Citizens partner with County and OPP to make trails work for all despite pandemic - OVCATA

The Algonquin Trail attracts a variety of users. (Photo: Pembroke Observer)

The Algonquin Trail attracts a variety of users. (Photo: Pembroke Observer)

News release from OVCATA, April 30, 2020



April 30, 2020: Local citizens are working with Renfrew County staff and the OPP to make all County trails, especially the new Algonquin Trail, safe and pleasant for everyone who uses them. Those who don't get the message risk police charges.

The Algonquin Trail, the former CP Rail line, which the County is converting to a recreation trail with links to a network of trails that cross Canada, is being opened as a multi-use trail for shared use by walkers, runners, cyclists and ATV riders.

Local people need to make an effort for shared use to work, according to the Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance (OVCATA) especially during this COVID19 pandemic and the need for social distancing.

"The Algonquin Trail is an exciting new idea in the County, and in some areas, it is already in heavy use with people doing a good job of sharing it and keeping their social distances," according OVCATA Secretary Ron Moss, of Pembroke. "The Pembroke-Petawawa section is a great example of this, with all kinds of people out on the trail and respecting one another pretty well. The trail surface there is generally in good shape."

To make the Trail work, Mr. Moss says users need to know the rules and must obey all posted signs. Motorized vehicles must obey posted speed signs and slow down when encountering all trail users. All users must stay on the trail and not trespass on private properties. Dirt bikes and motorcycles are not permitted on the trail. "Careless drivers of motor vehicles intimidate walkers and cyclists, damage the trail and create a very poor image for motorized sensible riders," he said.

All users need to be clear on their responsibilities, he said. Dog walkers need to keep pets under control and on leash, clean up after them, and dispose of bags properly - which is not always done, according to County staff. Horseback riders must clean up after their horses too. And during the pandemic period, cyclists should maintain physical distancing and avoid riding in groups.

OPP officers have been on the trails issuing warnings to some users and charging others for trespassing and off-road vehicle offences.

"Trails are an important asset to allow the public to refresh in the outdoors during these stressful times. The County and OPP want to make the Algonquin Trail and all trails work for everyone," said Mr. Moss. "They need the public's help to make that happen. If you are aware of problem users on the Trail, please make a call." The OPP number is 1-888-310-1122. Renfrew County's Trails department can be reached at (613) 735-3204  ext. 463 or, Toll Free:  1-800-273-0183.

"Everyone needs to feel safe on the trail if it is going to be a success in helping people be active and healthy and in attracting visitors to our area," said Mr. Moss. "Let's all do our part during these challenging times."








Year: [All] | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016

April 2024

ONTARIO CYCLE TOURISM & CYCLING ACTIVITY REPORT
A complete and detailed report on the state of cycle tourism in Ontario.

December 2023

2023 OVCATA annual meeting summary and co-chairs' report

October 2023

Action group formed to cash in on cycle tourism by promoting Trail Towns

September 2023

Arnprior brainstorming session will plan how towns can cash in on cycle tourism

August 2023

Trail towns - what are they and how to make YOUR town one of them

February 2023

OVCATA receives 2022 community service award

January 2023

2022 Bike Bank report
2022 Co-chair's report

June 2022

OVCATA Opens Bike Bank Renfrew County for 2022

May 2022

County of Renfrew and OVCATA celebrate expansion of cycling networks
Silver Chain Challenge is back - enter and log your klicks in June

February 2022

OVCATA and MPP John Yakabuski support road safety education and enforcement

November 2021

Volunteers send bikes to Cuba from Eastern Ontario, with sweat and love

July 2021

Bike Bank reaches 100-bike milestone

November 2020

County municipal leaders and staff hear how Petawawa is becoming a Bicycle-Friendly Community "one bite at a time"

October 2020

Fall is a great time for cycling in the Ottawa Valley.
Petawawa Bike-Friendly Communities champion to speak to OVCATA AGM

May 2020

Algonquin Trail Report - May 2020
Citizens partner with County and OPP to make trails work for all despite pandemic - OVCATA

December 2019

Active Transportation is growing in the Ottawa Valley

October 2019

OVCATA launches municipal outreach campaign

August 2019

OVCATA salutes Tour de Whitewater success, setting records for participation, activity

June 2019

The Ottawa Valley is a cycling paradise

April 2019

Renfrew County Council to lead on Active Transportation Month activities in June
Gearheads donates elite E-bike for OVCATA raffle
Volunteering at OVCATA - there's a place for you
Highway 17 rumble strips could have fatal consequences - OVCATA
2018 a big year for Active Transportation in Ottawa Valley

October 2018

OVCATA meets with Ontario's new transportation minister - our own MPP John Yakabuski

June 2018

OVCATA promotes active transportation for seniors with provincial support

March 2018

Join OVCATA - Win A Bike

December 2017

Local cycle routes win big with December provincial funding!
Education is key to bike collision prevention - OPP Sergeant

October 2017

OPP to share bike collision stats at Renfrew OVCATA meeting
OVCATA Co-chair's report for 2017 - a lot accomplished in Year 1

June 2017

New provincial cycling funding could be used in Renfrew County - OVCATA

May 2017

Help Sprocketman fly! Online cycling advocacy music video

April 2017

RIDE OF SILENCE 2017
OVCATA thanks Renfrew County Council and asks for more commitment.
Voyageur Discovery Route Funding a big step toward trans-Canada cycle route.
Community Rides in communities across Renfrew County this spring
Silver Chain Challenge relaunches in June, 2017
Adopt a Road

December 2016

New hardened shoulders in Renfrew County in 2016
The Algonquin Trail - tell municipal councillors you support it
OVCATA's vision for cycling in Ontario

November 2016

Share the Road Cycling Coalition wants to hear from you
MTO Public Consultation on Cycling Program

October 2016

Véloroute Voyageur / Voyageur Cycling Route would connect Northeastern Ontario

September 2016

Alliance responds to Minister Del Duca, presses for public education
Petition for cyclists and hikers in national parks
Partial lane for cyclists on Hwy 17 west of Petawawa