Bicycling In Ottawa

This capital-city-of-Canada offers the cyclist a broad range of recreational biking paths, along with a maturing (yet still developing) cycling culture which usually means that biking on Ottawa's streets is safe and convenient.

A bike culture for sure. Ottawa has “Citizens For Safe Cycling”, whom are – and this is a quotation from their own website - “a not-for-profit incorporated, independent, membership-based organization founded in 1984. It is a voluntary association made up of cyclists like you who work for better, safer, environmentally-friendly cycling in the Ottawa area. CFSC is directed by a volunteer board whose members are experienced and committed cyclists and run by a broad base of active volunteers, several of whom are long-term cycling instructors. The organization promotes greater bicycle use and enjoyment, cycling safety and awareness, bicycle route and road conditions that are safer as well as more pleasant, and an overall increased respect for cyclists in the public domain. “

A an Ottawa cyclist, get involved. Here is more information on the CFSC.

The City of Ottawa supports and promotes cycling as well, and publishes an Ottawa Cycling Map, and easy guide to the vastness of Ottawa's cycle paths. Here's where to go for your own copy of of the Ottawa Cycling Map.

Ottawa really is supportive of cycling, as are local businesses. They have collaborated to close portions of some of Ottawa's streets on specific days through the summer to make them a very pleasant, car-free haven for cyclists, roller bladders, joggers and strollers. These routes are selected to provide a very pleasant environment in which to cycle as well. These road closings normally take place Sunday mornings from late May through mid-September each year.