Trails Tourism Project |
3:30-4:00PM | Plenary Session | Mattawa Trail Development |
4:00-4:30PM | Plenary Session | Developing Horse Trails |
4:30PM | Wrap-up and Next Steps | Trailhead Canada 2017! |
We are going to be talking about the new Adirondack to Algonquin trail Plan with representatives from the Adirondack to Algonquin Organization - Please welcome Emily Conger from the A2A Trail Collaborative.
Work with the Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization as they expend trails in the region and take advantage of trails tourism potential in Eastern Ontario!
Over the last two years Petawawa Economic Development has spearheaded the development of a community trails committee along the lines of the OTC RTC model. Join Kelly Williams from Petawawa as he discusses the development and successes of this initiative in support of trails!
Ottawa Valley Outdoor Experiences! rarely is there so much to do in an area. Ottawa Valley has it all. Trails, amenities and more - join us as we learn about their quality and quantity of trails related destinations and experiences
Over the past 6 years the Parks of the St. Lawrence have revitalized their trail system, offering more and newer kilometers of trails in support of the park's other experiences. Welcome Lou Seiler from Parks of the St. Lawrence as he talks about the development and enactment process!
Since 2012 the Ontario Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport has worked to consult with communities on the Ontario trails strategy and the various new legislation in support of trails - i.e. "The Supporting Ontario trails Act." Come and hear from the government on the progress we are making together to make better communities through trails.
City of Ottawa Cycling and trails - Ottawa has a world class system of trails and cycling routes. Come and here the planning department talk about the fit of planning with trail development!
The National Capital Greenbelt in Ottawa has over 150 kilometres of trails that connect to the Trans Canada Trail, Rideau Trail and Capital Pathway network. Whether you have half an hour for a short hike or plan on spending the day, the Greenbelt has something for you.
Trans Canada Trail works with local partners – trail owner/operators – to plan and support development of trail across Ontario. With a connectivity challenge to be met for 2017 come and hear about how the TCT supports trails, communities and it's completion!
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month and it's only right that you protect yourself while out on the trails. Lyme-carrying black-legged ticks can be found across Canada - but the highest concentration of infection is in Eastern Canada - which scientists believe is linked to climate change. Follow these tips to avoid Lyme disease. Come to the conference and hear about the strategies the working group is developing to help the public.
Sentiers Prescott Russell and Glengarry Trails are two trail supporting organizations in eastern Ontario. One is a County Committee the other operates as a "Friends of" model. Learn about both styles of operation and the trails they support!
Township of Madawaska Valley Trail is developing at a fast pace. A regional leader, the Township supports the trail enhancements for both the community and the tourist. Join us to hear about their trail gains.
Principles of Trail Risk Management, and Trails Risk Management - How to Say Yes to Trails, with Jeff Jackson, will provide the latent trail developer, or the trail leader with undeveloped projects or political will to get the trails done, with insight for planners and politicos alike to say yes to trails. We aren't as risky as you think!
Ottawa River-Keeper - programs and plans for development, they were thrilled when we contacted them, because they are a small group protecting a big river and they know you probably also have a river that needs support in order to maintain itself for paddlers!
Just look at the list of projects on this page Mattawa Trail Development, these folks are bringing the house down with all types of trails and new projects. Learn how they are getting it done.
First Nation Tourism and Trails, join First Nations leaders as we discuss the joint relationship on the land we share. An emerging force in tourism and trails we should figure out ways to work with all communities so we co-develop trails!
Register today!
IMBA Training for Landowners - June 22-23 Calabogie!
New Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Appointed.
Liberal politician Eleanor McMahon – founder of Ontario's Share the Road Cycling Coalition – has been appointed as Ontario's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. She is co-chair of the Legislative All Party Cycling Caucus and, as Minister for Tourism, has pledged to do more for cycling. “I’m eager to see us map out our own cycling infrastructure network here," she told a local paper.
McMahon founded the Share the Road Cycling Coalition in 2008 to lobby for enhanced penalties for suspended drivers. As a result of her campaign, Greg’s Law was passed in 2009 aiming to reducing the number of suspended drivers and repeat offenders on Ontario’s roads. McMahon became a politician in 2014.
Last Thursday, before being informed of her elevation, McMahon moved an amendment to the Highway Traffic Act to increase penalties for careless driving causing death or bodily harm. Her policeman husband Sgt. Greg Stobbart was killed while on a training ride ten years ago. The killer driver was found to have five previous convictions for driving under suspension but was not jailed for the death he caused.
The new Minister for Tourism said cycling is a growing part of the tourism sector, and a popular transport choice for Ontarians.
The capital of Ontario, a province of Canada, is Toronto which is slowly become more bicycle-friendly. Former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford was famously anti-cycling.
Region lifts ban on side-by-side cycling
Roads in rural townships now have a mix of rules for bikes riding two-abreast
Cycling
Independent file photo
Waterloo Region will now allow cyclists to bike side-by-side on its roads, but Wilmot and Wellesley townships still have the ban in place for township roads.
New Hamburg Independent
The act of side-by-side cycling on regional roads is no longer prohibited after a decision by Waterloo Regional council — but some township councillors aren’t in favour of the decision.
Regional council decided to remove the clause prohibiting two-abreast cycling in order to better align their bylaw with the Highway Traffic Act, which already allows bike-riders to do so. The decision, made after a June 1 council meeting, went against the wishes of Wellesley Township’s council.
Mayor Joe Nowak, who spoke against the ruling, was worried that the decision wouldn’t be safe, at least not for roads in Wellesley township.
“I asked if they had any plans to identify roads that would be dangerous from our point of view, and they didn’t have one,” he told Wellesley township council on June 7.
The Region of Waterloo has jurisdiction over some major roads, while the townships govern the rest. Roads under the control of Wellesley Township will still enforce the single-file cycling ruling, while regional roads that run through the township will no longer have that restriction.
“Now we have two separate rules, and that will cause confusion,” Mayor Nowak told council. “Lets hope nothing serious happens, because nobody wins in that case.”
Nowak was particularly concerned with cycling clubs, who use the roads for training. They seem to create the biggest volume of cyclists out on the roads, and the mayor told council he was interested in regulating their numbers.
Coun. Herb Neher was equally disappointed at the region’s ruling, saying that of all the people he’s talked to, not one has been in favour of two-abreast cycling.
“People making the decisions live in the city and that’s the unfortunate part for us,” he told council last week. “They have not been on some of these roads out here and I feel sorry for citizens.”
The president of the Waterloo Cycling Club, however, was in favour of dropping local rules that only allow single-file cycling. Alain Francq told regional council on June 1 that removing the bylaw against two-abreast cycling would be better for cyclists and motorists.
He said research shows two-abreast cycling to be safer than single file, as it doesn’t force motorists to pass such a long line of bikes. Francq added that both drivers and cyclists are confused when local rules contradict what is in the Highway Traffic Act.
Wilmot Mayor Les Armstrong said his township hasn’t discussed the issue yet, but the bylaw is coming up for review this year.
As of right now, a township bylaw still requires single-file cycling on Wilmot’s roads, but, like Wellesley, it is no longer prohibited to ride side-by-side on regional roads — provided riders still adhere to the Highway Traffic Act and pull over when they are being passed by vehicles.
“Enforcing this is difficult,” said Armstrong. “It’s important that the province looks at clarifying this, as there are other means of transportation of a similar nature, like longboards and scooters.”
Armstrong said that police only enforce Ontario traffic laws — which doesn’t require single-file cycling — and that it’s not a high priority for the township’s bylaw officers to pull over or ticket cyclists who break the Wilmot-specific rules.
Monday, June 13, 2016
Ontario Trails News - rail trail needs help, ATV'er killed, and cycling route look for support
Add Your Event |
Guelph to Goderich Rail Trail Looking for Support
Link for More infoMan, 64, killed in ATV crash in northeastern Ontario
Police tape is shown in a file photo.
The Canadian Press Published Saturday, June 11, 2016 6:19AM EDT
ENGLEHART, Ont. -- Investigators with the OPP's Temiskaming detachment say a man has died after crashing an All-Terrain Vehicle in Englehart in northeastern Ontario.
They say the man was driving the ATV Thursday night when, for unknown reasons, he lost control of the machine.
Police say 64-year old Gary Laflair of Englehart was pronounced dead in hospital.
Investigators say Laflair wasn't wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
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Friday, December 25, 2015
Ontario Trails News - want to talk Ontario trails?, join us for Trails Talk.
Send us your trail event! |
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Trails Talk
Join us every other Tuesday at 1pm EST for a lively half hour discussion on trail issues of importance to the trails community.
We will be using our Google Hangout to facilitate our Trail Talks.
January 5th, 2016 - Kinghorn Trail Association - all about the development of this important northern trail with Kirsten Spence.
January 12th, 2016 - Land Acquisition - with Robert Orland and Kate Potter of Orland Conservation, on land acquisition issues, how to secure land for trails, or offer your land for trails from a landowner perspective.
January 19th, 2016 - Fundraising for Non-Profit Organizations - with Thomas Allgoewer - a half hour discussion about how to facilitate your organization goals and objectives through fundraising efforts.
February 2nd, 2016 - Edge Auditor - the program that helps you know and log in all the facts about your trail, with Niall Lobely.
February 16th, 2016 - Explorer's Edge - all about the great trails in RTO 12 with James Murphy of Explorer's Edge.
March 1, 2016 - The Georgian Bay Coast Trail - who supports it, what is happening and all about our spring community meeting in Killarney. With Luke Wassesgijig and Kirsten Spence.
March 15, 2016 - Trans Canada Trail - with Jane Murphy and Al McPherson. You've heard about it, how is it progressing? How can you support it?
March 29, 2016 - Hiking, what is it? Who does it? What you need to know about community programs, and trail leadership programs - with Bill Mungall
April 12th, 2016 - Trail Building - are you interested? What is trail building all about? Who does it and the skills you need, with stories from trail builder Zane Davies.
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Ontario Trails News - Brantford Skills Park supports safer off road riding!
Find your favorite today! |
Cycling club onside with bike skills park
Brant Cycling Club
Photo by Brian Shypula, Brant News
Brant Cycling Club members, from left, Coun. Rick Weaver, Loren Butler, Katie MacDonald and John Harker stand in Earl Haig Park, one of the potential sites for a bike skills park in Brantford.
Brant News
The Brant Cycling Club has a lot of wheels in motion.
In a little over one year since it was formed last April, the non-profit club has grown to about 50 members, expanded its weekly road and trail rides, started a kids mountain bike camp, got involved in holding a major fundraiser for mental health and taken on advocacy for the development of a skills bike park in Brantford.
City councillor Rick Weaver, the newly minted vice president of the Brant Cycling Club (BCC), is chairing the task force looking into building a skills bike park in one of three city parks: Earl Haig, Waterworks and Rivergreen.
“Other cities that have done these have found they’ve become a family attraction,” he said in a weekend interview.
Toronto’s bike skills park, visible from the Gardiner Expressway near Sunnyside Avenue, cost $500,000 to build.
“That’s kind of the Cadillac of bike parks,” Weaver said.
“A scaled-down version is what we want,” he added.
The specially designed park would help develop cycling skills in kids.
Weaver said features he would like to see included would be “jump lines” (a series of jumps and a “pump track” (a hilly, banked track that allows riders to maintain momentum without pedalling).
The park would also be suitable for skateboards and scooters.
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