Collingwood residents are encouraged to get ‘On the Move’ by adding active transportation to their daily routine this June in celebration of Bike Month!
Whether you walk or wheel, active transportation improves personal and community health by increasing physical activity and socializing, while also reducing the negative environmental impacts of vehicular traffic.
June is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, ride a bike, walk, or use other forms of active transportation to get you to where you need to go.
Shifting your routine, even if it is one day a week, is a great start. The Town encourages you to participate in Walk and Wheel Wednesdays throughout the month of June, starting Wednesday, June 5. All you have to do is add a walk or wheel to your day.
Launch into Bike Month, On June 1 at Trail Tunes, an award-winning, regional event connecting communities by trail and by song. Explore over 100kms of trails and enjoy live music at the trailheads of Wasaga Beach, Clearview and Collingwood. Visit the Shipyards Amphitheatre, 2 North Maple Street from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 pm., on Saturday, June 1.
Also on Saturday, June 1, chat with volunteers from the Trails & Active Transportation Committee and members of Council at the Farmer’s Market (corner of Pine & Second Streets). Be safe, be seen; visit the Town's booth and get your free Town of Collingwood bike light (while supplies last)!
NEW! The Town has launched three videos on its YouTube Channel to help educate everyone on cycling rules and etiquette on Collingwood bike lanes and trails, the new sharrows on Maple Street, and trail etiquette for all users. The videos will highlight Collingwood’s 60+ kilometers of recreational trails for cyclists, walkers, joggers, and other modes of active transportation.
Learning how to cycle safely is important. Cyclists under 18 must wear an approved bicycle helmet including children riding in a child carrier, or a bicycle trailer. A helmet is strongly recommended for anyone 18 or over. Visit Ontario.ca for more cycling safety tips.
Drivers play a critical role in keeping cyclists safe. Bicycles in the roadway are considered vehicles. Drivers must watch for cyclists, slow down, and give them space. When passing a cyclist, drivers are required by the Highway Traffic Act to maintain a minimum distance of one metre between their vehicle and the cyclist. Visit sharetheroad.ca for more information on how drivers can co-exist safely with cyclists.
The expansion of safe cycling routes, bike parking shelters, new crosswalks, and water bottle refill stations are just some examples of how Collingwood is working to support active transportation and alternative modes of travel in the community.