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 resourcesUse 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:
Regional resources |
Trail and road closures or detours |
ClosuresNorth 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 updateThe 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 eventsFamily Bike Day at Nodwell Park, October 8. More information coming soon. Bike valetsPark 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. Register your bicycle-friendly businesses 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. For station addresses, 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 |
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 campsStay tuned for our 2023 camps, registration will be announced in the Spring.
Guided ridesJoin 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, 8amThe 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
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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.
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.