Cycling

Saugeen Shores is a bronze designated bicycle friendly community and committed to providing safe trails and routes, promoting active transportation and offering ongoing education and outreach. Expand the sections below for more information.

Cycling and Trails Network

Use the interactive map below to view cycling routes and trails including surface type, amenities and bicycle-friendly businesses. As new cycling and trail infrastructure is added to the network it will be updated on the map.

Open the interactive map in a new tab.

Local and regional maps and resources

Local resources

Use the interactive map of cycling trails in Saugeen Shores or pick up a printed maps are available at the Port Elgin or Southampton Visitor Information Centres. Other resources include:

Request a printed map

Regional resources

Trail and road closures or detours

Closures

North Shore Park Trail

The northwest section of the trail that connects to the North Shore Trail is currently closed due to the North Shore Road and Trail construction project. The project is anticipated to last until mid to late December. Read more about the project.

North Shore Trail

The section the North Shore Trail from the north end of the Park to Bushwood Lane is closed. A detour is in place for cyclists and pedestrians to navigate around this trail section. The project is anticipated to last until mid to late December. Read more about the project.

North Shore Trail update

The Town is pleased to announce that rehabilitation work on the North Shore Trail has begun. A road closure for this project phase will extend along North Shore Road from McVicar Street to Bushwood Lane in Port Elgin. Trail closures are outlined above.

The plan is to place large armourstone along the water’s edge (toe of slope) and then rebuild the slope up to the existing trail and rehabilitation of the area. Crews will then reconstruct a 3-metre-wide trail beside the existing road.

The Town received a $600,000 grant to rebuild the area using leftover rock from other construction jobs, to minimize the need for brand-new quarry rock. The Town will then apply recommendations put forward by Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) to plant native species to serve as a buffer against erosion. The Town has also started the work later in the summer to avoid impacting any spawning fish in the area. Read more about the project.

Active transportation and master plan

Learn more about active transportation and our Transportation Master Plan.

Cycling the Shores

2022 events and bike valets

Upcoming events

Family Bike Day at Nodwell Park, October 8. More information coming soon.

Bike valets

Park your bike with us, we'll keep it safe and secured. Free service. Our bike valets have wrapped up for the 2022 season. Thank you for parking with us.

Bicycle-friendly businesses

Saugeen Shores is part of the Ontario By Bike Network which certifies tourism businesses and locations as bicycle-friendly, helping businesses reach the growing number of cycle tourists in Ontario including accommodators, food services and attractions. Ontario by Bike is one of the leading resources for cycling-related information and where to find bicycle-friendly places to eat, visit and sleep.

If you operate a business that meets the bicycle-friendly business criteria, you can register for this free promotional opportunity.

Bicycle-friendly businesses in Saugeen Shores

173 High Street
A Knight in Southampton Bed and Breakfast
Chantry Breezes Bed and Breakfast
Rosewood Cottages and Vacation House on the Saugeen
Sunnyside Cottages
Super 8 Port Elgin
The Maples Cottages in Port Elgin
Armen's Cafe
Boston Pizza Port Elgin
Duffy's Fish and Chips
Highview Food and Drink
Just Like Moms Restaurant
Lord Elgin Fish and Chips
Rabbit Dash
The Garage Sandwich Co. Ltd.
Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre
Chantry Island Lighthouse Boat Tours
MacGregor Point Provincial Park
Martin's Bicycle Shop
Southampton Arts
Southampton Meat Market
Southampton Olive Oil Company and Tasting Room
The Lighthouse Photo Gallery
The Wismer House

Bicycle repairs and rentals

Bicycle repair stations

There are bicycle repair stations located throughout the trail and cycling network.

For station addresses, visit www.saugeenshores.ca/bikerepair

River Street Trail Head (741 River St, Port Elgin)
Gobles Grove Main Beach (297 Saugeen Beach Rd, Port Elgin)
Port Elgin Main Beach (100 Green St, Port Elgin)
Memorial Gardens in Southampton (access at Laird Lane/Peel Street or Grosvenor Street South/Adelaide Street)

Orange bicycle repair station overlooking lake

Bicycle repairs

Bicycle repairs are available through Martin's Bicycle Shop.

Bicycle rentals

Bicycle rentals are available through Martin's Bicycle Shop in Southampton and the Paradise Inn in Port Elgin.

CAA bike assist

CAA is more than just motor vehicles! CAA Bike Assist is a roadside assistance for your bicycle that is available to members. If you run into a problem that cannot be fixed on the spot, CAA will transport you and your bicycle to where you need to go. It's available as part of your membership 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Members will not have to pay extra to be eligible for Bike Assist, it is a permanent benefit for members.

Learn more about the program.

Bike Month and cycling programs

Bike Month

Every June we celebrate Bike Month! Join us in June 2023 for activities and events throughout the month to celebrate, create awareness and educate the community about bikes. The month will kick off with the annual Bike to School Challenge.

Bike-Friendly Fridays

Follow our weekly Bike-Friendly Friday series; where we focus on everything from bicycle and road safety, to promoting cycling and its benefits, to frequently asked questions and more. From May through September, we'll be sharing information every Friday through our social media accounts and website.

Visit our Bike Friendly Friday page every Friday after 10am for the new weekly topic.

Cycling programs

Summer camps

Stay tuned for our 2023 camps, registration will be announced in the Spring.

Guided rides

Join Martin's Bicycle Shop and the Southampton Handlebar Club on weekly group rides. Rides depart from the shop located at 235 High St, Southampton. Meet at the shop 10 minutes prior to the ride to check-in with the Ride Leader and complete waiver. There is no cost to participate.

Sunday Morning Ride, 8am

The length of the Sunday morning ride will vary each week, and will include options for participants to shorten their ride along the way. Rides will be developed around the Gran Fondo Lake Huron routes, and are a great training option for those participants. Rides start weekly on June 5 at 8am.

Requirements for Participants

Arrive 10 minutes prior to departure
Helmets, bells and lights are required.
16 years and under must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Waiver must be signed by parent or guardian 18+
Participants must follow the rules of the road
Rides will be cancelled in the event of rain and inclement weather

Safety

Request an "I Share the Road" decal

Cycling and road signs

Check out these common road and cycling signs and what they mean for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.

Cycling and road signs
Type of sign	Description	Sign image
Bicycle route marker	These signs identify routes that are part of Saugeen Shores' active transportation network. Unlike the signs that indicate exclusive cycling lanes, bicycle route signs do not have a regulatory function.
Share the Road	These signs inform motorists and cyclists that a roadway is to be shared and may be placed where a designated bicycling lane or trail comes to an end.
Single file	These signs warn motorists and cyclists that cyclists may use the full lane ahead and that the lane it too narrow for side-by-side operation.
Sharrows	Sharrows remind road users to share the road and offer line-of-travel guidance to cyclists.
Shared use pathway	These signs indicate that a pathway can be used by both cyclists and pedestrians and that the space is to be shared by both users.
Pedestrian and bicycle crossing	These signs indicate to vehicles that a pedestrian and bicycle crossing is ahead.

Theft prevention and bike locking

Registering your bicycle and keeping it locked properly are the best ways to prevent your bike from being stolen.

Register your bicycle

You can register your bicycle with Saugeen Shores Police Services. There is a $5 registration fee. Visit the police station to register your bicycle or call 519-832-2500 for more information

Bicycle locking tips

Invest in a high-quality, secure bike lock, such as a u-lock. They require more time to defeat compared to chains or cable locks.

Use a secure lock, like a u-lock

Store your bicycle inside or in a locked garage, whenever possible. Avoid locking your bike to the front porch or at the side of the house or garage.

Park inside overnight or during longer durations of time

Lock the frame and wheel to a secure bike rack. When locking your bike outside, lock the frame and at least one wheel to secure bike rack such as an o-ring, wave or inverted-u rack. These types of bike parking are available in our downtown cores.

Lock bike frame and wheel to secure rack

Be aware of what you're locking up to. Avoid using bike racks that are damaged or not properly anchored and avoid locking to objects that can be moved, dismantled or destroyed to free your bike.

Choose a bike rack that's secured to the ground

Lock your bike in visible, well-lit, high-traffic locations. The more visible your bike is, the less likely is it will be targeted for theft.

Lock your bike in visible, high-traffic, well-lit areas

Don't forget your accessories. Be sure to take your helmet and easily removed accessories with you.

Don't forget your bike accessories

Trail etiquette and code of conduct

Trails are for non-motorized use only. Mobility devices and e-bikes are permitted.
Pedestrians and mobility devices always have the right of way
Horses are allowed on the Woodland and Biener trails only.
Ride at a safe speed and in control, recommended maximum of 20 kilometres per hour.
Ride on the right, pass on the left.
When stopped, move safely off to one side of the trail.
Warn others you are passing by using your bell or calling out.
Keep dogs leashed and in your care and control.
Clean up after your dog. Pick up, bag and dispose of waste properly.
Show courtesy to all trail users. Share the trail.
Put garbage in its place. Leave no trace.
Stay on the trail. Respect private property and natural vegetation.

Bicycle bell 101

Using your bell

Ensure your bicycle has a bell, it's the law
Attach your bell to your handlebars for quick and easy access
Ring 1 to 4 times well in advance (10 to 20 metres) to not alarm others
Use it to announce you're approaching a road or trail user and intend to pass on their left
Show respect for all trail and road users by using a bell and passing safely
Remember that wheels always yield to heels. Pedestrians have the right of way, always wait to pass until safe to do so

The importance of a bicycle bell

Anyone who rides a bike, including kids needs a bell. Bells are required by law under the Highway Traffic Act which states that "every bicycle shall be equipped with a bell and is sounded to notify others." Bells are cost effective way to improve safety for everyone. They:

Alert other trail users that you're approaching
Allow cyclists to safely navigate busy trails
Build respect and trust among trail users

Use your bell when cycling on trails or roadways and when approaching pedestrians or cyclists. If you hear a bell as a pedestrian, it means that someone on a bike is approaching and plans to pass. Please move to the right when it is safe to do so.

Bicycle and road safety resources

These videos offer quick reminders to keep cyclist and motorists safe while sharing the road.

Learn how you can help keep Saugeen Shores safe by respecting all users and obeying the rules of the road.

Bicycle and Road Safety, The Shore Report
Bike to School Week
CAA South Central Ontario
Cycling in Ontario, Resources and Information from the Province of Ontario
Elementary Safety, Road Safety for Kids
Ontario Road Safety, Teaching Resources for Youth
Parachute Canada, Safe Cycling for Kids
Share the Road Cycling Coalition
Ontario's Young Cyclist's Guide
Ontario's Guide to Safe Cycling

For more tips and resources, check out our cycling safety 101 blog post.

About becoming bicycle friendly community

In 2017, the Town of Saugeen Shores worked with Share the Road Cycling Coalition to develop a report and recommendations to become a Bicycle Friendly Community. Community engagement and a local infrastructure tour were part of the report process. In fall 2018, the Town was awarded its designation as a bronze bicycle friendly community.

Learn more about the project by listening to The Shore Report or request a copy of the 2017-2022 report and executive summary.