Viscount Alexander students gather around the decorating station at last year’s Bike Rodeo. Plans are underway for the June initiative. Photo by Howard Waserman
Prime biking season is upon us. People in Old Ottawa East are gearing up for the pleasures and benefits of cycling.
Whether for recreational purposes or commuting, area residents have the advantage of being located in the heart of the city. They have excellent access to major cycling routes.
With the expansion of National Capital Commission bike pathways, the city’s continuing implementation of new cycling infrastructure, a growing list of bike co-ops and advocacy groups, as well as bike sharing programs, the Capital Region is making good on its promise to become a major cycling hub in North America.
It is evident the OOE community feels strongly about cycling.
Several students at Viscount Alexander Public School have already begun inquiring about this year’s edition of their annual Bike Rodeo. Staff at the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre are also looking forward to this fun afternoon in June. They plan to connect with community partners and younger residents who attend Viscount.
Also in June, Capital Velo Fest will take place at Ottawa City Hall ( June 1) and Brantwood Park (June 2). As part of its Community Spoke Program, Capital Velo Fest will offer cycling games, bike decorating, help with maintenance issues, and a safety and education course.
Community volunteers Catherine Dowdell and Hanna Searson lower the limbo bar for OOE youth, as they participate at last year’s cycling activities in Brantwood Park. The event will take place once again at Brantwood, on Sunday, June 2nd. The event is free and all are welcome. Photo by Howard Waserman
There will also be a communal ride around the neighbourhood, prizes and hopefully a picnic in the park afterwards (if the weather cooperates this year).
Capital Velo Fest has expressed a desire to participate in the spring activities of OOE’s Community Activities Group. Much of this will depend on community involvement and interest.
Possible events could include Thursday night BBQs starting in May at Brantwood and Saturday afternoon Picnic and Play events at Springhurst Park.
The SHCHC will also play a part. Suggestions and comments regarding cycling in our area are welcome.
Cycling dangers on Main Street remain at the forefront of many people’s minds, particularly with the impending reconstruction of OOE’s major artery. People who choose to ride down Main Street instead of Echo Drive or the canal pathway face anxious drivers during rush hour and speeding cars at other times, as well as pavement cracks and pot holes. Cycling any stretch between Colonel By Drive and the McIlraith Bridge is an adventurous task.
At a recent cycling symposium, hosted by Citizens for Safe Cycling (CfSC), this very matter was put to City of Ottawa Transportation Planner, Zlatko Krstulic.
He explained the topic of cyclist needs was still on the agenda for Main Street reconstruction. It was clear that firm details had yet to be concluded.
To learn more about these talks and other cycling news in Ottawa, readers are encouraged to check out CfSC’s website, www.safecycling.ca.
Pascale Laliberte, Project Coordinator (cycling) at the NCC, was also in attendance at the symposium, speaking about issues such as pathway expansion, winter riding, and the Bixi community bike program.
Tamara Nahal, of the newly founded Carleton University Cycling (CUC), said her group aimed to work on cycling advocacy and safety. She spoke of the potential for a CU bike sharing program and possible maintenance space on campus.
The arrival of the new campus group was welcomed, given ongoing cycling dangers on Bronson Avenue.
People seeking cycling programs through the City of Ottawa should contact Gord McGregor at City Wide Sports. Available instruction includes the Can-Bike cycling safety program, Bike Rodeos for schools, camps, and clubs, and private one-to-one lessons for adults and seniors. Many of these are offered free of charge through the city.
For more information regarding activities at 88 Main St. and community cycling events, please email Howard Waserman (hwaserman@sandyhillchc.on.ca) or Chris Osler (cosler@sandyhillchc.on.ca), or contact by phone, at 613.565.3265.
