At home and abroad, more bike paths are being built, and there are more opportunities to rent bicycles, or take your two-wheeler on public transport. At least one European city has even come up with a novel mechanism to get people and their bikes uphill without effort.
In British Columbia, cyclists are discovering what's billed as the largest lift access mountain bike park, while others will take part in an international bike race this summer in Kamloops.
As this is the start of Toronto Bike Month, which began on Monday and runs 'til June 25, it seems a good time to look at the ways in which other destinations are encouraging cycling.
Unique ways to travel by bike at home and abroad
LA ROUTE VERTE
It's called the "longest bicycle route in America." The newly completed Green Route (officially "La Route Verte"), which crosses the province of Quebec from east to west, and north to south covering more than 4,000 km, has already been named one of the top 10 cycling routes by National Geographic Magazine.
The vast bikeway network, inaugurated in 2007, links 16 regions of Quebec and passes through 320 municipalities on a series of bike paths and quiet roads. Whether you're riding passed the Laurentian Mountains or the St. Lawrence River watch for the "bienvenue cyclistes!" signs which indicate certified accommodations and campsites offering services adapted to meet cyclists' needs: A locked shelter for bikes, tools, information on repair centres and breakfast. For more check routeverte.com.
BIKE TRAIN
Torontonians now have another option for getting to the Niagara Region with their bikes. The Toronto-Niagara Bike Train, which began operation just over a year ago, has introduced bike racks onboard select VIA Rail Canada departures between Toronto and Niagara Falls.
The train stops at Toronto's Union Station and Niagara Falls station with limited stops in St. Catharines for Niagara-bound passengers. Once you arrive, choose from no fewer than six notable bike trails including the 140-km-long Greater Niagara Circle Route; the 42-km-long Welland Canals Trail; and the 14-km-long Upper Canada
Heritage Trail -- a converted rail line. The various routes encompass farms and waterfronts, gardens, historic sites and towns, and wineries. For more information or to help plan your getaway, check biketrain.ca or call 1-888-619-5984.
NORWAY'S BIKE LIFT
Norway's third largest city, Trondheim has a unique claim to fame. It's home to what's billed as the world's first bike lift, which takes you and your bike up the steep hill Bbrubakken in the historic part of the city centre. To use the Bicycle Lift Trampe, buy or rent an electronic keycard, position your bike 10 cm away from and parallel to the lift rail and, while standing astride the bike, put your left foot on the pedal and right foot in the start slot and watch the lift carry you up the hill, with your bike acting as support.
Since it was installed in 1993, the lift has pushed more than 220,000 cyclists up the hill. Trondheim is a university town with 30,000 students, 90% of whom use a bike as their main source of transportation.
CAR-FREE OTTAWA
Cyclists (and inline skaters) usually enjoy Sunday mornings in the National Capital when more than 50 km of roads are closed to motor vehicles. During Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bike days, which run from Victoria Day weekend to Labour Day (May 17 to Sept. 6), you can ride with ease along the Ottawa River Parkway, Colonel By Drive, Rockcliffe Parkway and Gatineau Park Parkways. For more check canadascapital.gc.ca/biking.
INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE
Kamloops, B.C., will be the site of a five-day international bike race that is expected to attract cyclists and spectators from around the world. During the Intermontane Challenge Mountain Bike Race, which takes place July 27-31, teams of two riders and solo racers will compete. The race loop on the first four days will start and end in Kamloops. The fifth and final day of the race will consist of a time trial in the heart of Kamloops. The premiere riding area is in Kenna Cartwright Park (Mount Dufferin), which features an extensive series of trails through semi-arid and treed terrain. For more check intermontanechallenge.com.
WHISTLER MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK
If you'd rather cycle downhill than uphill (who wouldn't) the Whistler Mountain Bike Park in B.C. is for you. Located within the Whistler Blackcomb ski resort, the park has high-speed chair lifts that carry people and their bikes to the tops of mountains. From there you can disembark and ride back down!
The park, said to be the largest lift access mountain bike park, is now in its 11th year of operation and is making its lesson and rental programs more accessible for all levels of mountain bikers. One of its new offerings is Bike Park 101, a daily clinic ideal for those who have never been to a mountain bike park or had much downhill bike experience. The cost is $99.95 and includes a lesson, bike rental, and bike park sampler ticket.
Not interested in a lesson? First-timers can get a sampler ticket for $27 which includes 3 chair lift rides. Otherwise a day pass costs $51. Bring your own bike, or rent one on site. Early bird season passes are now on sale for $435 plus GST until June 19. For more, check whistlerblackcomb.com/bike, or call 1-800-766-0449.
WRITER@INTERLOG.COM
