Check Out The Fall Colours: Cycling Events & Tours Throughout Ontario

Ontario By Bike aims to connect biking enthusiasts with some awesome events, group rides and recommended trails for you to embrace this autumn. There is no better way to participate than via e-bike. There is still time to register for excursions in October, or, you can always head out and explore on your own, with some suggested key routes from BikeTrain Initiative. 

The Bike Train Initiative introduces bike racks onboard select passenger rail trains (GO Transit, VIA Rail, Ontario Northland) to destinations across Ontario, making cycling holidays easy and accessible. All of Zygg’s E-bike models are permitted onboard. The programme is a project from “Transportation Options”, a non-profit organization dedicated to stimulating sustainable transportation and tourism. BikeTrain.ca has created an extensive backgrounder on their key routes still in full swing:

Toronto - Niagara Go Train Route has extra service on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays including Canadian Thanksgiving, of 4 scheduled trains per day, with three bike coaches, having a capacity for 18 bikes / ebikes. The trains leave Toronto Union Station and terminate at Niagara Falls Station with a few stops in between (like St. Catherine’s, Ontario). Once in Niagara, hop on the Niagara Recreational Trail, for 56 km of paved, off-road paths with scenic views of The Niagara Gorge, wineries, historic sites and the glorious Niagara Greenbelt. 

Windsor-London-Toronto VIA Rail South-Western Route accommodates bike storage on rail-cars listed with “baggage cars”. Bikes/ ebikes must be bagged or boxed prior to main check in. The extra step is well worth the effort, as this route is chalk-full of vineyards, expert bird- watching sites, nature preserves, as well as historical, agricultural and cultural attractions.

Visit Ontario By Bike’s website for all the resources you need, ideas on great places to cycle, cycling maps and certified bicycle-friendly accommodations and business listings for these routes and many others across the province. 

Some Highlighted Events: 

BRUCE PENINSULA GRAVEL GRAN FONDO: October 3, 2021

Trek along back gravel roads in Bruce Peninsula from the Lion’s Head Lighthouse to the Cabot Head Lighthouse, and back.115km, 80km, 56km & 30km routes are available. This spectacular event is in support of the Bruce Peninsula ECO Adventures and Biosphere Association:

EVERESTING 2021: October 16, 2021

This is so cool! New Hope Community Bikes is hosting a cycling fundraiser in Hamilton with the goal for riders to equal the distance to the summit of Mount Everest (8,800m / 8.8km) as they ride up and down The Niagara Escarpment. The event will raise money for New Hope Community Bikes’ programming, including teaching children to ride, mentoring youth through skill development and making cycling accessible to vulnerable populations:

Gravelocity is a boutique, outdoor-adventure-touring company with a unique focus on cycling. 

Upcoming three day trips include:

OCT 22-24 - PETERBOROUGH COUNTY : This “Tempo Tour”, for more experienced riders, will roll with an average speed of 22-29km/hr, covering distances of 65-100km/day through forests, fields and riverside. To register and for more information:

OCT 29-31 - OXFORD COUNTY TOUR :“ This is a slower, paced,“Social Tour” which snakes through “Amish Country”, with an average distance covered of 60-85 km/ day, with a very “chill” Day One. To register and for more information:

Cycle Canada is another solid resource with their calendar of rides and events for Ontario, including The Thousand Islands, Ottawa Loops, and into the Montreal Regions, several which are multi-day tours. It is never too soon to plan ahead, even for next season!

Commuting Via Bike? Zygg Ebikes Profiles a “Super-Subscriber”:

As we set our sights on a healthy return to work and school, one of the best ways of getting there is via bike or e-bike. Both seasoned cyclists and new riders can benefit from some key tips for getting around our fair city. Zygg Electric Bikes gathered the most important considerations from avid cyclists in Toronto’s bike-commuting scene and came up with a list of “Hot Tips”. 

First up, what better way to get prepared than to hear it from one of Zygg Ebikes’ longest subscribers, LYNN, in her own words:

“ My name is Lynn. I am recently retired, but, until this summer, I worked as a Child and Youth Worker in an Autism Class in the TDSB.

I am presently using the Zygg E- bike model Q.  I love the entire look of the bike.  It looks like a typical bike, not too chunky.  The battery is set into the crossbar so you don't notice it.

I started commuting by bike as soon as I got a Zygg ebike, which was late summer  (I think August) of 2020.  I would typically take the TTC to my school, which is downtown. Yet, due to the pandemic, I was not comfortable with that.  I also wasn't confident I could ride my regular bike that distance, there and back.

I have always loved bike riding.  I'm not hard core.  I would not go tremendous distances yet it was always a real pleasure of mine. 

When I was working, it would take approximately 40 minutes to get from my house to my school. Jane and Annette to Bathurst and College [8.1 km].  Now, I use my bike about 3-4 times a week: for errands, groceries and pleasure riding.

I don't drive, so having this e-bike has given me a tremendous amount of freedom.  I can access places that  before may have been awkward to get to on transit. My husband will  gladly drive me places, but, I don't want  to always depend or wait on someone else.  Plus, I can go much, much further with less effort.  Lol . Especially in this hot, hot weather, it has been a pleasure to ride.  Cools you off when you are moving.

I definitely plan my route.  I only use routes which have designated bike lanes, which seems to be getting a little better in this city.  I do dress appropriately, even wearing long sleeve shirts on a hot day.  I am not a 'speed demon' ; most people are going slower than I can go, so generally I try to be patient and not blow past them. I wait for a wide berth to do so.  

For me, [traveling via a pedal-assist e-bike] is fantastic.  You can go as fast or slow as you want.  At times I try to use a lower speed to get some exercise.  I would often use Bloor Street to get to work. I loved just sailing past traffic.  I'm moving while cars are at a stand still. Not to mention going up hills is a breeze!  You are out in the air and sunshine.  I was wide awake by the time I got to work, especially on chilly mornings.

Having to park it, lock it, take the battery with you, is a little cumbersome, but totally worth it and understandable.  (* Thanks, Lynn!)

In this pandemic it is a safer alternative to riding the TTC.  I do respect the speed in which I am going and adhere to all safety rules. “

More hot tips for commuting via bike or ebike:

• MAINTENANCE: Make sure your bike is in great shape: check the tire pressure (and keep it pumped for a faster, more comfortable ride); make sure you have reflectors, fenders, a bell/horn and working lights; oil the chain and check that your brake-pads are healthy. The cool thing about a Zygg E-Bike Subscription is that all repairs and maintenance are included. You will receive an electric bike in top-condition and we will make sure it stays that way. There are dozens of free bike repair / maintenance stations throughout the city. Here is a list from the TTC.

• GEAR: Get kitted out with the right gear, clothing and accessories:

- A helmet is a must for safety. There are lots of styles to choose from, including light-weight models, and even LUMOS MIPS: the helmet lights up when you are breaking or signaling to turn: Check out Cycle Solutions for the perfect helmet.

- A wind and rain shell is important to keep you comfortable and dry. Rain is just water, learn to embrace it. Sweet Pete’s Bike Shop has you covered. 

- Panniers (“saddlebags” or messenger-bags for laptops/files & extra clothing) are the way to go! Backpacks are great for trekking, however, not necessarily for commuting. Let the bike frame carry the weight. Make sure your bag is sturdy and waterproof. Vaude, a top-rated Canadian company, has an awesome selection.

And, recently launched Toronto-based company, Bailey Co. Cycling Goods, has very stylish, “commute to work” panniers.

• VISIBILITY: Be seen...and if you think you have been seen, assume you have not. If you are getting squeezed, take the whole lane, do not get locked in, or compromised. Share the road and demand that others do as well. Use your bell/horn and proper arm signals. Stay out of the door-opening-zone of parked cars (a few metres). Use the expanding networking of safe, designated biking infrastructure when possible.

• PLAN YOUR ROUTE: Plan your route in advance: study maps, and choose the safest and most interesting route, not necessarily the fastest. If you use Google Maps, for example, enter your start point and destination and click on the “cycling” icon to get the distance and duration. Even do a test ride before you start and find a safe, dry place to lock or store your bike in advance.

• SET REALISTIC GOALS: you do not have to commute by bike every day, just do what you can. Be kind to yourself. It is not a race. Leave plenty of time, you are not in a rush. 

If you get to your destination early, read a book, grab a coffee, check your emails, call a friend...you will not get points for being the fastest. Also, if on an ebike, think about using your pedal assist in the best mode: Perhaps, try more assist on your way, so you arrive with the least “sweat” and exertion, and save your work-out for the way home, by using less pedal assist. Or, downhills, coast with little assist, and save your charge for the hills. 

Great News For Toronto Cyclists - Pilot Project For Safer Streets Announced

A left-turn calming pilot project, recently launched by the City of Toronto as part of their Vision Zero Road safety plan, is welcome news for cyclists and pedestrians, alike. The city will test using speed bumps to reduce speeds of drivers making left-hand turns in at least eight priority intersections by the end of August. Two have already been installed in July at Sheppard Avenue East & Kennedy Road and Finch Avenue East & Sandhurst Circle. 

These speed bumps will encourage drivers to take a slower and sharper left turn when driving across crosswalks, rather than wide, diagonal turns. The idea is that it will provide drivers better visibility of pedestrians and cyclists while also reducing turning speeds. 

“The pilot is a step in the right direction to improving cyclist and pedestrian safety”, said Kevin Rupasinghe, campaigns manager with Cycle Toronto, a group that advocates for safe cycling in the city. He said that busy streets with a lot of foot and bike / ebike traffic should be prioritized for left-turn calming pilots. "There's plenty of times when I have wished that there were measures to keep drivers turning slower and better able to see me," he said.

Similar left-turn calming measures are already in place in other cities, like New York and Washington, D.C. In New York City, a pilot has been running since 2016, at 300 locations, resulting in the speed of left turns decreasing by an average of 52.6 per cent, and decrease in injury by 20%.

In comments to CBC News, Rob Viola, director of safety policy and research at New York City's Department of Transportation : "It has been a big success and has caught on in a lot of cities across North America," said Viola. "It's pretty cheap, easy and the results are strong, so anything like that in transportation is going to get picked up." 

With more people choosing to bike & e-bike to work, school, for shopping and leisure - especially in the suburbs of Toronto where cycling enthusiasm continues to grow - this is a much needed initiative. 

During the month of August, the bumps will be added at the following six intersections: Brimley Road and Eglinton Avenue East, Victoria Park Avenue and Sheppard Avenue East, Victoria Park Avenue and Lawrence Avenue East, Curlew Drive and Lawrence Avenue East (west of Victoria Park Avenue), Don Mills Road and Steeles Avenue East, and Mount Pleasant Road and Merton Street (south of Davisville Avenue).

More information and a graphic of the proposed intersection improvements.