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. Listen to The Shore Report to learn about our 2023 cycling programs, bike safety, rules of the road, and being a bicycle-friendly business.
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 resourcesUse the interactive map of cycling trails in Saugeen Shores, or pick up a trails map from the Port Elgin Visitor's Centre or Municipal Office. Other local cycling resources and maps include:
Regional resources |
Trail and Road Closures or Detours |
Partial Closure along North Shore TrailA section of the North Shore Trail from Bushwood Drive to Hilly Lane is closed as repair work resumes along the trail. Please avoid the area. This section of the trail is located between Port Elgin and Concession 10. The work is expected to last until mid-to-late December 2023. The Town is resuming rehabilitation work on the shoreline along North Shore Road, starting the last week of August. This is a continuation of work started in 2022 to fix the trail and protect the road, after several years of high-water levels eroded the shoreline. |
Active Transportation and Master Plan |
Learn more about active transportation and our Transportation Master Plan. |
Cycling the Shores
2023 Events and Bike Valets |
Upcoming events
Bike valetsPark your bike with us, we'll keep it safe and secured. A bike valet works just like a car valet. Where to find us?
Interested in running your own?Email our Cycling Coordinator to talk about how to set-up and run a bike valet. Bike valets are an excellent way to encourage people to travel by bike to your event, especially where parking may be limited. |
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. Register your bicycle-friendly businesses Learn about welcoming cyclistsThe Port Elgin Super 8 is recognized as the 2023 Best Bicycle Friendly Business Award Winner in Bruce Grey Simcoe. Jenn Cortan, the General Manager, joined The Shore Report to talk about being a bicycle friendly business, and the cycle tourists they've welcomed over the years. Hear from Jenn, starting around the 11 minutes and 40 seconds mark. Bicycle-friendly businesses in Saugeen Shores
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Bicycle Repairs and Rentals |
Bicycle repair stationsThere are bicycle repair stations located throughout the trail and cycling network. To view locations on a map, visit www.saugeenshores.ca/bikerepair
Bicycle repairsBicycle repairs are available through Martin's Bicycle Shop. Bicycle rentalsBicycle rentals are available through Martin's Bicycle Shop in Southampton and the Paradise Inn in Port Elgin. CAA bike assistCAA 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. |
Bike Month and Cycling Programs
Bike Month 2023 |
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Every June we celebrate Bike Month! Join us for activities and events throughout the month to celebrate, create awareness and educate the community about bikes.
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Bike-Friendly Fridays |
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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. Over the next four months, 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. |
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Summer Camps |
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Never Stop Moving Camp, 9 to 11 yearsCampers explore Saugeen Shores, travelling by bike, to parks, the beach and places they may have never seen! Campers will be keeping active and having fun while exploring our beautiful town on their bike. Camps are full day programs, the cost is $230 per week. Register online. Rad Adventures Mountain Bike CampsSaugeen Shores has partnered with Rad Adventures again this summer to host 2 weeks of mountain bike camp in Port Elgin. Camps are week-long programs, and are based out of Nodwell Park in Port Elgin. Camps will be offered the weeks of July 10-14 and July 17 to 21. For question or to register, visit the Rad Adventures website. |
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Guided Community Rides |
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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. Rides start June 11. Ride ScheduleAdditional rides will be added as available during the summer. Sunday Morning Ride, 8am departureThe Sunday Morning Ride is a road ride designed for more experienced cyclists who are equipped for, and comfortable riding on paved shoulders and busier rural roads. The pace of the ride is around 22 to 26 km/hr. Requirements for Participants
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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. |
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 bicycleYou 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 tipsInvest in a high-quality, secure bike lock, such as a u-lock. They require more time to defeat compared to chains or cable locks. 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. 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. 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. 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. Don't forget your accessories. Be sure to take your helmet and easily removed accessories with you.
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Trail Etiquette and Code of Conduct |
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Bicycle Bell 101 |
Using your bell
The importance of a bicycle bellAnyone 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:
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.
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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.