c/o Ron Moss

Drop Off Location:

Yantha Cycle

499 TV Tower Road

Pembroke, Ontario

OVCATA is a volunteer-run organization, with annual expenses of up to $4,000. We use the money for event organizing, managing a website, advertising, organizational registrations, and office services and supplies. In 2023, for instance, we organized the successful Cashing In On Cycle-Tourism conference that resulted in the formation of a working group to Trail Town development on the Algonquin Trail. Roads across Renfrew County have been upgraded for safety as a result of our work.

We hope you feel as we do that we're getting a lot back for having OVCATA as an organized voice for active transportation. Please participate and donate to help build a strong voice in the Valley for active transportation and cycling.

We love to organize events, publicize and support other people's events all over the Valley, get bikes into the hands of those who need them, work with local governments and businesses, and lots more.

Go here to learn about Cashing in on Cycle Tourism in a report generated by our September 13, 2023 conference in Arnprior on Trail towns. 

Click here for our 2023 annual summary and co-chair's report, which offers a full account of our activities last year.

Click here if you have a bike to donate or need one.

Click here if you'd like to donate money to help keep it all rolling.

And if you'd like to get involved, please send a note to info@ovcata.ca, get on our email list, and join our Facebook group.

Co-chairs' report

EVENTS

5. Heroes Run for Healthcare Pembroke Regional Hospital on May 6 Pembroke runners were accompanied by OVCATA cyclists with waivers as provided by the organizers.

5. The annual Silver Chain Challenge during June bicycle month was won by Prince Edward County recording 4000 km while Renfrew County in second place entered 2700 km.

5. The Krista Johnson memorial Run for Change in Pembroke was held on June 10 with OVCATA cyclists accompanying the runners with waivers for runners as provided by the organizers.

5. Run for Home fund raiser for Deep River Hospital June 24. OVCATA supplied direction arrows and stakes as well as set up and retrieval with waivers as supplied by the organizers.

5. KAPOA POKER RUN This event held July 15 was a short bike ride and turnout was low. The organizers are willing to try again next year. Direction signs and stakes provided by OVCATA and waivers as provided by the organizers.

5. Andy Kalnins continues to provide recreational activities in McNab/Braeside, Arnprior and Renfrew TOUR DE POUTINE 2023 on September 16, saw 45 cyclists ride the 24 km course and enjoy a free Poutine at Betty’s Chips on a nice bright sunny day again this year.

Thanks Andy and Township of McNab Braeside for having this event. Ride organizers provided waivers.

10 KM WALK RUN AND CYCLE 2023 Renfrew on October 15 at Ma-te-way Park fund raiser for Hospice Renfrew. Waivers provided by organizers. Thanks Andy and the Town of Renfrew for organizing this event.

5. Andy also organized four paddle events. Thanks for all you do Andy.

TOUR DE BONNECHERE 2023 August 27 was a successful event with 175 cyclists. Barbequed hotdogs, hamburgers and refreshments were available for the participants at the finish along with live music. Bob Peltzer, Eric Price and Ron Moss provided and retrieved route signs as well as completing ride sweeps. Ride organizers provided waivers.

In the past this event has always been managed by staff at the Phoenix Centre who have decided to step away from this event. OVCATA will strive to maintain this event in 2024. OVCATA is currently working with the past committee on determining financial distribution of funds raised.

TOUR DE WHITEWATER 2023 was a ride in memory of past very successful ride events that were held here. The 2023 ride was held on July 15 from the Westmeath arena saw over 450 participants. Following the rides participants were able to purchase sandwiches prepared by the Four H Club at the Westmeath Arena. OVCATA members assisted with the five ride routes, signage and ride sweeps.

Ride organizers provided waivers.

OVCATA is currently working with the Tour de Whitewater Committee on fund distribution and a very exciting presentation was made to Whitewater Region Council on November 15 with a multi-year project in not only Westmeath but Foresters Falls, Cobden and Algonquin Trail.

5. Laurentian Valley Fit and Feisty for seniors. Weekly cycle rides guided by Kathy Fredericks and Ron in the Laurentian Valley, Pembroke and Petawawa areas.

CASHING IN ON CYCLE TOURISM WORKSHOP Wednesday September13 at the Nick Smith Centre was a very successful event with guest speakers Bob Peltzer OVCATA, Brenda Woods Trent Severn Waterway, Jennifer McCourt Discovery Routes Trails organization and Louisa Mursell Ontario by Bike and 45 in attendance saw the creation of a group that would carry forward Cycle Tourism and the Trail Town Concept involving municipalities along the OVRT and Algonquin Trails from Smiths Falls to Matawa.  As a result of this very successful workshop a group of attendees we have called the Dream Team has committed to carrying this theme forward. A follow up zoom meeting on Nov 7 has been held thanks to the effort of Jeff Mills. This has kick started the dream team who will continue to move this forward.

GOVERNMENT LIASON

Renfrew County

Town of Arnprior

• Arnprior Station rest stop has recently been put forward to council and a motion has been accepted.
• OVCATA looks forward to moving this forward with the Town of Arnprior and the County of Renfrew to see this installed in the near future as well as signage.

Capital Works for Hardened shoulders in Renfrew County 2023

-     Following our discussions with County staff regarding hardened shoulders for the 2023 construction season we are pleased to announce that County policy is to provide 1.0m wide hardened shoulders on all County roads having sufficient platform widths.

• County of Renfrew provided hardened shoulders in 2023 on the following roads:

• Whitewater Rd from Greenwood Rd to Hwy 17 connecting to the existing hardened shoulders on Mud Lake and Greenwood Rds.
• Round Lake Rd Deer Trail to Bonnechere River bridge
• River Rd near Lochwinnoch Rd
• Storyland Rd west of River Rd to Portage Rd.
• Lake Dore Rd from Golden Lake to Sperberg Rd
• Calabogie Rd from Highway 17 to Burnstown.
• Foymount Rd has been resurfaced with partially paved shoulders to a point just west of Lake Clear Rd. The remaining 1.5 kms is scheduled for completion in 2024 bring partially paved shoulders to most of the route from Eganville all the way to Foymount.

ALGONQUIN TRAIL K& P TRAILS

• The section of trail from the Town of Renfrew to Sand Point had additional surface material placed this past summer.
• Work continues on the trail from Paquette Rd towards Chalk River will likely be open early December.
• The County of Renfrew will report on Trails at our Dec 2 AGM.

MUNICIPALITIES - OVCATA members Andy Kalnins, Ron Moss and Debbie Macdonald actively involved in the development of these plans in Arnprior, Renfrew, Laurentian Valley and City of Pembroke as follows:

• Pembroke Parks and Recreation Master Plans
• Laurentian Valley Active Transportation and Trails Master Plan
• Laurentian Valley Strategic Plan
• Arnprior Recreation and Parks Master Plan
• Town of Renfrew strategic priorities

OVCATA recruitment and publicity set up at the following public events:

•  Tour de Whitewater July 15
• KAPOA POKER RUN July 15
•  Tour de Bonnechere Aug. 27
• Tour de Poutine September 16
• Arnprior Recreation and Culture Fair Arnprior Nick Smith Centre
• Renfrew and area Chamber of Commerce Community Information Night at the Ma-te-way Activity Centre

The OVCATA Membership in 2022 of 514 has increased to current membership of 560

Facebook followers increased by 223 in 2023 to 1,100 current followers.

 OPERATING COSTS – We continue to retain liability coverage for operations and organized ride events. However, OVCATA agreed early in 2023 to exclude liability coverage for Bike Bank for 2023. Liability costs are by far the biggest financial challenge for this group.

We are very fortunate to have generous contributions from our members and the income from the Tour de Whitewater and Bonnechere events to help cover our costs leaving us with a healthy bank statement. Perhaps now OVCATA should consider projects for the enhancement of cycling and active transportation by OVCATA in our area.

OVCATA OUTLOOK and MOVING FORWARD

It is very clear that OVCATA has made exciting and significant impacts on active transportation in our area and now is the time to discuss and develop short-term and long-term strategic plans.

This report is provided by Co-Chairs, Bob Peltzer and Ron Moss

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Debbie Fiebig reported an opening balance of $2,190.09 and a closing balance of $2,635.12 for the year. The Cashing in on Cycle Tourism event in September cost $1,769.44 and raised donations of $619.64 for a total cost of $1,149.80. All in attendance agreed it was money well spent as it led directly to the creation of an action group.

Here's an AI-generated summary of presentations made at the meeting:

Key Takeaways

• Good progress being made on trail infrastructure and promotion of cycling in the region
• Importance of community engagement and working together across municipalities highlighted
• Ideas shared for improving amenities like trailheads, signage, and charging stations

Trail Infrastructure Updates

• Overview of progress on Algonquin Trail and K&P Trail given by Taylor Hanrath
• Key projects completed in past year and planned for 2023 discussed
• Importance of enforcement, maintenance, and partnerships noted

Cycling Tourism Promotion

• Melissa Marquardt presented on Ottawa Valley Tourism Association's efforts to promote cycling
• Discussed marketing campaigns, cycling routes, partnerships, and future product development plans
• Signage strategy in development to direct cyclists on trails and connect to communities

Community Engagement

• Jeff Mills emphasized importance of community engagement for advancing cycling
• Shared examples from Mississippi Mills Bicycle Month and Cashing in on Cyclotourism conference
• Noted value of working together across municipalities and with stakeholders

Recommendations and Partnerships

• Jeff Mills made recommendations including sharing conference report, engaging local businesses, and collaborating across regions
• Emphasized Ottawa Valley's assets and potential to build on success of other trail networks

Next Steps:

• Share conference report and presentations on OB-CATA website
• Explore Jeff's ideas like awards program and collaborating with Lanark County
• Continue to advance trail infrastructure, cycling promotion, and community engagement

Go here for the full Cashing in on Cycle Tourism report the group has produced - and get involved!

The event is being organized by the Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance (OVCATA) and Mississippi Mills Bicycle Movement (MMBM).

"I've ridden a lot of rail trails in The U.S., Canada and elsewhere," says OVCATA director Bob Peltzer, who lives near Eganville. "If you ride the Allegheny Trail, for instance in Pennsylvania, you see one small town after another that has been rejuvenated by tourist traffic coming off the trail. Restaurants, B&Bs, hotels, bars, galleries, bakeries, groceries, and theatres have all benefited."

Mr. Peltzer has been promoted the concept of trail towns and encouraging municipalities and businesses to take the kind of small steps like erecting signage and public washrooms and getting out word that can lead to a good deal of business. "That's the purpose of our conference – to bring people together to brainstorm, plan and form alliances."

Jeff Mills of MMBM is equally enthusiastic about the project. " This summer, there have been more and more cyclists in the Valley enjoying an ice cream,

coffee or sticky bun, gathered to have a bite or snapping photos of our wonderful small towns and villages. Cyclists are having fun — and spending money — in the Ottawa Valley," he says. "Strong, resilient communities are ones where diverse groups come together, then work together for the common good. They approach tasks from an 'abundance' perspective — one that assumes we already have what we need if we recognize our existing assets and work together to leverage the gifts of our citizens."

The asset under discussion is the Ottawa Valley Recreation Trail/Algonquin Trail, a jointly owned community asset, that, at forms a 300k backbone trail connecting communities from Smiths Falls through Lanark County north through Renfrew County all the way to Mattawa and Papineau-Cameron Township. This community trail lends itself as a spine for a series of regional loop trails, offering the potential to build healthy, active and economically sound communities.

Featured presenters at the conference include Louisa Mursell of Ontario by Bike, Jennifer McCourt of Discovery Routes/Voyageur

Trail, Brenda Wood for Trent-Severn Trail Towns and Bob Peltzer.

"You may own an ice cream stand, perhaps a restaurant, bakery, chip truck, inn or bed and breakfast," says Jeff Mills. "Perhaps you run a bike shop, or hotel; you may curate a local museum, coordinate a farmers’ market, or be a member of a chamber of commerce. You might work in tourism, for a municipality or a county, or sit as a council member. Maybe you're someone who just loves to explore the riches of Lanark, Renfrew and Frontenac from the seat of your bike! All are welcome and encouraged to join in the conversation about how we can work together, using cycle tourism to build stronger communities in our part of the province. 

For more information on Trail Towns the group has created a short, teaser video which can be viewed here:

For a detailed webinar on Trail Towns, you can find a 30 minute video here:

Effective immediately OVCATA is ending its participation in the Bike Bank program due to high insurance costs. However Yantha Cycle in Pembroke will continue the program and provide bicycles to those who need but can not afford them. Please drop off bikes to be donated to his location at 499 TV Tower Road in Pembroke. We thank all the volunteers and donors who made this program a needed asset during the pandemic.

Bike Bank is moving: Please read the notice above.

February 25 & 26: Wendigo Ultra ~ Only the strong survive ~ 50k, 100k and 200k fatbike races

MAY

May 6, Saturday: Heroes Run for Healthcare Pembroke

May 13, Saturday: BORCA Spring Chicken

JUNE

June 10 & 11th, Weekend:  Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour

June 11, Sunday: Krista Johnson Memorial Run for Change

June 24, Saturday: Deep River: Run For Home 

JULY

July 15, Saturday: Tour de Whitewater  Back for 2023!

AUGUST

August 10-27 : Petawawa Water and Dirt Festival

August 13, Sunday: Forest Lea Enduro Bike Race 4 routes of different lengths

Yantha Cycles, Pembroke – Algonquin Trail Snails   weekly rides on the Algonquin Trail

August 20, Sunday: Petawawa Triathalon

Aug TBD:  Algonquin Rail Trail Relay  - OVCATA has built support from the County and local municipalities for the next installment of this event celebrating the Algonquin Trail. If you can volunteer for organizing and ride management, please email info@ovcata.ca.

Aug 27, Sunday Tour de Bonnechere, Eganville. The granddaddy of Ottawa Valley cycle rallies. Four routes to suit every riding level.

Every Wednesday: Deep River Riders do a different road route in Renfrew County, moderate length and difficulty. Info:

.

SEPTEMBER

- Yantha Trail Snails weekly rides

Sept 10: Tour de Poutine, Braeside – celebrate your ride with classic poutine! - details to be announced

Sept 18:  Farms Open – Participating Renfrew County farmers open their farms to visitors – great destinations for cycle touring

- Every Wednesday: Deep River Riders do a different road route in Renfrew County, moderate length and difficulty. Info: hagberg@sympatico.ca

January - March: Fatbike Sundays  2:00pm meeting at different location each week. Join our Facebook group for updates

Facebook page

The Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance (OVCATA) was recognized with the Warden’s Community Service Award in the not-for-profit category. Taking part in the award presentation were (front from left) County Councillor Keith Watt, OVCATA members Bob Peltzer, Andy Kalnins and Debbie Macdonald, Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon, OVCATA cochair Ron Moss, County Councillor Debbi Grills, former County Councillor Bob Sweet and (back from left) County Councillors Gary Serviss, Rob Weir, Dan Lynch and Michael Donohue. 

For the full story, go here.

Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance

Annual General Meeting
November 26, 2022

After a successful inaugural year in 2021 and break during the winter of 2021 / 2022, the Bike Bank resumed operations in March of this year. Mechanic and organizer Ron Moss stepped away from the project and was replaced by Michael Schulist in the same capacity. Also joining the project were John (Drew) Melon and Howard Metcalf who
formed our "Dream Team" for bicycle deliveries.

The Bike Bank also thanks Debbie Fiebig, Debbie MacDonald, Pat Krose, IshTheilheimer, Bob Peltzer as well as Adam and AshleyYantha for getting this program through another successful year.

While the Bike Bank does not inventory donated bikes, a rough estimate of over 100 bikes in varied condition were donated to the project in 2022. Many of these are not worth restoring but still useful for obtaining parts. Of these bicycles over 70 were restored and delivered to individuals and social agencies in the Renfrew County area.

The Pembroke / Petawawa area received the largest number of the restored bikes followed by Renfrew and then the rest of the county. While we received and distributed fewer than the 116 bicycles restored in 2021 this can be attributed to less demand. New bikes were readily available at big box stores and bike shops this year and the bikes delivered in 2021 filled a significant demand back up from the time before the program began. Our expectation is that as this project goes forward demand should stabilize at  a level below that of the initial 2021 year of operation. There is currently an ongoing
Christmas program that will be contributing bicycles to various toy and gift drives in Renfrew County.

The largest challenge for the Bike Bank and OVCATA is obtaining funds to cover the cost of liability insurance for the program. While there have been some cash donations to the program they have been few in number. Most of the money spent on parts and gasoline for distributing the bicycles has come from the pockets of the volunteers who restore and distribute the bikes. Yantha Cycle of Pembroke has been generous in providing new parts as well as some used bicycles from their inventory to assist the project. For the 2023 program the Bike bank has applied to the Tour de Bonnechere
Committee for a donation to assist us in covering the insurance costs.

The Bike Bank plans to continue in 2023 and will appreciate the continued donations of bicycles and funds as well as welcoming any new individuals who would like to volunteer their time to this successful and much needed program.

Submitted, November 26, 2022
Bob Peltzer,
Operations Director

- Heroes Run for Healthcare May 15 Pembroke runners were accompanied by OVCATA cyclists

- Silver Chain Challenge during June bicycle month.  This challenge was promoted thru County wardens and Thirteen counties were reportedly becoming involved. OVCATA held several cycle rides on Algonquin Trail during this event promoting the rides and having all participants sign our liability waiver.

- The Krista Johnson memorial Run for Change in Pembroke was held on June 12 with OVCATA cyclists accompanying the runners.

- Andy continues to provide recreational activities in McNab Braeside. Thanks Andy. McNab Braeside events were Wheels in White Lake, trail blazers, Fat bikes at Clay Bank, Dochart Trail night and Summer Solstice.

- Walk and Roll Safely on Algonquin Trail in Pembroke and Arnprior. Turnout was low.

- Of the three participating counties in the Silver Chain Challenge, Renfrew came out on top. A pending announcement was never publicized and the future of this challenge is unknown at this time.

- OVCATA is in discussions with a few supporters to determine the fate or revival of the Silver Chain Challenge for 2023.

Tour de Whitewater 2022 was a ride in memory of past very successful ride events that were held here. The 2022 ride was held on July 9 from the Westmeath arena saw 42 participants complete the Gore Bromley and the Gore Lookout rides. Following the rides participants were able to purchase sandwiches prepared by the Four H Club at the Arena. The future of the tour de Whitewater is uncertain and no has stepped forward to chair this event.

ALGONQUIN TRAIL TOWN RELAY August 20 cyclists began this ride on a very hot day from Petawawa with a great send off by Mayor Bob Sweet father of the Algonquin Trail travelling 100 km thru several supporting municipalities and ending late afternoon at Arnprior greeted by Mayor of Arnprior and Councillor Dan Lynch. The cyclists were accompanied by the RCATV Club who thankfully provided cool refreshments and first aid for the duration of the relay. 

The relay team received much municipal support along the way as the gold painted railway spikes were presented at each municipality. Twenty cyclists were greeted by the Little Coffee Shop Main Street in Cobden along with Mayor Mike Moore, CAO Ivan Burton and CTV news.

Golden spikes were also presented to:

Mayor Bob Sweet, Reeve Debbie Robinson, Deputy Mayor Ron Gervais, Mayor Mike Moore, Reeve Peter Emon, Mayor of Arnprior and Councillor Dan Lynch.

Tour de Bonnechere August 28 was a successful event with 175 cyclists. Barbequed hotdogs hamburgers and refreshments were available for the participants at the finish. Bob Peltzer and Ron Moss provided and retrieved route signs as well as completing ride sweeps.

Tour de Poutine Sept 10 saw 30 cyclists ride the 24 km course and enjoy a free Poutine at Betty’s Chips on a nice bright sunny day.  

OPERATING COSTS – We continue to retain liability coverage for operations, organized ride events and Bike Bank. We are very fortunate to have generous contributions from our members to help cover these costs. Liability costs are by far the biggest financial challenge for this group.

GOVERNMENT LIASON

Renfrew County

• Following our meetings with County staff regarding hardened shoulders for the 2022 construction season we are pleased to report hardened shoulders:

• Beachburg Rd from Beachburg urban section easterly past Little Lakes to the existing hardened shoulders

• Drive Inn Rd from Pembroke limits to Clearview Cr

• River Rd from Bonnechere R bridge easterly

City of Pembroke

• OVCATA provided a letter of support for City of Pembroke Infrastructure Canada Active Transportation funding application to construct trail heads at 4 locations in Pembroke. The trail heads would include information boards, sheltered seating bike racks and bike repair stations. No funding notice to date.

• Member Gerry Morris accompanied by Co-Chair Ron Moss appeared before council to present active transportation ideas suggested for the 2023 design stage for Albert Street.

• OVCATA team Dave Unrau, Gerry Morris and Ron Moss prepared application for MTO

• Funding under the Road Safety Community Partnership Program for a proposed Waterfront Development Active Transportation master plan in September. No funding notice to date.

• Hwy 148 GWP-214-00 detailed design review public session Nov 3.

• Design includes paved shoulders from Greenwood Rd to Drive Inn Rd. There are no allowances for bike lanes nor active transportation between Drive Inn Rd and Pembroke east limits. Sidewalks are proposed for both sides being the responsibility of the municipality

• OVCATA submitted correspondence with an ask to provide concrete sidewalk on the south side and paved active transportation pathway on the north side only.

DISCOVERY ROUTES TRAILS ORGANIZATION cycle counters

For the past five years OVCTA has set up and retrieved DRTO owned cycle counters in Petawawa and Braeside. As their budget has expired, I have been asked to hold onto them as they decide on what to do with them. The discussion was to sell them.

OVCATA recruitment and publicity set up at the following public events:

• Pembroke Expo May 13-14 and July 1 Canada Day at Pembroke marina

• White Lake Herb Festival Aug 6

•  Tour de Whitewater remembered July 9

•  Tour de Bonnechere Aug. 28, 2022

• Arnprior Recreation and Culture Fair Arnprior Saturday Sept 17 Nick Smith Centre

• Renfrew and area Chamber of Commerce Community Information Night Wed Sept 21at the Ma-te-way Activity Centre

Volunteers working with Bike Bank Renfrew County collect used bikes, put them through a mechanical and safety checklist, and get them to people who them. Last year, they were almost overwhelmed with donations and requests from the Ottawa area, but this year, they're making it clear the service, operated by a few people on a tight budget, can receive from or donate to people locally.

"The whole point is to enable everyone in Renfrew County who needs a bike, to have one," according to Pat Krose, OVCATA co-chair. "Young or old, a bicyle can transform someone's life A bike can give you a sense of independence and freedom and make you stronger, healthier and happier. For the people who need and want a bike but can't afford one, we hope Bike Bank Renfrew County will fill an important need."

OVCATA members collect bikes from the OPP, individuals, bike stores, waste sites and other sources and put them in working order for donation to anyone who asks for one.

People who want a bike simply need to contact OVCATA, and volunteers will determine what kind and size of bike is needed and arrange for delivery. Initially, contact is being done through community agencies.

Bikes are stored at various locations around the County. Yantha's Cycle in Pembroke came forward to offer the Bike Bank's first storage location, as well as technical support and advice, and used parts.

"Bike Bank Renfrew County succeeded last year way beyond our expectation thanks to huge local support and participation," says Ms. Krose.  "We put a lot of bikes into the hands of people who needed and wanted them, and the response from people who got bikes was heartwarmingly positive."  OVCATA is asking for donations of bikes and for volunteers who can help pick up, repair, store and deliver bikes.

Individuals can contribute too by making cash donations on the OVCATA website or by volunteering to work with Bike Bank. "Bike Bank Renfrew County cost us more than $2,500 last year, including parts and insurance costs," says Ms. Krose. That comes to about $25 per bike. But it was worth it."

Those wanting bikes can use an online application form  to help OVCATA find a bike that's right for them. To donate a spare bicycle people can fill out this form with your name, location and information about the bike.

Volunteers working with Bike Bank Renfrew County collect used bikes, put them through a mechanical and safety checklist, and get them to people who can use them. Last year, they were almost overwhelmed with donations and requests from the Ottawa area, but this year, they're making it clear the service, operated by a few people on a tight budget, can receive from or donate to people locally.

"The whole point is to enable everyone in Renfrew County who needs a bike, to have one," according to Pat Krose, OVCATA co-chair. "Young or old, a bicyle can transform someone's life A bike can give you a sense of independence and freedom and make you stronger, healthier and happier. For the people who need and want a bike but can't afford one, we hope Bike Bank Renfrew County will fill an important need."

OVCATA members collect bikes from the OPP, individuals, bike stores, waste sites and other sources and put them in working order for donation to anyone who asks for one.

People who want a bike simply need to contact OVCATA, and volunteers will determine what kind and size of bike is needed and arrange for delivery. Initially, contact is being done through community agencies.

Bikes are stored at various locations around the County. Yantha's Cycle in Pembroke came forward to offer the Bike Bank's first storage location, as well as technical support and advice, and used parts.

"Bike Bank Renfrew County succeeded last year way beyond our expectation thanks to huge local support and participation," says Ms. Krose.  "We put a lot of bikes into the hands of people who needed and wanted them, and the response from people who got bikes was heartwarmingly positive."  OVCATA is asking for donations of bikes and for volunteers who can help pick up, repair, store and deliver bikes.

Individuals can contribute too by making cash donations on the OVCATA website or by volunteering to work with Bike Bank. "Bike Bank Renfrew County cost us more than $2,500 last year, including parts and insurance costs," says Ms. Krose. That comes to about $25 per bike. But it was worth it."

Those wanting bikes can use an online application form  to help OVCATA find a bike that's right for them. To donate a spare bicycle people can fill out this form with your name, location and information about the bike.

With 816 kilometres of roads and a tight budget, the County is working on a year-by-year basis to expand and make its roads safer to ride. Currently, 242 kilometres of its roads have hardened shoulders. Most of these have been added in the past five years or so. This year, the County expects to add hardened shoulders to 24 more kilometres of its roads.

"The County of Renfrew is committed to safer roads for everyone and encourages active transportation and cycle tourism," says Renfrew County Warden Debbie Robinson. "There has been a big increase in cycling in Renfrew County. Residents
want the health benefits, recreation and transportation cycling offers, and we know cycle tourism can create a lot of business and jobs. We want to encourage it, and we are moving forward with it as quickly as possible."
The online map of roads with hardened shoulder can be found on the County of Renfrew website.

Ron Moss of the Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance (OVCATA) is pleased with the progress he sees. Much of it, he says, traces back to planning work that active transportation volunteers did in cooperation with
County staff about 10 years ago.

"We created a 'matrix' of the County's roads, identifying a priority order for road improvement. We wanted to create a cycling network in the County. Although we still have a long way to go, we are really excited to see the progress being made. We realize Renfrew is Ontario's biggest county so it can't all happen at once, butit's happening, and we're pleased."

At the same time, many area municipalities have made big strides, he says, in improving their own cycling networks. He praised the Towns of Renfrew and Petawawa and the City of Pembroke for making real progress in developing
infrastructure “Several rural townships including Bonnechere Valley, Laurentian Valley, Madawaska Valley, North Algona Wilberforce and Whitewater Region have made real progress too," Moss adds.

The Province of Ontario, he says, is also beginning to recognize the wisdom of hardened shoulders. "Paved shoulders not only encourage lots more people to get out safely on bikes, but they also make roads safer for drivers and reduce road maintenance costs" Moss notes.

Currently, the Province is renewing Highway 60 between Wilno and Eganville with paved shoulders. OVCATA is in the process of creating an online map that will show all Provincial County and municipal roads that are good for cycling.

Last summer OVCATA put together a proposal called "4 Wheels, 2 Wheels – Doing It Right" and brought it to Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski as well as circulating it to approximately 170 active transportation and cycling groups in the province. The proposal calls for a range of low-cost measures the provincial government could undertake to educate cyclists and drivers about how to share the road safely and for enforcement methods that could have a big impact with modest effort and expense.

Last September, OVCATA Board members Bob Peltzer and Ish Theilheimer met with Mr. Yakabuski, who endorsed the ideas in the proposal at the time and who expressed support for its principles in a Zoom meeting in February.

"There has been a huge increase in cycling activity in recent years, both because of the pandemic and because of the growing popularity of cycling," said Ish Theilheimer. "Unfortunately, most drivers are not educated in how to drive around cyclists and other slow-moving vehicles. And too many cyclists don't know how to behave on the road. Educating both groups, as well as school children, whose first vehicles are usually bikes, would be a big step toward a lot more road safety."

None of the proposals call for new legislation, but, with an election in the near future, Mr. Yakabuski, who has been an OVCATA member and supporter for years, cautioned that implementation may take more time than available in the current legislative session. He told OVCATA's representatives, however, that whoever forms the next government, if reelected, he will continue to support any measures that make roads safer for both cyclists and motorists. "The safety of every road user is the goal we all must pursue," said Mr. Yakabuski.

The main elements of OVCATA's proposal are

- Public education through radio, TV, print and social media advertising that teaches drivers how to pass cyclists safely and Ontario's growing number of cyclists how to ride safely;

- Print enclosures in licence and other mailings that make every communication with drivers a teaching opportunity;

- Digital signs on highways reminding drivers of safe practices

- Bicycle-mounted police actively enforcing rules about how drivers and cyclists interact with one another and about how drivers should conduct themselves around slow-moving vehicles.

"Getting police officers on bikes working with other officers in patrol cars would identify a lot of infractions," said Bob Peltzer. "And it would quickly send a message to the public that safety rules will be enforced."

OVCATA recommends that those who support these meaures contact Mr. Yakabuski at his office via email at john.yakabuskico@pc.ola.org

This is a 2 hour ride through gentle hills and farm land. Along the way is the quaint village of Douglas, home to the Douglas Tavern, site of the Ottawa Valley's best St. Patrick's Day parade and celebration. Further along is the 4th Chute of the Bonnechere River with its scenic falls, old mill site and home of world renowned Bonnechere Caves.

Download the GPX navigation file here: http://www.ovcata.ca/userfiles/file/Bonnechere%20Blast%20GPX.gpx

Directions:

Begin at the parking lot at Legion Field on Foran St. just off of Hwy 41 near the junction with County 512. Plenty of parking there as well as a splash pad in the summer and a farmer's market on Friday evenings.

From Foran St. TURN RIGHT onto Hwy 41 then LEFT onto Melanie St. Go a short distance downhill and TURN RIGHT onto 4^th Chute Rd.

Follow 4^th Chute Rd. until it becomes Scotch Bush Rd. Stay straight ahead on Scotch Bush Road to the intersection with Hynford Road in the bustling metropolis of Hynford. TURN LEFT onto Hynford Rd. and continue to the intersection with Stone Rd. TURN LEFT onto Stone Rd. Stone Rd. will become Queen St. a short distance ahead in Douglas.

In Douglas look for the Douglas tavern on your left as well as a convenience store on your right. Both are nice place to reward yourself with a beverage or a treat.

From Queen St. TURN LEFT onto 4^th Chute Road for a lovely 6 km. Ride to the Bonnechere River and the location of Bonnechere Caves. Feel free to stop and take a picture of the boiling waters or take a short walk down the southern bank of the river for a view of the old mill dam site. The caves offer a great tour at a modest price and you may even be lucky enough to see Cave Man Chris lurking about.

Just past the bridge over the Bonnechere you will TURN RIGHT and follow 4^th Chute Rd. back to Eganville. As you enter the village look for Melanie St. on your left and TURN LEFT onto Melanie St. A short climb up the hill takes you back to Hwy 41 where you TURN RIGHT onto 41 and then LEFT onto Foran St and the parking area.

Carleton Place, ON: A large group of volunteers gathered by a nearby barn on a late October weekend to stuff 530 used bikes into two shipping containers bound for Cuba.

The shipment was the culmination of six months of effort by dozens of volunteers across Eastern Ontario. The project, called Cubacan Bikes, was  organized by Bill Ryan, who has made and donated thousands of baseball bats he has made to Cuba over the past decade and got to know people in government there.

Ryan, who lives near Carleton Place and was raised in Eganville and graduated from Opeongo High School, was impressed by the support he found for the project. "You go to your family, your friends and neighbors and they show up for Cuba." he said. "It is so satisfying to see so much support for people they don't know and will never meet."

The bikes were collected over the course of six months, despite the pandemic, from throughout Ottawa and eastern Ontario. In addition to Ryan, there was another Renfrew County  element to the story. OVCATA (Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance) actually got the ball rolling. I personally suggested doing it, and OVCATA steered more than 100 donated bikes from the Ottawa area to the project.

Word of the project spread through the news media and online, and Ryan found himself flooded with donations.

While Bill and his wife, Nora, travelled hours to and from and around Ottawa - up to 80 km away, another volunteer scoured Kingston - 120 km  in the other direction - and local rural areas. Donated bikes were brought to a barn belonging to a neighbour of Ryan's where they were prepared for shipping. Many needed refurbishing and new parts or tires, and all had their pedals and front tires removed and handlebars turned for shipping.

Meanwhile, Ryan looked high and low for a company that would provide containers and ship to Cuba, not easy during these times of supply chain disruption. He finally found a company that could supply and ship two containers. Total cost of shipping, parts and spare tires sent as part of the shipment was about $13,000, or about $25 per bike, with the bikes set to arrive in Cuba in late November. It might sound pricey, but it compares well with the cost of sending a small package to Cuba, which can be a lot more than $25. The estimated value of the donation was almost $118,000. Bike tires, alone, in Cuba can sell for up to $100 at this point. Ryan says dozens of people, including many bike donors, contributed to raise the total needed.

Once they arrive, they will be received, owned and distributed by the CDRs - neighbourhood watch/civil defence groups organized across Cuba by the government. The CDRs are headed up by Gerardo Hernandez, a member of Cuba's national assembly. Hernandez is a national hero in Cuba as a member of the "Cuban Five" - secret agents arrested and imprisoned in the US who had been working to stop terrorist threats against Cuba. Ryan made bats to commemorate "The Five" and got to know Hernandez while he was still serving time.

Ryan is pleased with the project but he says, "The one thing I learned was not to do it again. I got lucky finding the barn. If [barn owner] Rick hadn't helped, I would have been in big trouble.

"The one big advantage doing this project was that funding came much easier," he says.  In the past, he and his wife, Nora, raised most of the money themselves or paid out of pocket for donating bats and other items. "I should point out that none of the donations were used for expenses such as mileage to do pickups. The guys all donated their time and even the tools we used to get the job done."

The Bike Bank was set up by the Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance (OVCATA) out of concern that a lot of people who really could use a bike just can't afford one. Bike Bank receives requests for bikes and offers of used ones ones through its website, BikeBank.ca. Donated bikes are thoroughly restored and checked for safety, and then they are matched up with people who ask for them and, in most cases, delivered to their doors, and it's all done by volunteers.

"I recieved bikes for my two older children," said Amanda Fraser, of Renfrew. "My children are disabled and I was able to teach my 11-year old daughter how to ride a bike this year. I am grateful for the bikes it gave her a chance at learning to ride and my son too. My daughter is grateful and has been riding all summer practicing around the house.  It gives her some independence and something to be proud of herself for."

Bike Bank is the brainchild of OVCATA Co-chair Pat Krose, of Forester's Falls. "We know how important bikes are to people. They get you where you want to go and make you feel good and healthier in the process," she says. "We are just a small group, about ten people altogether who do most of the work, and the logistics of getting it going were a bit complicated, but it has proven to be very worthwhile, both for those getting bikes, and also those giving them away, knowing their bikes will be valued by their new owners."

OVCATA's other co-chair, Ron Moss of Pembroke, is also one of Bike Bank's two main mechanics. He works closely with Adam Yantha, of Yantha Cycles, and a couple of other volunteers who do a lot of picking up and delivering of bikes. "I'm very pleased with the number of kids we've helped, both individually and through the Pembroke Boys and Girls Club. We expected to give out a lot of kids' bikes. But we were also a bit surprised by the strong demand for adult bikes." More than half the bikes distributed have been for adults, with lots of women requesting bikes. "Cycling may be less widespread in our rural area than in urban ones, but the demand for bikes shows how important bikes are to people here too."

(In the photo, OVCATA volunteers Bob Peltzer, Pat Krose, Andy Kalnins, Larry Warden, Ish Theilheimer, Debbie Fiebig, Ron Moss and Debbie Macdonald discussing their Bike Bank at McRae Park in Eganville.)

A Renfrew man who received bikes for his family from Bike Bank wrote, "Getting bikes donated to me helped me find new ways to bond with my daughter and wife," he told Bike Bank. "It gave us new places to go and explore and allowed us to feel good doing it, instead of driving vehicles. We use our bikes at least twice a week together. I personally try to ride mine at least 30 minutes a day for the exercise and to take a break from working at home. The Program is great, it helps people who can’t afford bikes get a new way of transportation and exercise.  I’ll definitely be returning my bicycles if I upgrade and finding any other way to donate when possible. Thanks so much for helping us find new ways to spend time together."

Kyla Sullivan, of Wilno, is a big Bike Bank fan. She wrote, "My son Benjamin has grown a lot since last summer and we knew that his old bike would no longer be a good fit. We wanted to give him the opportunity to ride a bicycle and exercise with his family, especially during COVID. I’m happy to say that he has been riding it regularly on our street and he definitely takes pride in its care. We were so impressed by the quality of the bike, and the time taken by the bike bank volunteer to deliver it. I was touched when I saw the BB volunteer take out a cloth and even give it one last polish right there on our driveway before encouraging Benjamin to try it out. It made his day and mine. Thank you very much for making the experience feel empowering. It was apparent to both of us that not just time, but a lot of love goes into the program."

Bob Peltzer, another OVCATA director,  lives on Lake Clear, where he has refurbished the majority of Bike Bank's bikes. "We use a 20-point checklist to ensure all bikes are safe and in good condition," he says. "Finding parts, with the supply chain stretched by the pandemic, has been a challenge."

To date, Bike Bank has cost about $2,000 in parts and insurance. "That works out to almost $20 per bike," says Ron Moss. "We're hoping to raise some of that money from local service clubs and the rest from local people." You can make a donation in support of Bike Bank here.

To offer a bike, send an email to BikeBank@ovcata.ca. To request one, go here and fill in the online form.

Bike Bank is now winding down for the season, as its volunteers need time to get out and ride and the number of requests and donations, which was quite heavy in Spring, is tailing off. It is still accepting requests and offers, but the volunteers expect less activity until next Spring.

The Bonnechere Blast Past the Bonnechere Caves 32 kms, paved, gentle hills

Eganville Gravel Grinder 50 kms, Mix of gravel and paving, steep hills

Eganville 1 Hour Workout 18 kms, paved, a few hills

Monarch of the Mountains 100 kms, paved, many steep hills including the Foymount Challenge

Tour de Lake Clear 51 kms, paved, hills including 1 long steep climb

We have designed this guide to help you enjoy and appreciate the Bonnechere River watershed and its natural highlights, while offering opportunities for physical activity at the same time. We have provided links to other relevant information, drawing in particular on the Valley Explore portion of the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association web site. We welcome comments and feedback, which can be directed to either sponsoring organization (or http://www.BonnechereRiver.ca ).

The Bonnechere River travels 145 km from its source in Algonquin Park to the Ottawa River at Castleford. Its course includes two large lakes and long calm stretches that are interspersed with rapids and waterfalls. Historically, log drivers built wooden chutes around these obstacles. Mills followed and later, hydroelectric dams were built at some of these locations. The term ‘chute’ is still widely used around the Bonnechere to refer to major rapids and waterfalls. In this guide you will see references to ‘chutes’, numbered from the ‘First Chute’ near the mouth of the river, and upriver to the ‘Fifth Chute’ in Eganville.

The fourth annual general meeting of Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance (OVCATA) was held online via Zoom due the pandemic, which enabled many to attend who might not have been able to otherwise. Elected people and staff from at least ten Renfrew County municipalities attended.

"We are thrilled that so many municipal people could attend," said OVCATA's co-chair Ish Theilheimer. Mayors or reeves of at least seven municipalities - Killaloe-Hagarty-Richards, Madawaska Valley, McNab-Braeside, North Algona Wiberforce, Pembroke, Renfrew, and Whitewater Region, took part, as well as councillors and staff from several others. "Dave Unrau gave an inspiring and information-packed presentation that laid out a do-able roadmap for everyone who attended."

Mr. Unrau emphasized that the things this town has done represent, "One municipality's dream. Every municipality has its own opportunities and challenges," but moving forward is "Very important for creating safer streets, a healthier environment, healthier people, mental health, health for seniors getting out, less greenhouse gases. The more bikes on the road and the more people we can get walking, the less pavement we have to build."

Petwawa's BFC story began with a 2011 masterplan for sidewalks and a community committee set up to look at safety and traffic connected with transportation to and from two local schools. A Safe School Travel Working Group "morphed into an Active Transportation Committee with representatives from the public, schools, the OPP the town, the district health unit and others.

"I have found that everyone I talked to will take the time to talk to you. All you have to do is reach out," he advised. "If I gain in the Town of Petawawa, that also supports Pembroke and Laurentian Valley."

In 2017, Petawawa received provincial funding that enabled the town to create an Active Transportation Plan and to upgrade the Algonquin Trail to include a twinned trail suitable for all users. The Plan calls for paved shoulders on all new road construction. Other items on its list include bike valet service at public events, educational opportunities, and encouraging people to bike to work.

"You've got to eat the elephant one bite at a time," Mr. Unrau said, acknowledging the complexity of attaining BFC status. He said Petawawa's plan focuses on five E's - education of drivers and cylcists and pedestrians, encouragement, engineering, enforcement and evaluation, with a sixth E too: equity. "We've got to make sure that whatever we build and the education around it is available for everyone."

Mr. Unrau recommends that other communities, "Start really simple. Start the conversation, engage stakeholders, inventory existing infrastructure - there is a lot to celebrate, and create a community-wide Active Transportation plan." He pointed to funding sources available including the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), the Investing in Canada Program (ICIP), and Green Communities Canada.

Mr. Unrau's talk and presentation are available online here.

At the meeting, Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance elected four directors for two-year terms: Debbie Fiebig, Ron Moss, Debbie Roach-MacDonald, and Ish Theilheimer.

There are lots of great local bike routes to choose from that mostly use quiet, township or County roads. For beginners level, there are fairly level and newly repaved roads like Fouth Chute Road from Eganville to the Bonnechere Caves, the Old Barry's Bay Road from Barry's Bay to Combermere, or Queen's Line in Whitewater Region. There are numerous rides of moderate difficulty, like the trip from Eganville to Killaloe via Crimson Maple and Ruby Roads, or the newly paved roads in Whitewater country on the Beachburg Peninsula. And there are spectactularly scenic routes for the expert in the hills of Foymount, Brudenell, Letterkenny, or the Kartuzy or Paugh Lake Roads out of Barry's Bay.

For a taste of what's available, members of OVCATA (Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance) have been posting some of our favourite routes online. Routes on the site range from short and sweet to long and tough, and OVCATA enourages riders to share their own favourite routes for posting online.

Renfrew County boasts an expanding network of rail trails. The new Algonquin Trail, on the former CP rail line, will ultimately connect from one end of the County to the other. At this point, it is open for riding between Pembroke and Petawawa and between Renfrew and Arnprior and beyond to Pakenham, Almonte, Carleton Place and Smiths Falls in Lanark County. The K&P trail from Renfrew to Calabogie, and beyond there, to points south in Lanark County and beyond is a great adventure.

Mountain biking opens up a whole different range of fall cycling possibilities, with publicly available trails in many areas. The Beachburg Off-Road Cycling Association maintains a wonderful set of trails, with information on its website. Forest Lea trails, near Pembroke, have been established by volunteers working with the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The Town officially started the journey in December 2017 when the Town

received funding under the Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling Program. There was, however, a lot of cycling activity in the community, with many young families and

the Garrison Petawawa.  Through the initial funding program and with

partnership from Green Communities Canada,  Clean Air Partnership, Share the

Road, Renfrew Country Health Unit, OPP, County of Renfrew, RCDSB, RCCDSB and

other stakeholders the Town has been able to accomplish many things including:

- Completion, with provincial funding help, of an Active Transportation plan

- Construction of paved multi-use pathway (MUP) paralleling the Algonquin Trail

- A multi-use pathway constructed along Civic Center Road

- Hardened shoulders throughout the Town for any new road construction

- A Share the Road Canada bicycle-friendly community workshop was held in Petawawa, which has been designated a bicycle-friendly community.
- Establishment of the Safe School Travel Working Group

- Education and encouragement programs in area schools.

"There are many reason to start creating a more friendly active transportation network, from a healthy community to reduced GHG," says Mr. Unrau. "But through the pandemic it reinforced the fact that it is the right decision when the MUP's were full (properly distanced) and enjoying healthy living."

"The cost to implement this strategy is minimal and is more about creating a culture for the community."

Municipal and County staff and political leaders from across Renfrew County have been invited and many will be attending. To receive a meeting invitation and a link to the meeting, members of the public can send an email to info@ovcata.ca.

In the age of COVID, more and more people are choosing activities that get them out of the house and into nature. Walking, Running, and Cycling are hobbies that have increased in numbers since sheltering in place started.

But bicycles and pedestrians don't come with airbags.

This is why it's critical for everyone; drivers, walkers and bikers alike - to learn about proper safety measures and rules of the road.

Lots of great tips, rules and resources here.

This is an approximately 70 km route suitable for bikes with 32mm or wider tires. It is over a mix of paved and gravel roads and through cottage country and wooded areas along the edge of Algonquin Park. The gravel roads were well maintained but wash-boarded on some hills. Traffic is light to non-existing along most sections BUT ALWAYS exercise caution as the entire route is open to and used by motor vehicles. There are some short but steep hills on the gravel sections.

The Wilno Hills were settled by many immigrants from Poland and they brought with a strong Roman Catholic faith. Look for the many crosses and shrines that are found along this section of the route. Please respect them and all private property.

Parking and an excellent starting point is at the boat ramp park just off Highway 60 on Krantz Road. This is on the Bonnechere River just upstream from the north end of Golden Lake. Please obey the ‘No Parking’ signs and park where you will not block the people using the launching ramp.

Click here to download the route as a GPX file

Directions:

• From the park on Krantz Road head to Hwy 60 and turn left to cross over the bridge. On the other side look for Chapel Road to your left and make the turn. The quaint Deacon Chapel can be seen on your right. You only ride a short distance before you turn right onto Old Bridge Road which will take you to Traymore Road a few hundred metres ahead.
• Turn left onto Traymore Road. In a few kilometers Traymore Road will make a sharp left BUT you want to stay straight ahead on what looks to be the same road but what is now named Red Rock Road. You will follow this road as it winds along Round Lake.
• Watch for where a new re-routing of Red Rock Rd. called the Red Rock Diversion veers to your right, There is a fenced off portion of the original Red Rock Road on your left and a passage way through this fence that you can walk your bike through to stay on the less well traveled Red Rock Rd.  OR you can go a very short distance on the Red Rock Diversion and take the cross over road on your left.
• When you come to Round Lake Road (County 58), turn left. This is a busy road but you will only be on it for about 3 km. Watch for Gunns Road, a gravel road on your right.
• Turn right onto Gunns Road and follow it as it snakes its way alongside the Bonnechere River to the intersection with Basin Depot Road.
• Turn right onto Basin Depot and then Left onto Paugh Lake Road crossing the bridge over the Bonnechere River.
• Paugh Lake Road will twist and turn towards Paugh Lake as you eventually leave the heavily wooded section and encounter a few residences along the way. Look for Wilno Road N. on your left and the first of many crucifixes at that crossroads.
• Turn left onto Wilno Rd. N. and follow it to the T intersection where Wilno Rd. N makes a sharp left turn. Make the left turn and stay on Wilno Rd. N. to the intersection with Scenic Road.
• Scenic Road will be on your left. Turn left onto Scenic Road.
• Scenic Road is, well scenic and mostly a straight and hilly ride to the intersection with Simpson Pit Rd.
• Turn left onto Simpson Pit Rd. a mostly downhill ride on smooth pavement to the intersection with Mask Road on your right.
• Turn right onto Mask Road and stay on it crossing Round Lake Road (County 58). Mask Road will end at Hwy 60 a short 2 km ride back to your starting point.
• Turn left onto Hwy 60 with its partially paved shoulders and ride app. 2 kms back to Krantz Rd.

Turn left onto Krantz and remember where you parked.

Timing for the ride is between 2 ½ and 3 hours with 255 metres of climbs overall.

It is suitable for all style bikes with paved roads on the entire route unless you decide to take the shortcut.

Download a GPX navigation file here: http://www.ovcata.ca/userfiles/file/Balavlava%20Mill%20Run%20GPX.gpx

DIRECTIONS:

From the parking area TURN RIGHT onto Scotch Bush Rd. and continue to the junction with Hwy 132 in Dacre. Note the beautiful old church on your left as you come into Dacre.

TURN RIGHT onto Hwy. 132 and proceed to junction with Hwy. 41. TURN RIGHT onto Hwy. 41.

You will ride a short distance on Hwy. 41 to the junction with the historic Opeongo Rd. TURN LEFT onto The Opeongo Rd. (County 64). Along the way look for signs of the original Opeongo settlement road that will appear and disappear into the foliage.

About 5 ½ kms along the Opeongo Rd. you will see the gravel Constance Creek Road on your right. This is a shortcut that will take you back, crossing Hwy 41 and continuing to Scotch Bush Rd. where you can turn right and ride back to the parking area.  

Continue on the Opeongo Rd. to the junction with McGrath across from now closed Breen’s Store. TURN RIGHT onto McGrath Rd. and enjoy your ride through rolling hills, farm and wooded lands.

At the junction with Hwy 41 TURN RIGHT and ride on Hwy 41 to the intersection with Grattan Rd. (County 22). TURN LEFT onto Grattan Rd towards Hynford.

At the Hynford intersection TURN RIGHT onto Scotch Bush Road for the last leg of your ride back to the parking area at Balaclava.

Download the GPX navigation file here: http://www.ovcata.ca/userfiles/file/Tour%20de%20Kamaniskeg%20GPX.gpx

Things to see along the way:

            Zurakowski Park in Barry's Bay is a memorial to legendary aircraft test pilot and engineer who flew fighters and bombers for Poland, France and Great Britain in WWII. He is closely associated with the Avro Arrow project and the memorial features a large scale model of the aircraft he flew as well as the story of his amazing life.

            On the Old Barry's Bay Road across from the junction with Vistula Rd. stands the The SZARE SZEREGI Monument (Grey Ranks). This monument commemorates the 11,000 Scouts and Guides who worked in the Polish resistance and who fell during the Warsaw uprising or lost their lives in Nazi concentration camps during the occupation of Poland (1939 - 1945) It is a heart breaking yet uplifting tribute.

            Further down the road is Crooked Slide Park featuring a rebuilt log slide at this beautiful waterside park. Here you will find restrooms and a great swimming hole.

            In Combermere a short distance off the route is Madonna House Lay Apostate and Pioneer Museum. Madonna House is a community of catholic men and women dedicated to continuing the work of Jesus Christ. The Pioneer Museum is built from hundred-year-old hand-hewn logs. Inside there are authentic items donated by generous individuals that tell the story of pioneer life in the Ottawa Valley.

Combermere has a couple of locations where you can buy water, drinks, a full meal or snacks. Cyclists love to support local businesses!

DIRECTIONS:

Parking at the beginning of the route can be found at  Zurakowski Park in Barry's Bay or across the street at the old train station. Alternate starting points with parking are at Crooked Slide Park on Old Barry's Bay Rd. and at the lakeside park in Combermere just west of the bridge on  Hwy 62 / Combermere Rd.

From Barry's Bay ride east on Hwy 60 / Opeongo Line to the junction with Old Barry's Bay Rd. just past the Tim Hortons. TRUN RIGHT onto Old Barry's Bay Road for the app. 19 kms ride to Combermere. Be sure to visit the  SZARE SZEREGI Monument and Crooked Slide Park if you have not done so before.

At the junction with Hwy 62 / Combermere Road TURN LEFT onto Combermere Rd. Across the bridge is the short side trip to Madonna House and the Pioneer Museum.

Follow Hwy 62 / Combermere Rd. out of the village to the junction with Kamaniskeg Rd. on your right. TURN RIGHT onto Kamaniskeg Rd. and a beautiful ride along the lake and Madawaska River to the junction with Siberia Rd.

TURN RIGHT onto Siberia Rd. / County 69 and follow it towards Barry's Bay where the name changes to Dunn St.

(If you would like a bit longer ride with some hills you can take an alternative route not long after crossing over the Madawaska River bridge on Siberia Rd. Look for River Road and the sign for the Madawaska Kanu Center on your right. Turn Right onto River Road. This road's name will undergo a sea change to become Kartuzy Rd. without you knowing it. Follow the dips, turns and hills to the junction with Bleski Rd. where Kartuzt Rd. will make a sharp LEFT TURN. From here you are a short distance back to Siberia Rd. where you TURN RIGHT onto Siberia Rd. just outside the Village of Barrys Bay. This detour is not mapped or included in the GPX directions)

Follow Siberia Rd / Dunn St to the junction of Dunn St. and Opeongo Line / Hwy 60 you TURN RIGHT onto Hwy 60 for the short ride back to Zurakowski Park.

Download the GPX navigation file here:http://www.ovcata.ca/userfiles/file/Gravel%20Grinder%2050%20km.gpx

DIRECTIONS:

Start at the parking lot at Legion Field on Foran St. just off Hwy 41 in Eganville near the Shell gas station. From Foran St. TURN RIGHT onto Hwy 41 and ride the short distance to County 512/ Foymount Rd. at the Shell gas station.

Turn right onto Hwy 512/Foymount Rd/County Rd 512  1.5 km

Continue to follow County Rd 512 to junction with Sand Rd. which is straight ahead. (512 makes a left at this junction but you want to go straight onto Sand Rd.)

Continue straight onto Sand Rd  4.7 km

TURN RIGHT onto Silver Lake Rd

Head northwest on Silver Lake Rd   450 m

TURN LEFT onto Risto Rd   4.1 km

TURN RIGHT onto Budd Rd

Head northwest on Budd Rd toward Corrigan Rd   1.0 km

TURN LEFT on Corrigan Rd toward Cormac Rd  7.9 km

(Corrigan Rd. is all gravel and quite hilly and beautiful)

TURN RIGHT on Cormac Rd toward Silver Lake Rd   3.8 km

TURN RIGHT onto Silver Lake Rd

Head northeast on Silver Lake Rd   11.6 km

(Silver Lake Rd. starts off as gravel and is fairly flat at first but there are more hills as continue on. It becomes paved about half way to your next turn.)

TURN RIGHT onto Corrigan Rd  (Very sharp right turn)

Head southwest on Corrigan Rd toward Budd Rd   2.5 km

TURN LEFT onto Budd Rd   1.0 km

TURN LEFT  onto Risto Rd   4.1 km

TURN RIGHT onto Silver Lake Rd   450 m

TURN LEFT onto Sand Rd toward Hwy 512/Foymount Rd/Renfrew County Rd 512

4.8 km

CONTINUE STRAIGHT onto Foymount Rd/County Rd 512   1.4 km

TURN LEFT onto Summerville Dr. which is the back way into Legion Field and the parking area.

This route also includes the challenge of the Foymount Hill, a 14 degree climb of 186 metres in just under 2 1/2 kms. Overall you will climb a total of 1153 metres over a distance of app. 102 kms.

Kauffeldt's Store in Quadeville should be open by 9am if you need drinks or other refreshments. There is a rest stop with a toilet on Letterkenny Road at Gorman Lake. You will also pass the hamlet of Foymount twice on this route. Foymount was once the home of CFS Foymount a radar installation that was part of the Pine Tree Line a Cold War early warning system to detect Soviet bombers. It was decomissioned in 1974 but the Hamlet still survives and is the highest settled point in Ontario.

There is a great scenic lookout on the Opeongo Rd. at the top of the hill just after you make the turn from Hwy 512 on the return leg of the route. There is a kiosk that tells of the geology of the area and describes the Bonnechere Gabin which you will follow and cross as you ride the route back to Eganville.

DIRECTIONS:

Head east on Foran St toward Hwy-41

Turn right onto Hwy-41 and ride to junction with Foymount Rd/County Rd 512

Turn right onto Foymount Rd/County Rd 512 and travel to where the route makes a sharp left turn after passing the township garage

Turn left to stay on Foymount Rd/Renfrew County Rd 512 and ride app. 20 km to Cormac where you will see Saint Anne’s RC Church off a side road on your right and the steep climb of the Foymount Hill ahead on County 512

Climb the Foymount Hill! 187 m in 2 kms and 14% max grade

Head west past the flashing light at the top of the hill  and stay on Foymount Rd/County Rd 512 past Foymount to the junction with Quadeville Rd/Renfrew County Rd 515

Turn left onto Quadeville Rd/Renfrew County Rd 515 and ride to app 17 kms to Quadville where you will see Kaufman’s General Store at the intersection. It is your last chance to refill your water of buy an energy boosting treat before hitting the legendary hills of Letterkenny Rd.

Turn right at intersection at Kaufman's General Store and continue straight onto Letterkenny Rd. You will shortly pass Al Capone’s Canadian Hideaway. It is not marked and it is private property so you will just have to use your imagination.

You will now ride about 18.5 kms through a number of tough climbs and some great scenery. This road is nicely paved with smooth asphalt. Towards the end as you come down a nice downhill glide you will see Gorman Lake on your right where you will find a portable toilet and a place to swim or rest. Ahead is the junction with Opeongo Rd. which is also called County Rd. 66 in this location.

Turn right onto Opeongo Rd./County 66 and ride to the intersection known as Brudenell where Opeongo Road continues straight ahead through the intersection but is now County Rd. 512 and becomes the Foymount Rd for some strange reason known only to the road naming gods. Whatever you call it you will stay on Foymount Rd/Renfrew County Rd 512 for about 10 km.

Pass Foymount (again)

At the flashing light turn right onto Opeongo Rd / County Road 64 (Remember to look for the kisok and scenic lookout at the top of the hill)

Stay on the Opeongo Rd to the intersection with McGrath Rd. Turn left onto McGrath Rd

Head north on McGrath Rd. for about 12.1 km to the intersection with Hwy 41.

Turn left onto Hwy-41 and ride 3.8 km to the Village of Eganville where you will Turn left onto Foran St. and finish your epic 102 km ride.

This is ride through the rolling hills of the farm country around the Village of Eganville. All roads are paved and traffic light although Augsburg Road can be a bit busier in the early evening.

DIRECTIONS:

From the park cross over the bridge onto John Street. Ride towards the intersection and make a short RIGHT then LEFT turn onto Water Street. Stay on Water Street as it becomes Augsburg Road all the way to the churches at Augsburg.

At Augsburg TURN LEFT onto Silver Lake Rd and ride to the intersection with Sand Rd. TURN LEFT onto Sand Rd. (If you want a longer ride you can ride ahead on Silver Lake Rd. to the junction with County 512 (Foymount Rd.) and turn left onto 512 and follow it back to where it rejoins the route)

Sand Road ends at the junction with County 512 (Foymount Rd.) just outside the Village of Eganville. Stay straight ahead from sand Rd. onto 512 all the way to the stop sign at the Shell gas station at the intersection. TURN LEFT onto Hwy 41 through the village and look for the SHARP RIGHT TURN back onto John Street. Follow john St. across the Bonnechere River to Grist Mill Rd and Mcrae Lookout Park on your RIGHT.

Download a GPX Navigation File: http://www.ovcata.ca/userfiles/file/Eganville%201%20Hr%20Workout%281%29.gpx

This is a 52 km ride with 1175 metres of elevation gain. All roads are paved and there is one very difficult hill no matter in which direction you ride the route.

Parking is available at Legion Field located on Foran St. just north of the junction of Hwy 41 and County 512.

Click here to download the tour as a GPX file

DIRECTIONS:

Leaving Legion Field via Foran St. TURN RIGHT onto Hwy 41 a smoothly paved road with some shoulder paving. Procede south to McGrath Road and TURN RIGHT onto this tar and stone chip paved road. The road has mostly soft rolling hills through wooded andd farm lands.

At the junction with the historic Opeongo Road, TURN RIGHT onto Opeongo Road. The road is also a stone chip and tar paved surface with little traffic. However after passing the Sebastopol Historical and Heritage Society building you will encounter the most serious climb on this route as you ascend Planunt’s Mountain.

For those looking for a different starting point there is PUBLIC PARKING at Opeongo Field next to the Sebastopol Historical and Heritage Society. Also there is a public swimming area at lake Clear a short bike ride down Wieland Shore Road. (No vehicle parking in that area)

Continue on The Opeongo Road to the junction with County 512 (Foymount Rd). There is a beautiful photo and information kiosk just before this junction at the crest of the hill with a panoramic view of the Bonnechere River Valley.

TURN RIGHT onto County 512 (Foymount Rd.) and continue down the long and steep Foymount Hill. CAUTION! This is a steep downhill grade in this direction and you should carefully limit you speed. At the bottom of the hill is the settlement of Cormac and St. Anne’s Catholic Church. It is the site of the annual pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint Anne.

Continue on County 512 (Foymount Rd.) to a T intersection just before the Village of Eganville. TURN RIGHT to continue on County 512 to the junction with Hwy 41 where you will TURN LEFT to return to Foran St and Legion Field and few metres away.

- Start in Killaloe, which is picturesque and full of great stores and services.
- Old Killaloe with its historic mill and general store
- It's mostly up from there to Foymount, but none of the hills require advanced strength, and the wind is often behind you.
- Foymount itself is worth the turnoff and the ride up the hill into the former Canadian Forces base for the view from Ontario's highest populated point.
- The ride down Foymount is thrilling, with wonderful views, but the pavement is poor - go slowly and carefully.
- The beautiful village of Cormac is a great place for a break, with its historic church and ballpark. The old store is a nice place to relax.
-The Cormac-Rochefort road is one of the Valley's most beautiful, with old farms, vistas and more down than up going back to Rochefort corners.
- Once you get back to County 512, it's more down than up back to Killaloe.

Points of interest:
- Pikwakanagan First Nation
- beautiful historic farms
- pictureseque Killaloe, full of stores and services
- Tramore's one-lane bridge
- Golden Lake, which has two restaurants
- restaurants in Deacon

Laurentian Valley

Pembroke

Davis Mills

Green Lake Rd

Rankin

Petawawa

Whitewater Region

Foresters Falls

Westmeath

Bonnechere Valley

Fourth Chute

Lake Dore

Douglas Dacre

Admaston/Bromley

Green Lake

North Algona Wilberforce

Green Lake

Golden Lake

Laurentian Hills

Chalk River

Admaston/ Bromley

Douglas Dacre

Rankin

Osceola

Jennifer Murphy, Mayor of Bonnechere Valley Township and outgoing Warden of Renfrew County attended the meeting as a speaker and actively took part in all its discussions. So did Mark Johnson of Gearheads, the Petawawa cycling and sports store that donate the $5,000 e-bike to OVCATA this year that was raffled off at the meeting.

The winning ticket belonged to Norman Mathurin of Renfrew, whose daughter Katarina bought it for him for Father's Day.

"Active Transportation has made such an important impact in our communities for tourism, infrastructure, and promoting and supporting whole life healthy lifestyles," Warden Murphy told the meeting. "In Renfrew County, we have been busy increasing infrastructure, and seeking opportunities to gain funding and work with the Province to support Active Transportation. "

She outlined the development of the County's Active Transportation Policy since 2014.

The first paved shoulders were installed on County Roads 26 and 51 in the Petawawa area in 2003.  As of the end of 2017, the County had hardened shoulders on 180 km of roadway and over 220 km by the end of 2019. "That represents approximately one quarter of the County 820 km road system."

She said the County has budgeted $150,000 each year for the last number of years for hard-shouldering, but that it is sometimes able to access special funding for to do more than that.

Ms. Murphy reported on recent developments with the Algonquin Trail (the former CP Rail line). "The trail is a great example of another project that along with partners has developed an award winning backbone for all kinds of Active Transportation activities," she said. Warden Murphy reported, with enthusiasm, on discussions with provincial cabinet ministers indicating that some of the funding budgeted for four-laning highway 17 will be used to improve the trail in order to get cyclists off Highway 17.

Ms. Murphy and the group discussed concerns that have arisen over motorized vehicles on the trail. Dirt bikes, she told the group, are prohibited. OVCATA members at the meeting agreed that without better public notice and enforcement of rules, the trail will deteriorate rapidly and become less attractive to visitors and local people.

Local municipalities can benefit greatly by embracing Active Transportation, Ms. Murphy said. She pointed to her township's new paving, with hardened shoulders, of the Fourth Chute  Road. "Active Transportation is probably the reason we got the grant (to pave the road)," she said.

At the meeting, OVCATA members reported on outreach they have been doing to local municipalities, encouraging the setup of committees on Active Transportation in each municipality. OVCATA members have been in contact, so far, with Petawawa, Renfrew, McNab-Braeside, North Algona Wilberforce, Bonnechere Valley, Killaloe Hagarty Richards, Madawaska Valley, Laurentian Valley and Whitewater Region and the City of Pembroke.

OVCATA members Ron Moss, Bob Peltzer and Andris Kalnins reported on plans for the new year, including promoting rider safety on the Algonquin Trail and at the Tour de Whitewater and helping organize the Tour de Bonnechere and other events. Treasurer Debbie Fiebig reported that the e-bike raffle raised $2,632 for the organization, which now has approximately $3,700 in the bank.

New members of OVCATA were acclaimed at the meeting for two-year terms, including Andris Kalnins (McNab-Braeside), Patricia Krose (Whitewater Region), Jason Ng (Pembroke) and Bob Peltzer (Bonnechere Valley).

In fall, 2019, OVCATA members are talking Active Transportation (AT) with local municipal councils and staff, and the response they are getting so far has been "excellent."

Last June, OVCATA reps Ish Theilheimer, Ron Moss and Bob Peltzer met Renfrew County's Operations Committee in Palmer Rapids. There, they were encouraged to directly contact municipalities. So far, there have been productive exchanges with Petawawa, Pembroke and McNab-Braeside, and County Warden and Bonnechere Valley Mayor Jennifer Murphy has offered to keynote OVCATA's annual meeting at the Eganville Legion, which starts at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 23.

"The response we have had from municipal representatives has been excellent," said OVCATA Secretary Ron Moss. "Staff and elected people have been most interested in what we've had to tell them, and in many cases, they simply hadn't had much information before about what it takes to get more people, both locals and visitors, riding, walking and getting around on their own steam, however they like, in their municipalities."

Petawawa civil engineer Dave Unrau has been in contact with OVCATA as his municipality develops its plans. The municipality has been developing a system of bike lanes and transportation routes intended to get people to work and school and to ease congestion on main arteries like Petawawa Boulevard and to take advantage of the new Algonquin Trail. Already, the municipality has twinned the trail, making one lane available to non-motorized vehicles only.

"It has been a great experience developing our plan and meeting all the stakeholders including Council, residents, parent school councils, school boards, special interest groups, merchants, etc.," says Mr. Unrau.  "The feedback has enabled the Town of Petawawa council to focus on priorities and create a network that serves the needs.  The funding made available through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities along with collaboration with developers has advanced the plan’s priorities quicker than anticipated.  There is a lot more to do, but the Town has embraced Active Transportation and I look forward to continuing with the enhancement and education so everyone feels safe."

With urging from OVCATA, the City of Pembroke has established an AT working group. The Algonquin Trail runs the length of the city, and getting users to use it conveniently to get to work, school, business and shopping presents a real opportunity, as well as a challenge in an era of budget cutbacks from central governments.

McNab-Braeside, which got approximately 70 participants in its innovative Tour de Poutine in August. This month, its Council established a committee to study and report on AT. Whitewater Region has AT on its agenda too.

OVCATA has established good rapport with Renfrew County's recently-appointed operations director, Lee Perkins. Mr. Perkins has shared the County's 20-year plan with OVCATA, and the Operations Committee, which invited OVCATA to present in June, has asked for input.

The County of Renfrew’s Director of Public Works and Engineering, Lee Perkins, has considerable experience with AT from his work in large centers elsewhere in Canada.  Currently, he points out, the County’s Asset Management plan identifies $150,000 to be spent yearly on hardened shoulders, preferably a 1.0 metre wide.  "With a number of scenic rides within the County of Renfrew borders the movement of adventure tourism has been coming to the forefront," Mr. Perkins says.  "Meetings with the OVCATA on a more regular basis, sharing of planned projects and identifying key bicycle routes have allowed the County to plan ahead and request further funding for strategic infrastructure." 

In recent years,  the County has extended projects to include AT lanes on high profile bicycle routes including County Road 52 (Petawawa Boulevard), County Road 1 (River Road) and  County Road 21 (Beachburg Road).  Mr. Perkins notes that, "Increasing the paved shoulder width on roads not only provides safety for bicyclists, it also gives all residents and visitors an opportunity to become more active; i.e. rollerblades, skateboards, walking and jogging, indeed sharing the road with the motorized public. 

"Meeting and working with the OVCATA has been a pleasure," he says.  "Working with people who are so passionate about an issue is why I choose Public Service. I hope to continue the relationship far into the future."

Info: Lois hagberg AT sympatico.ca>

(OVCATA)  about four planned activities on which the County is taking leadership.

The activities include the Silver Chain Challenge, the online competition between counties and municipalities to see whose residents can log the greatest distances biked, walked, or run. Mr. Theilheimer met with the county's emergency services chief Mike Nolan last January and later with Warden Jennifer Murphy to brainstorm about how to build on the success of that to get more people moving on their own power in the month of June.

The first activity will be a mass County Council bike-and-hike event on the Algonquin Trail immediately following the May 29 Council meeting.

"Mike Nolan and Warden Murphy were unbelievably enthusiastic about getting the political leaders  involved," said Mr. Theiheimer. "Getting them out there on bikes or in walking shoes will help them understand the benefits, the fun, and the issues involved with active transportation.

The event will begin at Algonquin College with bikers and hikers heading west. The trail, in that section, is complete to Petawawa, so participants can go up to 40 km. there and back if they chose. OVCATA will make loaner bikes available, both to politicians and to others who want to participate. Anyone can take part. The event will start around 3 p.m.

Another activity for the month is the Mayor's Challenge. Warden Jennifer Murphy has challenged each of the mayors in the County to organize community bike-and-hike events on dates of their own choosing to see which mayors can get the most people out moving.

The final activity of the month is Community Seniors' Bike-and-Hikes. County and OVCATA are encouraging municipalities, through their recreation staff and committees and local seniors' organizations, to organize events specifically for seniors in June.

Mr. Theilheimer encourages people who want events in their municipalities to contact their own township council members and staff as soon as possible, since June is not far off. OVCATA too will be contacting municipalities across the County and offering help and support for local events.

"Active Transportation benefits everyone in terms of better physical and mental health, less pollution and less road use," he said. "It's great to see people like Warden Murphy, Mike Nolan and County Councillors taking the lead in promoting it."

In the photo, County of Renfrew Emergency Services director Mike Nolan and OVCATA activists Chris Hinsperger, Kathy Eisner, and Ish Theilheimer go over plans for Active Transportation Month before the Council meeting.

The bike, a a Specialized Turbo X e-bike worth more than $5,000 donated by Mark and Margo Johnson, owners of Gearheads in Petawawa, is being used to raise money for the OVCATA's activities promoting cycling, walking and other non-motorized transportation. Tickets for the raffle cost $5 and will be sold at Gearheads and by OVCATA at events like the Tour de Whitewater and Tour de Bonnechere and by OVCATA members. One thousand tickets were printed.

"Mark and I are both passionate about the business and we are very proud to be a part of this community," said Margo Johnson, who has owned the store with her husband since 2017. "We love biking, skiing and the outdoors. Plus we are taking care of our health and showing our kids how important it is to stay active even as an adult."
 

E-bikes are electrically assisted bicycles. Gearheads and OVCATA see e-bikes see them as helpful to getting people to overcome reluctance to ride. "E-bikes offer the opportunity to improve your overall strength throughout your body," said Margo. "Whether you are a long-time bike rider or someone brand new to our favourite hobby. Everything from steering, pedaling and balancing an ebike, promote stronger and healthier muscles, bones and joints. Specialized turbo/ebikes allow you to go further, faster as you rediscover the joy of cycling. The e-bike provides just the right amount of pedal assistance in any situation.

OVCATA's co-chair, Ish Theilheimer, and its secretary, Ron Moss, welcomed the donation. "The people at Gearheads are visionaries," said Ron Moss. "They have been leaders in active transportation for years in Renfrew County. We are so thankful for their generosity."

OVCATA plans to have e-bike demonstrations around Renfrew County to encourage their use. "The e-bike is a good way to get people onto bikes who were hesitant," said Moss.

A prime goal for Gearheads is "to make Renfrew County a hub of outdoor tourism in Ontario as a part of the Active Transportation Network," Margo Johnson says. "The network already provides a myriad of opportunity for cyclists of all ability to explore this incredible region in both built up and natural environments. We are also hopeful that encouraging active transportation will have a positive impact on the overall health of the community and encourage families to take part in these activities together, promoting life long habits for children to keep active and engaged in a healthy lifestyle."

Here are some current needs and the people to contact if you can help:

ON GOING

Membership Coordination.

We are a growing organization with new members being added all the time, especially with summer coming up.  Our Membership Chair is looking someone to assist in the maintenance  , updating, and  management of our membership database.  This would be of particular interest of someone with experience in working with spreadsheets and data files.  Ideally the person would have access to a computer and internet connection.

Contact Andy Kalnins flatrapids AT gmail.com

Webpage Management

We try to keep our Webpage current, informative and interesting, and our Webmaster would love an enthusiastic partner.  This would be of interest to someone  with Web Page management and writing experience with access to a computer and internet.  This also could be of appeal to someone with enthusiasm willing to learn about this process.

Contact: Ish Theilheimer   ish AT isht.ca

Selling Raffle Tickets

OVCATA is very excited to be having an autumn raffle for a Specialized E-Bike generously donated by Gearheads in Petawawa ( http://www.gearheads.ca/) .  If you as an individual, as a member of an organization, as a business owner, or in some other affiliation would be interested in selling books of tickets for this premier fundraiser of the year it would really help us reach our goals. Contact Ron Moss  rmoss AT nrtco.net

May

Pembroke Connect

Pembroke, Ontario  Friday May 10^th and Saturday May 11^th

OVCATA will have an information booth set up on the Friday afternoon and all day Saturday to talk to the public about the organization, sign-up new members, and to sell tickets for the OVCATA fundraising draw.  No experience is needed, just a desire to inform the public and to be enthusiastic.

Contact Ron Moss  rmoss AT nrtco.net

June

Krista Johnson Memorial Run

Pembroke Ontario Sunday June 9^th

The run organizers are looking for bike riders to assist and sweep runners and walkers in both 10km and 21.1 km events.  The start time is 8:00 a.m. and participation time requirements of riders are flexible but the event could run to noon to ensure that all participants have safely crossed the finish line,

Contact Ron Moss  rmoss AT nrtco.net

Tour de Poutine

Red Pine Bay, Village of Braeside, Township of McNab Braeside.

June 15^th

The event organizers are looking for people to help set out and take down the route signs, ride with participants and sweep, and to assist in the interactions at the OVCTA Booth.  The event will be starting at 9:00 a.m. and run until about noon.

Contact Andy Kalnins flatrapids AT gmail.com

July

Tour de Whitewater

Saturday July 6^th, Westmeath

The event organizers are looking for people to help set out and take down the route signs, ride with participants and sweep, and to assist in the interactions at the OVCTA Booth.  The event will be starting at 9:00 a.m. and run until about noon.

Contact Ron Moss  rmoss AT nrtco.net

August

Tour de Bonnechere, Eganville

Saturday, August 17^th

The event organizers are looking for people to help set out and take down the route signs, ride with participants and sweep, and to assist in the interactions at the OVCTA Booth.  The event will be starting at 9:00 a.m. and run until about noon.

Contact Ron Moss  rmoss AT nrtco.net

The road is the only route for trans-Canada cyclists, with no alternative roads available. Rumble strips, OVCATA warns, will force cyclists to ride in the main part of the heavily-travelled roadway.

 "We are very concerned about the absence of safe and suitable infrastructure for cyclists in the absence of any alternative roads or trails," wrote OVCATA co-chair Ish Theilheimer and Secretary Ron Moss in a letter to transportation minister Jeff Yurek.

"Should MTO proceed with imprinting rumble strips on the existing pavement edge then cyclists are forced to travel on the travelled portion of the pavement of Highway 17," they wrote. "Cyclists will be left with the only place of travel on the driven portion of the highway developing a very dangerous and unsafe environment considering the traffic volume, the number of large transport trucks and the speed limits. We caution that this environment as proposed by MTO, sadly, could ultimately lead to fatalities should any of the motorized vehicles become in contact with any cyclist."

OVCATA is urging the Province to ultimately upgrade the abandoned former CP Rail line now known as the Algonquin Trail, but in the meantime, the installation of rumble strips, the group says, could create real problem.

"The Algonquin Trail could provide safer alternatives for cycle and active transportation travel. In the interim, travel is necessary on Highway 17, so we are requesting the installation of paved shoulders, as well, if rumble strips are installed to make the road safer. Without paved shoulders, rumble strips are an invitation to disaster."

The letter points out that the kind of infrastructure it recommends has been recently constructed by MTO elsewhere, such as on Highway 17 west of Nairn Centre. 

INFO: Ron Moss  - 613 638 3881

Membership in the organization has grown quickly, from 180 last year to 433 now, and local governments have cooperated in many ways to enhance cycling and walking safety and opportunities in the County.

"We're here because Active Transportation matters," said OVCATA co-chair Ish Theilheimer. "The more people we can get moving themselves around on their own power and out of cars, the better we'll all be. People will be healthier and happier. Governments will spend less on health care and road-building. And, of course, every kilometre not driven in a private vehicle is a positive step toward preserving our very-much-endangered environment."

"We have many people to thank for our progress," said Theilheimer. He singled out Yantha Cycles for the donated bike, the Westmeath District Recreation Association for the donation of funds from the Tour de Whitewater, the Government of Ontario for funding programs OVCATA ran, and the County of Renfrew, as well as Whitewater Region and its former Mayor Hal Johnson for meeting space. He conveyed greetings from MPP John Yakabuski, who had hoped to attend and with whom OVCATA's table officers met in September. Mr. Yakabuski has been a supporter of OVCATA from the outset, he said.

OVCATA Secretary Ron Moss reported on a range of accomplishments and activities over the past year. One of his many involvements has been heading up planning for the Voyageur Cycling Route, which will provide cross-Canada cycle tourists with a safe east-west route from North Bay to Ottawa. A big part of this plan involves the Algonquin Trail (former CP Rail line), which OVCATA has been a strong advocate for and which is now moving toward completion.

He also reported on OVCATA's involvement with the Tour de Whitewater, based in Westmeath, and the Tour de Bonnechere, based in Eganville. Organizers of both events have asked OVCATA to become a partner next year and to take a lead organizing role, and OVCATA activists have responded positively.

Kathy Eisner reported on the Renfrew County Seniors Active Transportation program, which she organized on behalf of OVCATA with funding help from the Ontario Ministry of Seniors Affairs. Through the program, OVCATA visited seniors in ten Renfrew County Communities to promote cycling and walking and discuss the obstacles that keep seniors from participating more in these healthful activities. The funding helped pay for the publication and distribution of safety information, safety armbands, and a "Seniors on the Move" bumper sticker to promote awareness and encourage participation.

One of the ways OVCATA grew in 2018 was by raffling off a bike donated by Yantha Cycles in Pembroke to new members and existing ones who put in for the draw. A total of 222 people entered the raffle. The winner, announced by Membership Chair Eric Price, was Shirley Beatty, of Pembroke.

A new Board of Directors was acclaimed by the meeting, including Debbie Fiebig, Patricia Krose, Ron Moss, Eric Price, Andris Kalnins, Pat McGregor, Bob Peltzer, and Ish Theilheimer.

We avoid pavement and tend to use off road paths such as ski or snowmobile trails. Most of us use full suspension bikes to smooth the riding encountered on rocky rooty paths. Our biking days tend to alternate between east and west of town and we usually finish for coffee at the Bean House around 10:30 to 11:00.

As we get into October and lower morning temperatures, we tend to meet later than 8 am or even in the afternoon. Once or twice a year we, especially the Brain Deads, will undertake longer rides, possibly on snowmobile trails and hydro transmission access roads that include a stop at Rolphton for a late but hearty breakfast before the return trip to Deep River.

To contact us try Walter Benz, a BrainDead, at 613 584 2215 or David Thompson, a HeartSmart, at 613 584 4007.

PEMBROKE, Sept. 7, 2018 - The four table officers of the Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance (OVCATA) - Pat Krose, Ron Moss, Debbie Fiebig and I - met with Ontario's new transportation minister, John Yakabuski, for a pleasant and positive hour-long talk about Active Transportation (AT) in Renfrew County and throughout the province.

It is a real opportunity for our organization that our MPP is the minister, and especially so because our MPP is outgoing, friendly and knowledgeable. He has also been on our email list since the beginning and has gone to bat for us on issues with MTO in the past, so he didn't need a lot of coaching.

Our agenda was simple: a couple of local issues, a couple of provincial issues, and an invitation to speak at our annual meeting this fall. We covered all the issues and a whole lot more and got a Yes on the annual meeting, if we can find a weekend that works for him.

I took no notes and hope not to misrepresent what was said, but the Minister (or John, as most of us know him) said some important things today. Here is some of what I recall:

- AT, he said, is very important in terms of the biggest impending health issues with the aging of the baby boomers. It can lessen the impact, and therefore the cost to the health system, of problems like obesity and heart disease.

- There will be less provincial money for municipalities for AT to the cancellation of cap-and-trade, but budgets have not been set yet.

- John spoke of the importance of hard shoulders on highways and the economics of building them. He talked about how the extra costs of creating them can be compensated to a great extent, if not fully, by lower road maintenance and extended life of the road, as well as by increased safety. He comprehends the importance of continuing to develop of a provincial cycling network of highways with hard shoulders and appropriate signage.

- Remarkably, John said that a lot of MTO's budget is likely to be taken up by transit in the Toronto area because, as the province's business centre, it is vitally important to "get cars off the road." This is certainly a value we share with him, and this value can positively affect policy regarding AT.

- One of our most positive discussions was about the role of the MTO in educating drivers, cyclists and walkers about road safety and how that role can be expanded at little cost.

- We had good discussions about the Algonquin Trail (former CP rail line), Highway 17, the need to get cyclists off that highway, and the possibility of MTO funding development of the Trail, from Matawa to Chalk River, for that purpose. We also discussed the difficulties of finding a cycling route on Highway 148, between the "Quebec turn-off" and Pembroke's city limits, where road construction is underway with no cycling routes planned because provincial commuter cycling funding that might have brought the Algonquin Trail to standard is not now available due to the new government cancelling that program, which was paid for under the cap-and-trade system.

- We talked about how attitudes have changed toward cycling on roads. John recalled cycle trips from Barry's Bay to Killaloe as a youth where he and his friends simply assumed they would get off the road when cars approached because the prevalent attitude at the time was "they don't belong on the road." Now, he said, public view have changed greatly but, as he said, "Old attitudes die hard."

- John invited us to submit a letter detailing or policy suggestions to him as Minister, and also to other Cabinet Ministers with related portfolios such as health, seniors, tourism and recreation.

Overall, it was a very positive meeting that left the door open to lots of future contact, and we're thankful to John for doing that.
- Ish Theilheimer is co-chair, OVATA

(In the photo, from left: Ish, Pat, Debbie, Ron, and the Hon. John Yakabuski, MPP Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke)

- Whenever possible, cross the street at a designated crosswalk or intersection.

- Increase your visibility at night by carrying a flashlight and wearing retro-reflective clothing.

- It's safest to walk on a sidewalk, but if one is not available, walk on the shoulder and face traffic.

- Avoid distractions such as electronic devices that take your attention off the road.

Here's some detailed pedestrian safety information from the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario

New rules at pedestrian crossovers and school crossings

As of January 1, 2016, drivers - including cyclists - must stop and yield the whole roadway at pedestrian crossovers, school crossings and other locations where there is a crossing guard.

These new rules do not apply to pedestrian crosswalks at intersections with stop signs or traffic signals, unless a school crossing guard is present.

Only when pedestrians and school crossing guards have crossed and are safely on the sidewalk can drivers and cyclists proceed.

There are four types of pedestrian crossovers in Ontario. Three of them are new designs. See Q9 below.

It is up to both drivers and pedestrians to keep everyone safe on Ontario roads. Learn more about how to stay safe as a pedestrian and as a driver.

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For pedestrians

It is up to both drivers and pedestrians to keep everyone safe on Ontario roads. Learn more about how to stay safe as a pedestrian and as a driver.

• Cross only at marked crosswalks or traffic lights. Don't cross in the middle of the block or between parked cars.
• Make sure drivers see you before you cross. If the driver is stopped, make eye contact before you step into the road.
• Wear bright or light-coloured clothing or reflective strips, especially at dusk or when it's dark.
• At a traffic light:
  • Cross when traffic has come to a complete stop.
  • Begin to cross at the start of the green light or “Walk” signal, where provided.
  • Do not start to cross if you see a flashing “Do Not Walk” symbol or the light turns yellow.  If you already started to cross, complete your crossing in safety.
  • Never cross on a red light.
• Watch for traffic turning at intersections or turning into and leaving driveways.

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For drivers

Pay special attention to pedestrians as you drive. Here are some tips to follow:

• Always look for pedestrians, especially when turning.
• Watch for children. Drive slowly and cautiously through school zones, residential areas, or any other area where children could be walking or playing.
• Watch out for Community Safety Zone signs that indicate areas where public safety is a special concern, including the possibility of encountering pedestrians.
• Be patient, especially with seniors or pedestrians with disabilities who need more time to cross the road.
• Drive carefully near streetcar stops with islands or zones for passengers getting on and off. Pass them at reasonable speeds, and always be ready in case pedestrians make sudden or unexpected moves.

Fines

Drivers will be fined $150 to $500 and 3 demerit points for offences at pedestrian crossings, school crossings and at crosswalks where there are traffic signals. The maximum fine for running a red light - a practice that puts pedestrians at risk - is $200 to $1000.

Fines are doubled in Community Safety Zones, near schools and public areas. These areas are clearly marked with signs.

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For parents

Show your children how to cross a road safely. Teach them to:

• Stay to the side of the road, walking as far away from traffic as they safely can
• Stop at the edge of the sidewalk, and look both ways before crossing the road
• Take extra care on roadways that have no curbs
• Watch out for blind corners (for example, a car coming out of an alley may not see a child pedestrian about to cross).

New Pedestrian Safety Changes - Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the new law for pedestrians?

Q2: Why are cyclists included with cars in this law?

Q3: Why did the province make this change?

Q4: Where does the new law apply? Not apply?

Q5: What is the difference between a pedestrian crossover and a crosswalk? Are they different?

Q6: What is a school crossing?

Q7: Does the law apply province wide?

Q8: What are the penalties?

Q9: Are there any new types of crossovers where this law will apply?

Q1: What is the new law for pedestrians?

As of January 1, 2016, drivers - including cyclists - must stop and yield the whole roadway at pedestrian crossovers, school crossings and other locations where there is a crossing guard.

These new rules do not apply to pedestrian crosswalks at intersections with stop signs or traffic signals, unless a school crossing guard is present.

Only when pedestrians and school crossing guards have crossed and are safely on the sidewalk can drivers and cyclists proceed.

Q2: Why are cyclists included with cars in this law? 

Cyclists must follow the same rules as drivers and may face the same fine as drivers – the new law requires cyclists to stop and yield the whole roadway to pedestrians and school crossing guards before proceeding.

Q3:  Why did the province make this change?

This new law is intended to make roads safer for school children, pedestrians and school crossing guards.  Pedestrians, school children and school crossing guards are among the most vulnerable road users. The new law responds to recommendations related to pedestrian safety in the Chief Coroner’s Report on Pedestrian Deaths released in 2012 and also to numerous requests from municipalities and safety organizations.

Q4: Where does the new law apply?  Not apply?

Applies at:	Does not apply at:
All pedestrian crossovers. School crossings and any location where a school crossing guard is present.	Crosswalks – with or without traffic signals or stop signs – unless a school crossing guard is present

Q5: What is the difference between a pedestrian crossover and a crosswalk?

The new law applies at all pedestrian crossovers, not at crosswalks, unless a school crossing guard is present.

Pedestrian crossovers are identified by specific signs, pavement markings and lights; some have illuminated overhead lights/warning signs and pedestrian push buttons.

Drivers and cyclists must wait until pedestrians have completely crossed the road. There are 3 new types of pedestrian crossovers (see Q9 below).

A crosswalk is a crossing location usually found at intersections with traffic signals, pedestrian signals or stop signs. A crosswalk can be:

• the portion of a roadway that connects sidewalks on opposite sides of the roadway into a continuous path; or,
• the portion of a roadway that is indicated for pedestrian crossing by signs, lines or other markings on the surface of the roadway at any location, including an intersection. 

Illustration of crosswalks at an intersection with traffic signals and pedestrian signals

Q6: What is a school crossing?

A school crossing is any pedestrian crossing where a school crossing guard is present and displaying a school crossing stop sign.

Drivers and cyclists must wait until children, school crossing guards and all pedestrians have completely crossed the road

Q7: Does the law apply province wide?

As of January 1, 2016 the new law applies province wide to all pedestrian crossovers, school crossings and other locations where there is a school crossing guard.

Q8: What are the penalties?

Drivers and cyclists may face a fine in the range of $150-$500 – drivers may also face 3 demerit points. Fines will be doubled in community safety zones.

Q9: Are there any new types of crossovers where this law applies?

Yes. In response to requests from municipalities for more options for pedestrian crossovers, road authorities may choose to install one of the new types of crossovers.The law also applies at these new types of pedestrian crossovers.

Drivers and cyclists must wait until pedestrians have completely crossed the road

Drivers and cyclists must wait until pedestrians have completely crossed the road

Drivers and cyclists must wait until pedestrians have completely crossed the road

---

Recommended for you

• Road safety
• Safe driving practices
• School bus safety
• Bike safety

** Must have a helmet and a drop handlebar road bike

meet at Gearheads parking lot at 6:30 p.m.

The project will offer education, encouragement and coaching to seniors across the County by working with existing seniors' groups affiliated with the Renfrew County and District Active Aging Network (RCDAAN).

"In particular, we want to focus on perceived barriers to participation," said the project's coordinator, Kathy Eisner. "We'll be holding education sessions indoors and group walking and cycling events outdoors.  Experienced facilitators from OVCATA and RCDAAN will teach and encourage safe participation at events across the County. Through these organized activities, seniors will gain the knowledge and experience to continue safe cycling and walking individually or in groups."

This project will promote cycling and walking as social and enjoyable ways to be active throughout the senior years. It will engage seniors in discussion about perceived  barriers to participation in walking and cycling, looking at what keeps them from these activities and what seniors need to overcome these obstacles

Under the program, OVCATA will hold or participate in approximately 30 events in communities throughout Renfrew County in May and June that will give seniors opportunities to participate in group walking and cycling activities.  At each event, information about healthful and safe participation will be presented. There will also be an opportunity to socialize over refreshments and to provide feedback to the organizers.

"Through these organized activities seniors will gain the knowledge and experience needed to continue safe cycling and walking individually or in groups," said Ms. Eisner. "And we expect to have a lot of fun!"

Seniors will be encouraged to join with all local residents in tracking their walking or cycling during the month of June through the Silver Chain Challenge, the annual competition between Renfrew County and Lanark County - www.silverchainchallenge.ca

All participants will be invited to participate in community rides organized by OVCATA or in which OVCATA is a partner, as well as the sessions tailored to seniors that will be offered through local seniors' groups.

In addition, a report on senior participation in Active Transportation based on participation data collected, identified perceived barriers and feedback from seniors will be prepared and made available to municipal and county councils.

OVCATA's members hope the project will promote age-friendly community development by giving seniors opportunities to present ideas for improving cycling/walking infrastructure in their communities. These ideas will be included in the report available to the municipalities and county.

They want to keep the activities focused on the safety and well-being of seniors. "Promoting activities that can be carried on with little or no equipment through the senior years will provide long-term benefits in terms of health and well-being," said OVCATA co-chair Pat Krose. "We also hope the project will help break the isolation found amongst rural seniors through the social inclusion found through these accessible group activities."

More than 300 seniors are expected to participate in events with the project.

***

In the photo, OVCATA members from all over Renfrew County met in Cobden for a ride and to announce the Renfrew County Seniors Active Transportation on May 17, 2018. From left: Ole Hendrickson (Morrison's Island), Chris Hinsperger (Eganville), Andy Kalnins (McNab), Kathy Eisner (Golden Lake), Ish Theilheimer (Golden Lake), Bob Peltzer (Bonnechere Valley), Debbie Fiebig (Admaston), Pat Krose (Whitewater), Dave Fleming (Cobden)

Information: Kathy Eisner 613-757-2223
keisner.ke AT gmail.com

Volunteers: Debbie Fiebig,

The County of Renfrew took the lead in coordinating a joint application with seven municipalities in the County, with most of the funding intended for use in developing the former CP Rail line, known in Renfrew County as the Algonquin Trail.

"We are truly delighted with this news," said Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance (OVCATA) Co-chair Ish Theilheimer, who approached Renfrew County Council on March 29 along with OVCATA's secretary Ron Moss. "We told the Councillors about the program that day, and they went right to work on taking advantage of it, pulling together a joint application, which is never easy. Their efforts will bear a lot of fruit."

The County of Renfrew applied for the OMCC funding and included a funding request jointly and on behalf of the seven municipal partners for a complex, multi-year commuter cycling program involving the Algonquin Trail. The program is intended to create commuter cycling links between rural and urban areas like Arnprior, Renfrew, Petawawa and Pembroke.

OVCATA is collaborating with Discovery Routes Trails Organization, which is based in North Bay, to connect the Voyageur Cycling Route, which crosses Canada from west to east and currently extends as far east as Mattawa, to Ottawa, tracking through Renfrew and Lanark County.

"We are thrilled that the Ottawa Valley Rail Trail Committee recognizes the opportunity that the trail provides for a variety of users and has considered cyclists as primary users of the facility," said Jennifer McCourt, of Discovery Routes. "Planning a route that is safe and convenient for cyclists is a top priority in the development of the Voyageur Cycling Route. The announcement of the funding supporting cycling infrastructure makes sections of the rail trail a viable option for the Voyageur Cycling Route."

The biggest obstacle to this has been the stretch of Highway 17 between Mattawa and Petawawa. Provincial officials and cycling advocates like Discovery Routes and OVCATA have been discussing whether the Algonquin Trail could be surfaced to accommodate cycle traffic, which would resolve major safety and traffic concerns from having cyclists on Highway 17 and also boost tourist business in all the towns along the line. Discovery Routes is conducting a feasibility study to determine best routes thru Renfrew County, which might include some other sections of the Algonquin Trail.

"Trails like the Algonquin Trail have played important roles in revitalizing small towns in many parts of Canada and the U.S.," said Theilheimer. "And they can also play an important role linking our local communities and getting more people onto bikes and more cars off the road."

Lanark County received funding for three significant projects:
- Adding a gravel and stone dust base to the Ottawa Valley Recreation Trail (OVRT) (the old CP line, as it is known outside Renfrew County) between Montague and Mississippi Mills

- Adding decking and railings to the former railway bridge in Pakenham on the OVRT, and

- paving 17.3-km of shoulders on both sides of County Road 43 between Perth and Smiths Falls.

"All of these projects have the potential to entice commuters to embrace cycling to work," said Lanark County CAO Kurt Greaves. "OMCC is an opportunity for Lanark County to see some of the carbon tax funds reinvested for the benefit of our community."

Across Ontario, 120 municipalities will receive funding from the province for new bike lanes and other cycling infrastructure. Total program funding is $93 million, an increase from the $42.5 million announced earlier this year. This investment is part of Ontario's Climate Change Action Plan and is funded by proceeds from the province's cap on pollution and carbon market.

Locally, Renfrew County  received $372,360, Lanark County  got $548,290, Petawawa  received $90,771 and Admaston Bromley, Arnprior, Greater Madawaska , Laurentian Hills, Laurentian Valley, Pembroke, Renfrew, Whitewater Region, and Mississippi Mills  each got $25,000.

The above photo was taken (thanks to County of Renfrew!) at the official opening of the Algonquin Trail in Renfrew, December 19, 2017. In the photo are:

RENFREW: Forty two cyclists were in collisions reported to the police in Renfrew County, and one was killed, between 2012 and 2017, according to figures compiled by the Ontario Provincial Police.

Sgt. Rob Guty, of the Renfrew Detachment, addressed a meeting here on November 2 of the Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance (OVCATA), offering detailed analysis of accident reports collected over five years. Most of the collisions, he said, happened in built-up areas like Petawawa, Pembroke, Renfrew and Arnprior. The only fatality, however, happened on Highway 17 near Petawawa.
 
Drivers, he said, are learning to be respectful of cyclists, but the process takes time. "Education is the way to go," he said. "There is new legislation that concerns drivers and cyclists, and everyone needs to learn about it."
 
Some of the most important changes include:

- The new one-metre passing law. The penalty for not leaving a minimum one-metre passing distance can be up to $500 for drivers who contest their ticket by going to court. Upon conviction, two demerit points will also be assigned against the individuals driver record.

- "Dooring." The new penalties for improper opening of a vehicle door (for driver or passenger) are a set fine of $300.00 upon conviction and 3 demerit points. The total payable fine is $365.00
- Allowing cyclists to use intermittent flashing red lights. Red flashing lights were previously not allowed under the Highway Traffic Act even though the majority of cyclists were already using rear lamps that produce intermittent flashes of red light to make themselves more visible to others.

"The cyclist is at a big disadvantage in the event of a collision," said Sgt. Guty, so it's important to take every possible opportunity to educate drivers and cyclists.

OVCATA members engaged the Sergeant in animated discussion about safety and about how to inform the public of the new law. "One of the things we'll be looking at in future, as a result of Sgt. Guty taking the time to speak with us, is advocating for more educational efforts from the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario and doing more as an organization ourselves," said OVCATA chair Ish Theilheimer.

In the photo at the top left, Peter Hageraats (standing) and Ron Moss of OVCATA talk cycling safety with Sgt. Rob Guty of the Renfrew OPP. The three maps show locations of bike collisions in Petawawa, Pembroke and Arnprior reported to the OPP between 2012 and 2017.

As a result of a discussion at the organization's annual meeting in October, OVCATA contacted the OPP the Renfrew detachment of the OPP to find out how safe, or dangerous, cycling is in the County. In response, the detachment has pulled together research by the OPP that summarizes and analyzes all reported vehicle collisions with bikes from 2012 to 2017 in Renfrew County. There were 42 in all.

The OPP will have one of their knowledgeable members at the meeting to discuss the research findings and their implications with OVCATA members.

"We are delighted with the research the OPP have done at our request and at his willingness to share the information with the public," said OVCATA co-chair Ish Theilheimer. "We expect that this information will lead to some really interesting discussion, and also further action in the interest of public safety."

Please send Renfrew County bike map

OVCATA Co-chair's report

by Ish Theilheimer

OVCATA's first year was a big one. Here are some of our accomplishments. Since our launch, we have:

- signed up 185 members.

- successfully lobbied the Ontario government regarding upgrades to Highway 148, Highway 41 and Highway 17

- helped OVTA develop a Renfrew County bike map and helped sponsor it

- worked with Whitewater Region on plans to hard-shoulder roads in the municipality. Currently participating with Whitewater Region as active transportation representatives in the First Impressions Community Exchange (FICE) with partner community being the Town of Arnprior

- had representatives meet with other local municipal councils including Pembroke, Petawawa, Renfrew, North Algona, and Laurentian Valley

- organized or participated in rides and events in Barrys Bay, Eganville, Pembroke, Renfrew, and Westmeath including fund raising events like the Pembroke Rotary Ride for Kids and the Kim Armstrong Turkey Trot

- met with Renfrew County Council in March, 2017, and liaised on an ongoing basis with County staff regarding the 2017 capital works plan and proposed hardened shoulders. In response, the County's construction of hardened shoulders in 2017 constructed went well beyond expectation.

- launched a website that lists rides, routes and news about active transportation

- participated in meetings regarding the Algonquin Trail (former CP line) development

- sponsored the Silver Chain Challenge in 2017

- organized and got funding from MTO through its Road Safety Community Partnership Program for the Renfrew County Cycling Safety Outreach Project in 2017. Through it, we distributed thousands of safety bumper stickers and rack cards.

- took part in the Eastern Ontario Active Transportation Summit in Kemptville (2016) and Carleton Place (2017)

- entered into partnership with Discovery Routes, the North Bay-based organization spearheading the campaign for a cross-Canada cycling route passing through the Ottawa Valley

- worked with OPP on cycling safety promotion.

In a nutshell: ride a dependable bike, obey the traffic laws and be courteous to others.

One June 28, outside Perth, Ontario, Chris Smith, 49, was killed while biking to work, as he did every day, on Highway 7. As is so often the case in these tragedies, the focus seemed to be on the rider and why in the world he'd want to ride such a busy highway.

This is like looking the wrong way through a telescope.

By biking to work, Chris Smith was doing a lot of good for our community, our province, and our world. First of all, he was exercising his legal right to ride on all Ontario roads, except for freeways and a few other exceptions. Like a tractor, a farm wagon or any other slow-moving vehicle, he had a right to be there, and drivers had a legal obligation to slow down behind him until it was safe to pass.

By biking to work rather than driving, Chris Smith was saving the province and his municipality money. Fewer cars on the roads mean roads last longer. And more people on bikes instead of cars means a healthier population, with lower rates of heart disease, diabetes and other serious ailments that require expensive treatment, paid for with tax dollars.

He was also saving a lot of money personally. Car travel and parking are really expensive for low- and middle-income people and a burden for everyone. It's a lot cheaper to travel by bike than by car.

It goes without saying, as well, that Chris Smith added no pollutants to the air and made no contribution to climate change. He also set a positive example for his community by doing so, inspiring lots of others, adults and youth, to ride.

His death could put a real chill on that, and with some reason. Survey after survey shows that people like to ride and that more of them would if they felt safe doing it. Simply having the law on one one's side isn't enough. Cyclists need infrastructure - paved shoulders, routes, signage, signals - to be safe.

Cycling has become mainstream. People want to ride, and people also want to do what they can to solve climate change. Many people would like to save the expense and stress of driving or even taking public transit. They can't, however, because the infrastructure is just not there to make them safe.

Ish Theilheimer is co-chair of OVCATA. He lives and cycles near Golden Lake and Killaloe.

The Province of Ontario recently announced a $50 million fund for cycling infrastructure under its Climate Change Action Plan. It is a good thing the provincial government is beginning to recognize the need, but this amount is a drop in the bucket in terms of protecting the lives of people like Chris Smith who bike to work or school.

What is needed is a commitment to hard-shoulder all provincial highways, with some sort of priorities for which get treated first. Municipalities and counties should make the same kind of commitment. Hard shoulders not only save cyclists lives, they reduce motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents. Several studies and Ontario counties have found that they pay for themselves in the long run in reduced maintenance.

Lower-cost measures can also help protect people like Chris Smith. Public education aimed at both drivers and cyclists, will make our roads safer.  Signage alerting drivers to the presence of cyclists will help.

There is a "critical mass" element to encouraging cycling. Once enough people are riding, drivers become more aware and more people are encouraged to get out of their cars and onto bikes. For the public to really reap the possible rewards, provincial, county and municipal governments need to make the investments that have been proven to save lives and money.

CARLETON PLACE, June 1: Cycling and active transportation advocates are urging County and municipal politicians to take advantage of new provincial funding available to encourage people to get out of their cars and onto bikes.

Local delegates to last week's Eastern Ontario Active Transportation Summit in Carleton Place were enthused with the details they heard about the new $50 million Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling Program, which has an application  deadline of August 18.

Funding for the program comes from the province's Climate Change Action Plan, and it is being invested in commuter cycling networks and installation of more cycling facilities. Although much of the funding is directed at urban needs, there is also a stream of funding for smaller municipalities (population less than 15,000), under which there is annual funding of up to $25,000 available per municipality on a first come, first served basis, with the Province paying 80 percent of project costs.

Municipalities may also pursue funding partnerships with third parties, including other municipalities (upper, lower or single-tier), indigenous communities, conservation authorities and municipal service agencies.

Under both streams, funding is to be used for capital investments in new commuter cycling infrastructure and enhancements to existing cycling infrastructure to better support commuting cyclists. It cannot be used to support low frequency or temporary cycling infrastructure.

"Infrastructure such as hardened shoulders and signage that would help get kids to school or employees to workplaces might be considered," said Ish Theilheimer, co-chair of the Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance (OVCATA). "So might bike racks, route signs, and other facilities that encourage everyday cycling."

One of the highlights of the Summit for local delegates was the workshop on the Voyageur Cycle Route, a trans-Canada cycle route being planned with leadership from the Discovery Routes, a non-profit alliance from the North Bay area. They have successfully completed a route for cyclists travelling across Canada that extends from Sudbury to Mattawa, and now they are working on identifying and bringing together the needed resources and municipal partners to complete a route to Ottawa.

Delegates from Renfrew County participated in a workshop session going through maps, looking at route options, and listing the attractions, facilities and services along each route.

PHOTO: Delegates to the Eastern Ontario Active Transportation Summit in Carleton Place look at maps and make recommendations for the path of the Voyageur Cycle Route through Renfrew County.  From top left around the circle: Melissa Marquardt (Ottawa Valley Travel Association), Stephanie Hessel (Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization), Laura Brisson (County of Renfrew Emergency Services), Dave Unrau (Town of Petawawa), Ron Moss (Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance ), Kathy Eisner (Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance), Donna Maitland (Mattawa-Bonfield Economic Development Corporation).

The Arnprior Cycling blog informs interested cyclists about cycling rides/routes from Arnprior to Renfrew and Pembroke in the west; and to Pakenham, Almonte, and Carleton Place in the east; Bristol, Norway Bay, and Quyon to the north; and south to Calabogie and Mountain Chute. Distances ridden vary depending on the time of year, the weather, and whether we’re in training mode.

About the cyclists:

We started out as two guys (both new residents of Arnprior) riding to Storyland; then, to Braeloch Road, up and back; and then beyond to Thompson Rd and River Rd. All told in those days, our rides were in the 50-60 km range; and that was the way it remained for a few years until we gradually learned more about the many excellent back road (circuits) in the area.

By the late nineties, our core number had grown to six, with usually three regulars and occasionally four or five riders on any given weekend. These days there is a pool of some thirty plus cyclists who might choose to join us on one or both of the weekend rides.

For all that, we are just avid cyclists. We are not an organized ‘group’ per se. We are not a club. We are not affiliated with any club. We do not race nor time-trial. We ride both Saturdays and Sundays throughout the cycling season. We pay no dues, no membership, no insurance; we are not a constituted body. Still, we have a name. We call ourselves the mafia (men against flab in Arnprior), but we welcome women cyclists, too. We had the name early on before we had the benefit of a female point of view. We’ve  been riding the roads of McNab-Braeside, Horton, and Mississippi Mills and  surrounding area since 1990. Our motto is–we ride to eat.

About the rides:

As a rule, we start the cycling year in late March/early April, with 50-75 km training rides on Saturday and Sundays. By the first of May, we are riding about 150-200 kms per weekend. By the end of May, we are riding 200-300 kms per weekend. All of this is in preparation for the annual June, Ottawa Bicycling Club, Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour–a 360 km circuit from Ottawa to Kingston, and back.

After the RLCT, we reduce the weekend mileage but ride enough to maintain a high level of fitness. Most years, we cycle until Thanksgiving, more or less.

What to Expect-Why We Ride

We ride for health and fitness, the camaraderie and the coffee, the repartee, the fresh air–the smells and sights of the countryside. We ride, also, I think, to improve our bike handling, our fitness and our health. As a general rule, we do not ride to race, although there are times when we go hard or sprint.  And, since we are a diverse group in age and fitness and commitment to training, the group dynamic requires flexibility on everyone’s part. Regardless, we always regroup and try to remain a cohesive unit for the most part.

As for the weekend rides, they are a pleasant mix of pace, distance, and routes to suit most recreational riders. Oh, we like hills, too. If you race or are a ‘Club” rider, you may find our rides of little interest and no benefit. There are lots of competitive clubs/organisations catering to those with this interest.

For an overview of training, please, please see these links:

http://www.joefrielsblog.com/ and http://www.endurancefactor.com/Articles/article-heartintro.html

OVCATA's Ish Theilheimer and friends from Stone Fence Theatre have launched the video as part of a crowdfunding campaign to raise money so we can make a full-length musical comedy that I wrote about Sprocketman and put it online. The video was recorded last spring in Petawawa, with numerous OVCATA and community volunteers.

The crowdfunding campaign, on the website Indiegogo, went live on May 2. It can be seen at http://igg.me/at/Sprocketman. 

The show is a spoof of Superman, featuring the super-hero Sprocketman, his alter-ego, the mild-mannered reporter Mark Rent, and a cast of characters familiar to anyone who has ever loved Superman. Sprocketman has a mission to promote cycling and protect cyclists. When cyclists are in trouble, he appears, using his super power to magically fly in on his bike.

So please visit the site and check out the song. It's at http://igg.me/at/Sprocketman.

OVCATA members are invited to participate in the 2017 Ride of Silence to be held on Wednesday May 17 commencing at 7:00 p.m. The slow-paced ride will commence at the Petawawa Civic Center and continue along Petawawa Blvd. to Riverside Park in Pembroke. The ride is approximately 13 km and should take around one hour to complete. Please see the attached Ride of Silence information. The local Pembroke Petawawa ride will be in memory of people who have lost their lives while out cycling such as the following:

Harry Beck September 6, 2006

Kevin Malott September 10, 2012

Krista Johnston October 18, 2012

The Ride of Silence will also commemorate those who have been hurt because of collisions with vehicles while riding.

Should you wish to participate please contact Ron Moss by email at rmoss@nrtco.net

OVCATA members who wish to conduct their own Ride of Silence in their community are asked to notify Ron Moss of the planned rides details.

“We're falling behind,” Ish Theilheimer, one of the group's directors, told councillors, according to the Pembroke Observer . “Other areas are putting a lot of money into active transportation. We've got to step it up to meet that competition.”

Click here for the MYFM radio posted a report on the delegation.

The delegation received friendly response, with Warden Jennifer Murphy and other councillors making it clear that they support the active transportation. Since then, the County's Health Committee has recommended that County participate in the Silver Chain Challenge.

In months to come, OVCATA will be working with Discovery Routes and local municipalities to discuss routes, signage, promotion and related issues.

May 7 - Eganville - Legion Field

May 28 - Renfrew - Ma Te Way Park

June 18 - Barrys Bay - Zurakowski Park

June 25 - Petawawa - Petawawa Civic Centre

July 1 - Downtown Pembroke Summer Medley Festival   (See Events list, below)

July 8 - Tour de Whitewater - (See Events list, below)

We are still working on including Arnprior and Deep River in the list. Check out ovcata.ca for latest details.

It's fun and easy to log your klicks. Every time you cycle or hike in June, go to www.silverchainchallenge.ca and record the details. Data from the two counties is tabulated, with allowances for differing populations and geography. Last year, Renfrew won, but it was close! Please join the fun.

One of those days will be designate as an alternative date should inclement weather be encountered.

An adopt a road agreement will be set up by the work program leader Ron Moss. The Township provides garbage bags, gloves, safety vests and road signs if required.

This initiative is to display to the Township of Laurentian Valley that OVCATA members appreciate riding on their municipal roads system by actively taking part in collecting litter from the roadside.

Any member wishing to volunteer are asked to notify Ron Moss by email at rmoss@nrtco.net

VOLUNTEERS TO DATE ARE:

Ron Moss

Eric Price

If any member who wishes to set up similar programs in any other municipality are asked to contact to Ron Moss.

Make your municipality a Bicycle Friendly Community    
There are many good reasons for municipalities of all kinds and sizes to become Bicycle Friendly Communities. Getting people out of cars and onto bikes promotes good health in the community while lowering greenhouse gas emissions and reducing pollution, traffic congestion, and road maintenance costs.
 
Becoming bike-friendly is also great a great way to boost local business. There is widespread and growing interest in cycle tourism, and cycle tourists have attractive demographics for business people. They take frequent day and overnight trips. In Quebec, for example, spending by cycle tourists on La Route Verte is estimated at over $134 million annually, not including spending within the bicycle trade. Another example: In 2014, 124 cyclists were surveyed in the Niagara Region. They stated that on average, they spent $1,060 over a 3 day holiday and, on average $148 per person every day, excluding accommodation. Calculated within this figure is food and beverage accounting for 61% of spending, retail purchases including wineries 27%, and attractions 12%.
 o help make more communities bike-friendly, the Share the Road Cycling Coalition in Canada launched the Bicycle Friendly Community Award (BFC) program. It provides incentives, hands-on assistance, and award recognition for communities that actively support bicycling. In addition, your municipality may be eligible for funding for the creation of commuter cycling networks under Ontarios Climate Change Action Plan.

So far, 30* Ontario communities have been awarded either Gold, Silver or Bronze BFC status.
 

Achieving BFC status does not happen overnight.  It took several years for the Lanark County municipality of Mississippi Mills to be awarded BFC status. Every journey begins with the a first step, or by rolling a first metre. Communities are evaluated after completing a thorough application and are judged by how they respond to questions under five categories often referred to as the Five E's (see next page):
 

ENGINEERING - Physical infrastructure and hardware to support cycling. Does your community have a comprehensive, connected and well-maintained bicycling network? Is bike parking available throughout the community? Is there a policy that mandates accommodation of cyclists on all road projects?
 

EDUCATION- Programs that ensure the safety, comfort and convenience of cyclists and fellow road users. Is there a community-wide Active and Safe Routes to School program that includes bicycling education? Are there bicycling education courses available for adults in the community? Does your community educate motorists and cyclists on their rights and responsibilities as road users?
 

ENCOURAGEMENT - Incentives, promotions and opportunities that inspire people and enable them to ride. Does your community have an up-to-date bicycle map? Does the community celebrate bicycling with community rides, Bike to Work Day, or media outreach? Does the community host and major cycling events or rides? Is there an active bicycle advocacy group in the community?

ENFORCEMENT - Equitable laws and programs that ensure that cyclists and motorists are held accountable. Do law enforcement officers receive training on the rights and responsibilities of all road users? Does your community have law enforcement officers or other public safety officials on bikes? Do local bylaws treat cyclists equitably?
 

EVALUATION & PLANNING - Processes that demonstrate a commitment to measuring results and planning for the future. Is there a specific plan or program to reduce cyclist/motor vehicle crashes? Does your community have a current comprehensive bicycle plan? Is there a Bicycle Advisory Committee that meets regularly? Does your community have a bicycle program manager?
A community must demonstrate achievements in each of the five categories in order to be considered for an award. The BFC application is a great self-assessment tool, as communities see where they can improve in each of these categories.
 

*30 Communities in Ontario are Bicycle Friendly Communities
Gold: Toronto, Ottawa

Silver: The Town of Blue Mountains, Burlington, Guelph, Hamilton, Kitchener, Pelham, Peterborough, Waterloo

Bronze: Ajax, Grimsby, Halton Hills, London, Kingston, Markham, Milton, Mississauga, Mississippi Mills (New in 2016), Newmarket, Niagara Falls (New in 2016), Oakville, Oshawa, Richmond Hill, St. Catharine's, Thorold, Thunder Bay, Wasaga Beach, Welland, Windsor

In the next few months, members of the Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance will be contacting municipalities in Renfrew County to discuss how they can make their communities Bicycle-Friendly. For information, please email info@ovcata.ca.
 

Active Transportation Sees a Leap Forward on County Roads

12/20/16

Savings Translate Into Increased Road Paving

PEMBROKE, ON: In 2016 the County of Renfrew was the benefitted from favourable pricing for hot mix paving products used in the roadwork portion of the Capital Works Program. As a result, the County’s Public Works and Engineering Department was able to extend a number of projects to take advantage of the tender prices, thereby enabling the advancement of some projects that otherwise would have been undertaken in 2017 and beyond.

The extended projects enabled the County to complete an additional 11.6 km of roadwork beyond their planned projects. Further, the projects which were extended included an additional 9.8 km of paved shoulders to support active transportation along the County’s roadways. Originally, the County had budgeted for 5.8km of hardened shoulders as part of their continuing commitment to add active transportation features to roads as budgets and project parameters allowed.

Chair of the County of Renfrew Operations Committee, Councillor Michael Donohue said “By adding 15.6km of hardened shoulders this year, the County of Renfrew has moved forward in both providing residents with infrastructure benefitting our community in terms of Active Living, and attracting an ever growing and diversifying tourism community. The investment in hardened shoulders delivers a message of ‘share the road’, while increasing the longevity of the roadway. Paved shoulders decrease maintenance requirements by preventing the breakup of the road edge by large vehicles.”

It is also to be noted that even with the extended project limits, the continued changes in asphalt cement prices throughout the year, from the date of tendering to the date of construction, resulted in a further cost saving to the County’s roadwork program of approximately $306,700.

For More Information Please Contact:

Steven Boland               Director of Public Works and Engineering, County of Renfrew                613-732-0087

Michael Barber              Media Relations/Grants Coordinator, County of Renfrew                         613-735-7288

This fall, the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario held extensive consultations on its CYCLE ON strategy. OVCATA members attended sessions in Ottawa and Kingston.

In addition, MTO circulated a Discussion Paper on Cycling Initiatives under the Climate Change Action Plan and invited citizen input on it. OVCATA's response to this paper provides a good summary of the kind of actions for which our Alliance is pressing the provincial planners and politicians.

The paper asked what infrastructure should be prioritized to make cycling in Ontario safer and more convenient to support commuter cycling between residential communities, major transit stations, employment areas and other destinations travelled to on a frequent basis.

OVCATA wrote, in response, that all provincial highways should have hardened shoulders, both for cycling safety and for the other benefits derived: lowered maintenance costs, greater safety for motor vehicles, extended road life. The shoulders of all highways being resurfaced should, routinely, be hardened.
 

Building a provincial network of highways with hardened shoulders will take time. Priority should be given to hardening shoulders of those segments of provincial highways that pass through urban areas, This will enable residents to cycle safely to shopping areas, work or school; and to access public services such as libraries, hospitals, parks and recreation facilities by bicycle. Painted bicycle lanes and standard “share the road” signage should also be installed.  A province-wide inventory should be done to identify these “urban” segments of provincial highways, using an inclusive definition of “urban” area such as that employed by Statistics Canada (i.e., a population of at least 1,000 and a density of 400 or more people per square kilometre).

In general we recommend that MTO place focus on low-cost measures that will be most effective in encouraging commuter cycling. These include

1. Rigorous enforcement of the Highway Traffic Act, especially  speed limits and the 1-metre rule. Currently, speeding of up to and in excess of 20 km/hr above limits is routinely tolerated, which makes cycling risky and scary.

2. Development, in coordination with counties and municipalities, of cycling routes.

3. Prominent signage identifying cycling routes and educating drivers and cyclists about road safety.

4. Widespread and prominent public education, both for drivers and cyclists, about cycling and driving safety.

The paper asked for evidence that could demonstrate the impact of cycling infrastructure investments on the number of cyclists and on GHG emissions. 

OVCATA responded that the Province should designate and promote a certain day each month (e.g., the first Monday) as “Ontario Bicycle Day.” On that day, volunteers in communities around the province would count the number of cyclists passing a particular point over a given time period.  Data would be sent to the MTO, which would track trends and publicize the results through outreach to media and local cycling groups.  Trends would be calculated on a per capita basis (size of community) as well in absolute numbers.

Regarding cycling infrastructure that would best support commuter cycling, OVCATA replied that local cycling networks require well-identified cycling routes and lanes, where possible. As with commuter cycling between residential communities, identification of routes, prominent signage and widespread public education should be top priorities. ALL public buildings, including federal and provincial offices, schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, and transit stations should have bike parking.
 

You can add your ride to the site by clicking here.

You can add your event to the site by clicking here.

And if you have a link, article, photo, video, screen shot, or whatever, we can easily post it. Please email your contribution to info@ovcata.ca.

OVCATA is forming local municipal committees to approach and work with local municipal councils. Our experience has been generally very positive working with municipalities and the County. It is extremely helpful if we can provide them with information they need to make decisions that will make our communities friendly to cyclists and all forms of active transportation.

With that in mind, we are forming committees of local people to approach their municipal councils to get them talking  about active transportation and becoming bike-friendly communities. The Share the Road Cycling Coalition has had considerable success helping municipalities through their  Bike Friendly Communities program.

Based on Share The Road's information, OVCATA is developing the following information for these committees to share with municipal councils.

Make your municipality a Bicycle-Friendly Community
 
There are many good reasons for municipalities of all kinds and sizes to become Bicycle Friendly Communities. Getting people out of cars and onto bikes promotes good health in the community while lowering greenhouse gas emissions and reducing pollution, traffic congestion, and road maintenance costs.
 
Becoming bike-friendly is also great a great way to boost local business. There is widespread and growing interest in cycle tourism, and cycle tourists have attractive demographics for business people. They take frequent day and overnight trips. In Quebec, spending by cycle tourists on La Route Verte is estimated at over $134 million annually, not including spending within the bicycle trade. In 2014, 124 cyclists were surveyed in the Niagara Region. They stated that on average, they spent $1,060 over a 3 day holiday and, on average $148 per person every day, excluding accommodation. Calculated within this figure is food and beverage accounting for 61% of spending, retail purchases including wineries 27%, and attractions 12%.
 
To help make more communities bike-friendly, the Share the Road Cycling Coalition in Canada launched the Bicycle Friendly Community Award (BFC) program. It provides incentives, hands-on assistance, and award recognition for communities that actively support bicycling. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (South Central Ontario) is the major sponsor of the program, with additional support coming from Trek Canada.
So far, 30 Ontario communities* have been awarded either Gold, Silver or Bronze BFC status.
Achieving BFC status does not happen overnight.  It took several years for the Lanark County municipality of Mississippi Mills to be awarded BFC status. Every journey begins with the a first step, or by rolling a first metre.
Communities are evaluated after completing a thorough application and are judged by how they respond to questions under five categories often referred to as the Five "Es":
ENGINEERING - Physical infrastructure and hardware to support cycling. Does your community have a comprehensive, connected and well-maintained bicycling network? Is bike parking available throughout the community? Is there a policy that mandates accommodation of cyclists on all road projects?
EDUCATION- Programs that ensure the safety, comfort and convenience of cyclists and fellow road users. Is there a community-wide Active and Safe Routes to School program that includes bicycling education? Are there bicycling education courses available for adults in the community? Does your community education motorists and cyclists on their rights and responsibilities as road users?
ENCOURAGEMENT - Incentives, promotions and opportunities that inspire people and enable them to ride. Does your community have an up-to-date bicycle map? Does the community celebrate bicycling with community rides, Bike to Work Day, or media outreach? Does the community host and major cycling events or rides? Is there an active bicycle advocacy group in the community?

ENFORCEMENT - Equitable laws and programs that ensure that cyclists and motorists are held accountable. Do law enforcement officers receive training on the rights and responsibilities of all road users? Does your community have law enforcement officers or other public safety officials on bikes? Do local bylaws treat cyclists equitably?
EVALUATION & PLANNING - Processes that demonstrate a commitment to measuring results and planning for the future. Is there a specific plan or program to reduce cyclist/motor vehicle crashes? Does your community have a current comprehensive bicycle plan? Is there a Bicycle Advisory Committee that meets regularly? Does your community have a bicycle program manager?
A community must demonstrate achievements in each of the five categories in order to be considered for an award. The BFC application is a great self-assessment tool, as communities see where they can improve in each of these categories.
 

*30 Communities in Ontario are Bicycle Friendly Communities
Gold

Toronto

Ottawa

Silver
The Town of Blue Mountains

Burlington (Moved up from Bronze in 2016)

Guelph

Hamilton

Kitchener

Pelham

Peterborough

Waterloo

Bronze

Ajax

Grimsby

Halton Hills

London

Kingston

Markham

Milton

Mississauga

Mississippi Mills (New in 2016)

Newmarket

Niagara Falls (New in 2016)

Oakville

Oshawa

Peterborough

Richmond Hill

St. Catharine's

Thorold

Thunder Bay

Wasaga Beach

Welland

Windsor

Although we are an all-volunteer group, it costs money to do this work - incorporation expenses, office expenses, online fees, and so on. So far, these expenses have all come from the pockets of a few activists. Next year, we hope to organize events and projects like route marking. All these things cost money. So please make a contribution via PayPal. Any amount helps. It's all about building critical mass. Click here to make your contribution.

[le français suit l’anglais]

Dear valued partners,

Ontario's Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP), released on June 8, 2016, committed to creating a cleaner transportation sector in Ontario, in part by promoting cycling.

The Ministry of Transportation is ready to do its part to support the CCAP by implementing a number of initiatives that support reductions to transportation emissions. These initiatives will be funded by proceeds from the province’s cap and trade program.

Through a discussion paper posted to the Environmental Registry, we are seeking your input on a proposed plan to implement actions identified in the CCAP to improve commuter cycling networks. 

We encourage you to review the discussion paper, accessible through the Environmental Registry or the Ministry’s Cycling Strategy web page and provide your comments by November 30, 2016. We look forward to hearing from you.

Jill Hughes, Director

Transportation Policy Branch
Ministry of Transportation

777 Bay Street, 30^th Floor

Toronto, ON M7A 2J8

Tel: (416) 585-7177

Chers partenaires,

Le Plan d'action de l'Ontario contre le changement climatique (PAOCC), rendu public le 8 juin 2016, s’engage à créer un secteur des transports plus propres en Ontario, et ce, notamment en faisant la promotion du vélo.

Le ministère des Transports est prêt à faire sa part pour appuyer le PAOCC en mettant en �uvre un certain nombre d’initiatives qui contribuent à la réduction des émissions liées aux transports. Ces initiatives seront financées grâce aux recettes provenant du Programme de plafonnement et d’échange de l’Ontario.

Dans un document de travail mis en ligne sur le site du Registre environnemental, nous sollicitons votre avis sur un projet de plan visant à mettre en �uvre des mesures identifiées dans le PAOCC en vue d’améliorer les réseaux cyclables pour les navetteurs. 

Nous vous encourageons à prendre connaissance du document de travail, qui peut être consulté sur le Registre environnemental ou sur la page Web du ministère consacrée à la Stratégie de promotion du vélo et fournir vos commentaires d’ici le 30 novembre 2016. Nous avons hâte de savoir ce que vous en pensez.

Jill Hughes, Directrice

Direction des politiques du transport

Ministère des Transports

777, rue Bay, 30 Street, 30^e étage

Toronto,ON M7A 2J8

Tél.: 416 585‑7177

A Norco Challenger 18” mountain bike was stolen from my North side PMQ yesterday. I was wondering if you  would be able to post a picture of it on your blog to give a heads up to other riders that if they see an uncommon or new face out riding with this particular bike that they could maybe send me a heads up. It was purchased from Gear Heads and we are not even done paying for it yet.

I have attached a picture for your viewing pleasure,

LS Jeremy Minto

CDU 2 NCO, 2I/C, 2 Field Ambulance

Canadian Armed Forces / Government of Canada

Jeremy.minto@forces.gc.ca / Tel: 613-687-5511 Ext 3345

CDU 2 NCO, 2I/C, 2^er Ambulance de Campagne

Forces armée canadiennes / Gouvernement du Canada

jeremy.minto@forces.gc.ca / Tél. : 613-687-5511 Ext 3345

The event kicked off in Mattawa on Monday and wound up in Warren on Thursday, with riders cycling 200-km of the Voyageur Cycling Route.  Daily activities included workshops with presentations by local Voyageur Cycling Route partners as well as experts on cycle tourism and infrastructure. The workshops were followed by sectional rides ranging from 45 to 55km each day.  These rides included sections of the Voyageur Cycling Route with the greatest potential for market readiness including: Mattawa to Bonfield; Bonfield to North Bay; Sturgeon Falls to Monetville; and Monetville to Warren.

Once completed, the Véloroute Voyageur/ Voyageur Cycling Route will support cycling tourism for exploration across 380-km of rugged Northeastern Ontario connecting over 15 local communities from the Ottawa Valley to Sudbury’s eastern border with connections to major cycling routes across Ontario including the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and Quebec’s La Route Verte.  The route follows the passage of the Voyageurs 400 years ago along three Canadian Heritage Waterways and shares 192-km of the Trans Canada Trail between North Bay and Sudbury. With the Trans Canada Trail connection across Canada due to be completed by 2017, the first phase of the Voyageur Cycling Route is scheduled to launch next year.

Guest speaker Anne-Marie Forcier of Amplitude Tourism Consulting provided an overview of cycle tourism and the potential of the Québec market citing the example of Vélo Québec’s Le Grand Tour Desjardins, an annual cycling tour attracting 2000 riders and introducing new cycling destinations to the large network of 250,000 Quebec cyclists.  “The Province of Québec embraced cycling as a way of life years ago and today cycling contributes $1.2 billion annually in spending in Québec. These cyclists are hungry for new places to ride and Ontario is just beginning to recognize the potential,” said Anne-Marie.

Marlaine Koehler, Executive Director at the Waterfront Regeneration Trust joined the western leg portion of the workshop. The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail celebrates over 1600-km of connected trail that is expanding rapidly into Northern Ontario along Lake Huron. Koehler agreed with the experienced riders’ overall assessment of the Voyageur Cycling Route, stating that the route has the potential to become a signature ride in Ontario. The rugged terrain, pristine natural spaces and stunning scenery that defines the Northeastern Ontario landscape will attract adventure seekers to the route.

Discovery Routes is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the use and development of trails in Northeastern Ontario in support of better health, tourism, strong communities, and environmental appreciation and protection.  Discovery Routes is a volunteer partnership of community leaders, economic developers, environmental stewards and locally-based action groups.   

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For more information contact:

Jennifer McCourt, Executive Director                                     

Discovery Routes Trails Organization                                     

jennifer@discoveryroutes.ca                                                    

ph. (705)472-8480   cell (705)499-6653    

Learn what's happening in discussions over the former CP Rail trail and get involved in ensuring it's made available for safe use for everyone.

September 23, 2016

Stephen Del Duca
Minister of Transportation
minister.mto@ontario.ca

cc: Eleanor McMahon, MPP
emcmahon.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org

John Yakabuski, MPP
john.yakabuskico@pc.ola.org

Dear Minister:
We are writing in response, with apologies for delays, to your letter of July 27, 2016  regarding cycling on Highway 17 between Chalk River and Petawawa, and paving plans for the section of highway. We are appreciative both of your letter and your actions.

As you may have seen in local media, we find your Ministry's response to our concerns a good first step toward resolving safety concerns of the many cyclists who must use this highway to travel across Canada. The width of the lane to the right of the buffered paved shoulder your Ministry is building in the sections in question constitute a definite improvement, but it does not conform with provincial policy for a road with the amount of traffic the highway has, so really, the move can only be considered a good first step. In our opinion the paved shoulder should be 1.2m or greater. Anything less is not acceptable in regards to the safety of active transportation users. We hope you are considering widening these lanes or investing in the CP rail trail alternative in the near future.

In the meantime, it's important that drivers and cyclists be educated so as to reduce risk and enhance safety. We believe highly-visible, frequent signage alerting drivers to the presence of cyclists on this highway is needed. Also needed is signage that will direct eastbound cyclists away from the highway onto regional roads at the Paquette Road intersection outside Petwawa.

We do appreciate your significant response to our concerns regarding this highway, and we look forward to opportunities to engage with you in future sessions to plan for maximum safety for all users of all the province's roads.

In particular, we would like to ask your ministry, in conjunction with the OPP, to take responsibility, in consultation with stakeholder groups, for the development of comprehensive public education campaigns to educate motorists and cyclists on safety issues. Last year, your government introduced a new law with many new requirements of which the public is poorly informed. It should not be the responsibility of citizens' groups to do the kind of massive educational effort needed to foster safety and understanding. We believe a comprehensive educational campaign including signage, public service announcements, inclusions in provincial and municipal mail-outs and training sessions is needed, and we would like to be involved in discussions on how to make such a campaign effective.

Thank you for your action.

Ish Theilheimer
Co-Chair, Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance