A new cycling map developed by the City of Guelph shows on-and-off road bike routes throughout the community. The map will allow novice and experienced cyclists to choose different routes based on their skill, comfort, or fitness level, and they can avoid busy streets and steep hills for a safer, easier trip across town.
“These maps are a great tool for all types of cyclists, making it easy to find the best route through the city, any time of year,” says Jennifer McDowell, the City’s Transportation Demand Management Coordinator. “The map also includes resources like safety tips, helmet fitting instructions, trail use guides and a list of interesting places to visit on your bike.”
The Guelph Cycling Map was developed by the Bicycle-Friendly Guelph Initiative. The initiative is guided by City staff and community members whose goal is to improve Guelph’s cycling infrastructure, offer educational programs, and increase the number trips people make by bike every day. “Getting people out of their cars and onto their bikes is one way to lower the city’s greenhouse gas emissions,” adds McDowell. “We want to triple the number of daily bike trips in Guelph over the next 10 years; an increase from about 2,400 to 7,200 trips a day.”
The maps are available in most bike repair and retail shops in the city, and the Initiative is using them to build awareness and create interest over the winter months. “Cyclists are likely spending more time in shops than on bikes over the winter, and the map includes a lot of great information. It also shows bike lanes and wide roads where winter maintenance is more likely to take place.”
Maps are also available online at guelph.ca and at the following locations:
– Service Guelph (City Hall)
– The Bookshelf
– Central Students’ Association, University of Guelph
– Guelph Off-Road Bicycle Association
– Sole Earth Apparel
– YMCA/YWCA Guelph
The Bicycle-Friendly Guelph Initiative is part of the City’s Transportation Demand Management program. The program is working to reduce the number of daily trips by motorized vehicles, and promoting more sustainable transportation options in Guelph.