In order to promote and enhance Niagara’s cycling experience, the Niagara Parks has made some improvements along the Niagara River Recreation Trail.
These improvements are also thanks to the generous support of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport’s Bike Parking Capital Funding Program. There has been over $200,000 invested in cycling infrastructure all along the Niagara River Trail. These include new bike racks, repair stations, equipment lockers, water refill stations, lockers, solar lighting and waste receptacles to be located at various sites from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake. The project also includes the installation of permeable surfaces, bollards and onsite lighting for greater rider safety, environmental stewardship and convenience at these new locations.
“These cycling enhancements will serve a wide range of cycling enthusiasts from novices to pros and will meet the needs of the growing tourism and recreational cycling communities,” stated Janice Thomson, Chair of the Niagara Parks Commission. “These funds not only build upon the Ministry’s Tour by Bike and province’s #CycleON strategies, they will also align with our commitment to offering natural, inspiring, healthy and authentic visitor experiences, throughout the Niagara River corridor.”
“From the stunning beauty of Niagara Falls and surrounding parklands to exceptional dining, golf courses, and restored heritage sites, Niagara Parks offers so much for visitors to experience. New and improved cycling infrastructures will now make it easier for people to choose clean and active transportation to explore this exciting destination and the surrounding area by bike. This investment is another example of our government’s work to make Ontario a cycling leader in North America to grow tourism in our province,” said Daiene Vernile, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
Niagara Parks has become a key destination for cyclists, offering the 54-kilometre Niagara River Recreation Trail, which spans the entire length of the Niagara River corridor from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. Riding along the Recreation Trail is a visual oasis that boasts gardens, recreation, hiking, bouldering, golf courses, restaurants, heritage and historic sites, gift shops and the Niagara Falls.
Other important cycling initiatives with which Niagara Parks is involved, include the annual Ride to Conquer Cancer and Ontario Waterfront Trail rides, as well as the newly established promotional partnership with Metrolinx formed in 2017, to support the growing number of cyclists taking advantage of the summer bike-friendly GO Train service to Niagara.