ROAD CLOSURES ACROSS CANADA
After a long winter, cyclists from coast-to-coast are getting excited about leaving their trainers and venturing outdoors. Cities across Canada are getting behind the movement by putting various measures in place to encourage active transportation, including road closures in downtown cores.
Here are some of the vehicle-free roads you can enjoy this summer.
Alberta
Memorial Drive (Calgary)
Weekends just got a little more exciting with the closure of Memorial Drive. Just off the Bow River, roads have been cleared of cars to make way for cyclists and pedestrians from Ninth Street to Centre Street with the lower deck of the bridge also being closed off.
The pilot project gives people more room for active transportation while adhering to public health rules. As the summer goes on, more lane closures may be installed during the warmer months.
Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1a)
Back by popular demand, Bow Valley Parkway is an iconic ride that gives cyclists a 48-kilometre scenic route and access to Johnston Canyon.
After testing the project during the summer of 2020, it was a no-brainer for organizers to bring back the closure this summer, allowing cyclists to explore the highway while enjoying the sites and mountain ranges.
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British Columbia
Stanley Park (Vancouver)
Photo: Ben Nelms/CBC
In March, the Vancouver Park Board voted to put in place temporary bike lanes on Park Drive in Stanley park until the end of October 2021.
The lane closure was initially created in the summer of 2020 to allow for more physical distancing for riders along the seawall. Bringing back the lanes shows the success and demand for more active transportation, with rider volume up by 180%!
Manitoba
Winnipeg
This summer, 17 streets across Winnipeg will be exclusively open to cyclists on Sundays and holidays. The Winnipeg City Council’s decision came as part of their COVID-19 response to increase the accessibility or outdoor activities, while also ensuring cyclist safety. The pilot project will continue until November 5, 2021.
For a complete list of street closures, click here.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Downtown Pedestrian Mall (St. John’s)
On July 3, the city of St. John’s will open a Pedestrian Mall to welcome cyclists and pedestrians alike to enjoy local businesses and expand outdoor space in the city. The goal is for the closure to help with economic growth, while adhering to public health guidelines and is set to remain open until September 7.
Ontario
Ottawa
The National Capital Commission (NCC) announced the return of the “NCC Weekend Bikedays” from May to October to encourage active transportation in the nation’s capital. The six-month program gives cyclists access to car-free roads on Saturdays and Sundays to safely enjoy the city.
If you’re looking for a longer stretch to ride, try out Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway’s nine-kilometre stretch; or Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway which runs eight kilometres on the south side of the Ottawa River. Outside of Ottawa, the popular Gatineau Park is running its own pilot project to encourage active transportation on weekend afternoons.
ActiveTO (Toronto)
Photo: Rene Johnston/Toronto Star file photo
ActiveTO is back for another season of outdoor riding with even more road closures than previous years. The expanding cycling network has extended to an additional 10 networks and still includes major closures like Lakeshore East and West to enjoy some Lake Ontario views.
The closures also include Midtown Yonge Street to encourage cyclists to support local businesses while getting their coffee fix.
Quebec
Montreal
On the island of Montreal, 13 arteries across the bustling city will be partially closed to cars for everyone to enjoy the sites, eats and entertainment this summer. Road closures will be stretching from Rosemont all the way to Verdun, giving cyclists plenty of spots to enjoy as they tour the city on two wheels.
Be sure to check out your provincial & municipal websites for updates on any additional road closures over the summer months. Happy riding!
