2nd Annual Orillia Bike Rally - Tues June 16

The quest to improve active transportation infrastructure in Orillia continues! Want sidewalks, bike lanes, and bicycle parking? Want to be able to safely walk or bike between any and all locations in Orillia (including across Highway 11)?

Make your voice heard by attending the 2nd annual Orillia Bicycle Rally on Tuesday June 16, 2009.



On Tuesday the 16th you are encouraged to walk or bike to work, and then join us after work for the bicycle rally, leaving at 6:00pm from the Couchiching Beach parking lot. The route is the same as last year - 10km through the northeast corner of the city. The route is described here if you would like the exact details.

The rally is not a race. It is a casual 10km ride to show support for active transportation initiatives. The route is mostly flat, except for the initial climb up Canice Street, and then a partial climb of Fittons on the way back to Couchiching Beach. If you need to get off your bike and walk up the two hills that's fine - ride leaders will be around to help you out. Last year approximately 100 cyclists attended. This year we expect even more people!



There are so many reasons why active transportation is important. Whatever your reason is, come out on June 16th and help us spread the word - bikes belong and walking beats driving.

Two final notes:
a) Helmets are mandatory.

b) Please bring your own water bottles!

Walking & Cycling Day - Wednesday Sept. 10

On Wednesday September 10th, the Orillia Trails for Life Committee is organizing a Walk and Bike to Work and School Day along with a 6:00pm Bicycle Rally leaving from the Couchiching Beach Parking Lot.

Both of these events are part of a campaign to raise awareness regarding the importance of active transportation (human powered transportation - for example, walking and cycling).

Sign Up!

We would like to get a rough estimate of the number of people participating in these events. To help us do this, please visit this page. If you agree that the development of active transportation infrastructure is important, and if you intend to participate on Sept. 10th, please click the "Sign The Petition" link at the bottom.

Walk and Bike to Work and School

On September 10th, we encourage everyone in Orillia to leave their cars at home and make their way to work or school on foot, bicycle, or inline skates. There are no official group rides or rendezvous points, but if you see a cyclist up ahead catch up and form your own bike gang!

For cyclists, please remember the following: Ontario law states that you must have a bell, and that everyone under 18 must wear a helmet. Additionally, cyclists are meant to ride in the right hand side of the lane, unless (due to broken pavement etc) they perceive this to be dangerous, in which case they can take as much of the lane as they wish.

For some safety tips, or a refresher on hand signals, check this page.


Bicycle Rally

After work or school, make your way down to the Couchiching Beach parking lot for the 6:00pm Bike Rally. We expect upwards of 75 cyclists to gather for this rally, and ride together in a show of support for the development of active transportation infrastructure. The ride will be a gentle 10km route through the north-east corner of the city, and at least one ride leader will be pushing his bike up the steep hills, so if you doubt your ability to pedal north on Canice Street, don't worry, you won't be the only one walking your bike.

We request that everyone wear a helmet, and that you bring your own water bottles. We will have water available, but no drinking containers will be provided. Exact route is described here.



Cities and towns across Canada and the United States are turning towards Active Transportation as an easy and cost-effective way to address problems such as climate change, illness caused by air pollution, gridlock, diseases related to inactivity (such as diabetes and obesity), and the steadily rising cost of oil and gasoline.

Join us on September 10th - put your fist in the air and say that bike lanes, wide sidewalks, pedestrian bridges, and bike parking posts are important to you.

Route for the bike rally

The Bike Rally departs from the Couchiching Beach Parking Lot at 6:00pm.

From the parking lot, turn left towards Canice and ride north on Canice to Cedar.

Turn right onto Cedar, and take it to Cowan.

Turn left onto Cowan, and take it north to North Street.

Go through North Street and onto Highland Avenue to Tallwood.

Turn right onto Tallwood and take it north to Fittons.

Turn right onto Fittons and ride along as Fittons turns into Maple.

Follow Maple and turn left onto Bridget Drive.

From Bridget, make a right onto Drinkwater.

From Drinkwater, make a right onto Reed Road. Follow Reed Road as it turns into Cunningham Crescent.

From Cunningham, make a left onto Wilson Point Road North.

From Wilson Point Road North make a left onto Wilson Point Road.

From Wilson Point Road, turn left onto Drinkwater, and follow the same route back to Couchiching Beach.