RESOURCES FOR CYCLISTS OF ALL LEVELS
Cycling is an accessible, affordable and environmentally friendly way to stay active. Since the start of the pandemic, people across Canada and around the world are turning to their bikes to get outside. Globally, governments are making more space for cyclists in urban areas closing off roadways usually dominated by vehicles and promoting it as a way to boost public health. The World Economic Forum even suggested that we could be at the dawn of a golden age for cycling with governments in Europe and beyond encouraging its citizens to ride bikes.
Whether you are an avid categorized racer, weekend warrior, urban commuter or someone who is turning to their bike now more than ever to stay active and make essential trips to the grocery store or pharmacy, you are probably wondering what resources are available to you. Here are some ideas to get you ready to ride, train or just take on the world on two wheels.
- HopOn Home Edition
Cycling Canada launched the HopOn At Home Edition as a resource for parents to help their kids build confidence on two wheels. It includes activities and games children can complete and play near home, as well as teaching tips for parents helping their child build confidence. HopOn is a games-based cycling program that teaches school aged kids across Canada the joy of cycling safely.
- Google Maps, TrailForks and route builders
If you are new to cycling and trying to navigate your urban environment on a bike, you probably want to stick to designated bike paths. In the options menu on Google Maps, you can easily view the paths in your area. If you want to take your rides up a notch and get a little adventurous, try mapping out a route. Strava Route Builder, Map My Ride, Kamoot, and many other online tools and apps can help you better navigate the roads, trails and bike paths close to home. Mountain bikers or those seeking to explore some forest trails or singletrack can use TrailForks to explore the extensive data base of trails.
- At home bike maintenance
Physical distancing may have made you hesitant to bring your bike into the shop for its annual tune-up, but keeping your bike in working order is essential with more use this spring. As an alternative, you can follow this at home bike maintenance video featuring Cycling Canada’s road and track mechanic Ryan Finch which only requires a few bike maintenance essentials and is perfect regardless of what type of bike you are riding.
- How to buy your first bike
If you are considering purchasing a new bike that better fits your riding these days, MEC has a great resource for cyclists in the market for a new steed. Figure out your budget and carefully consider the various uses you mainly envision for your bike; be it to run errands, hit local gravel paths or set off on longer adventures on pavement or gravel.
- Virtual race series
If you are an avid racer who is craving some competition during physical distancing, you are in luck as there are many virtual races going on right now. The Cycling Canada Virtual Race Series p/b Argon18 are running until June 4 on the FulGaz app. For Junior and U17 athletes, the Canadian Junior Virtual Cycling Series is ongoing with recon rides on Fridays and races on Sundays. The OCA is holding a weekly indoor racing series and many pros are also racing virtually so you can tune in online to watch your favourite racers go head-to-head. Cycling Canada is also hosting virtual rides via Zwift with some of our National Team athletes, which are announced on our Facebook page.
- Local road closures and confinement guidelines
A huge resource for cyclists of all levels are the municipal, provincial and federal guidelines released and updated weekly. There have been major temporary road closures in cities across Canada so that people have more space to walk and ride bikes. Edmonton, Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto, and many other cities in Canada have implemented such measures, so it’s worth consulting these before heading out for a ride.
- COVID-19 Cycling Canada updates
Cycling Canada has been working closely with federal and provincial health authorities to make recommendations tailored to the cycling community based off of the latest available information. As local, provincial and federal guidelines develop, make sure to check the Cycling Canada website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the lasted updates on the status of events, news and relevant information.
- IMBA Canada
The International Mountain Bike Association Canada is an advocacy group aimed at ensuring Canada has a strong mountain bike community and access to amazing trails. Their website has information regarding trail partnerships so you can stay active, online workshops to ensure community engagement and other resources so you are riding safe and smart.
- National provincial, local and municipal park websites
Maintained trail networks in public green spaces are a valuable resource to cyclists of all levels. If you plan on using trail networks and multi-use recreational paths in Canada’s green spaces, make sure to check the relevant websites to learn about guidelines for outdoor recreation, physical distancing and what amenities are open. Many parks across Canada were closed during the height of the pandemic and in many places closures or restrictions remain in effect, but depending on provincial and municipal policies you’ll want to be informed before heading out. Information on COVID-19 measures in National Parks, provincial parks in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, P.E.I., Nova Scotia and Newfoundland should be consulted as well as your local and municipal park system’s websites.
