Bike-Friendly Friday: Weekly Series

Welcome to 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.

Watch for these fun and engaging social media posts every Friday over the next four months, and use the hashtag SSBikeFriendyFriday on social media to search for new and previous years' posts. This Bike-Friendly Friday webpage will include additional information and resources to support each week's post.

Is there a topic that you're curious about? Drop us a line and we'll try to include it during one of our Friday posts. Learn more about cycling in our community.

October 6: Bike-Friendly Friday Wrap-Up

Our 2023 Bike Friendly Friday campaign wraps up today, but that doesn't mean access to the information and resources we shared over the last 4 months ends. Thank you for following along!

Here’s how you can stay up to date anytime:

Catch up at www.SaugeenShores.ca/BikeFriendlyFriday
Search our #SSBikeFriendlyFriday hashtag on social media
Visit www.SaugeenShores.ca/Cycling for local cycling information, road and bicycle safety and more

Is there a topic that you're curious about? Drop us a line and we'll try to include it in our 2024 campaign.

September 29: Reminders for Cycling in the Fall

As the weather changes and leaves start to fall, it is important that cyclists and motorists think about how the changing seasons affect cycling safety. This week, we are sharing cycling safety tips to use when cycling in autumn.

Check the Weather, Dress Accordingly

The weather in Ontario is unpredictable at the best of times. In autumn it is especially important to check the weather before heading out for a bike ride. The variation in temperatures, winds and precipitation means different cycling attire is required from day to day. Dressing appropriately for the weather helps to prevent medical conditions such as hypothermia and heat stroke.

Check Sunset and Sunrise Timing

As daylight continues to get shorter in Ontario, check the time of day that the sun rises and sets. When cycling at night or in low light conditions ensure you have the appropriate lights and reflectors on your bike. If cycling in the dark is out of your comfort zone, be sure to plan your trips accordingly.

When riding anytime from 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise, cyclists need to have a white light on the front of their bike and a red light or reflector on the rear. The lights must be visible from 200 metres in the front and back direction and 50 metres from the side. Similar to bike lights, you must have white reflective tape on the front forks and red reflective tape on the rear forks of your bicycle.

Autumn Cycling Hazards

Fallen wet leaves can cause a slippery surface for the tires of a bicycle. Cyclists should be cautious around leaves on the road and trails, avoid them if safe to do so and slowdown in advance. If you cannot avoid leaves, approach them in a straight line and steer as little as possible.

Try to avoid puddles on the road if safe to do so. A puddle may be a deep divot in the pavement that can lead to the cyclist falling off their bike or losing control. Keep an eye out for puddles and potholes and avoid them if possible.

Keep your Bike Clean, Check your ABCs

In the fall when the roads are wet and muddy, it is important to keep your bike clean and check it regularly. Always check your ABCs (air, brakes and chain) before leaving for a bike ride. When returning from your ride, remove the dirt and grim from your bike to keep it in good working condition.

Stay Visible

Autumn is a beautiful time of year with many colourful leaves in Saugeen Shores. These beautiful colours also mean that it is easy for a cyclist to blend into the environment. Think about what you are wearing and if it is making you visible to motorists. Wearing reflective clothing is always beneficial!

Autumn is a great season to be cycling! Before hopping on your bike this fall, stop and think about how the changing season will affect your bike rides and what you can do to maximize your safety! For more cycling tips and tricks, check out the rest of our Bike Friendly Friday series.

September 22: CAA Bike Assist

Cycling is becoming a common mode of transportation for many people throughout Ontario. CAA South Central Ontario recognizes the role they play in helping everyone share the road. Although primarily known for their automobile assistance service, CAA has programs and resources that promote and advocate for road safety, including cycling safety.

CAA Bike Assist Program

CAA Bike Assist provides a quick and helpful service if your bike is in need of repair while out on the road. They will bring you to a safe location if a repair can't be completed roadside. The Bike Assist program is a free component of the CAA 24/7 membership.

How the CAA Bike Assist program works:

Service will be within 45 minutes unless specialized equipment is required
Service will be provided anywhere in CAA SCO (South Central Ontario) territory

CAA drivers will do their best to get the cyclist back on the road, but if a repair cannot be made at the site of the breakdown the driver will tow the bicycle and transport the cyclist
CAA will fix flat tires
CAA will not cut or unlock bike locks
CAA will tow tricycles made for adults
CAA will provide service to underage children if an adult is present
CAA will service e-bikes

Visit the CAA website for more information about the Bike Assist program.

CAA Cycling Resources

CAA has developed several educational resources to support all road users. Visit the links below to learn more:

Two wheels or four, we can all travel safely together. Review our other Bike-Friendly Friday tips and topics to stay safe while cycling. Don’t forget to check your ABC’s before hopping on your bike!

September 15: Bike Repair Stations and Cycling Amenities

As a bronze designated bicycle-friendly community, we have great cycling resources and amenities in Saugeen Shores. Saugeen Shores' interactive online cycling and trails map includes the trail networks as well as recognized Bicycle Friendly Business. Check out our online cycling and trails map at www.SaugeenShores.ca/CyclingMap.

Bicycle Repair Stations

There are bicycle repair stations located throughout the trail and cycling network. To view locations on a map, 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.

Public Washrooms

The Town maintains public washrooms year-round and seasonally, including portable washrooms at several locations.

Find a Washroom

Local and Regional Cycling Resources

Local and regional cycling resources and maps include:

Visit www.SaugeenShores.ca/Cycling to find more cycling resources including bicycle-friendly businesses, road signs information, bike theft prevention, trail etiquette and cycling safety videos. Always plan your route and remember, these resources are here to help you

September 8: Do the Dutch Reach

The Dutch Reach is a bike-friendly safety technique that helps drivers and passengers check for cyclists when opening their vehicle door. This method encourages drivers to reach across with their right hand and passengers to reach with their left hand to open the vehicle door. Using your opposite hand creates a body twist motion that leads to drivers and passengers checking their blind spot before exiting. This prevents opening vehicle doors into cyclists or vehicles that are passing by.

If drivers and passengers do not check their blind spot when opening their car door, it can cause serious harm to a cyclist passing by. The act of hitting a cyclist with your door as you open it, is called dooring. The Dutch Reach is a simple action to help reduce cyclist injuries and to be a bike-friendly driver!

The Dutch Reach is as easy as 1-2-3:

Reach: Using your opposite hand, reach for the vehicle door handle
Turn and Look: As your body naturally turns towards your blind spot, look to see if there are cyclists passing by
Exit Safely: Exit your vehicle when there is no risk of opening your door into the path of a cyclist or vehicle passing by

Image credit: CAA Important Safety Tips for Drivers and Cyclists

Dooring and the Highway Traffic Act

Dooring will cost you. Under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA), dooring is defined by a motor vehicle involved in an accident if any door of the motor vehicle that is open or opening comes into contact with a cyclist, a bicycle or a moving vehicle, even if the motor vehicle is stationary, stopped or parked. Dooring a cyclist has a minimum fine of $300 and three (3) demerit points, if convicted, under the HTA. If you practice the Dutch Reach every time you exit a vehicle, you help to create a safer environment for cyclists.

Dutch Reach Resources

As we all continue to learn bike-friendly safety techniques, don’t forget to check out our weekly Bike-Friendly Friday series to learn more about bike safety, information, and etiquette.

September 1: Back to School Tips for Road and Bicycle Safety

As students head back to school next week, our community will see an increase in young people cycling, walking and rolling to and from school. It is important that all road users follow traffic laws and be on the lookout for kids cycling, walking or rolling.

Check out the tips and resources below to help ensure a safe back to school experience for all, this Fall.

Road Safety Tips

Reduce your speed, especially in school zones
Keep your distance from cyclists
Give one metre (1m) of space when passing at a safe and appropriate time
Put down your distractions
Be predictable
Be alert
Use your mirrors and always signal
Stop at stop signs and crosswalks
Understand that young people will be more unpredictable then adults

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Tips

Plan your route to school and find the safest route
Cross at designated crosswalks and road crossings
Check the ABCs of your bicycle
Ride with the flow of traffic, and stay on the right side of the road
Wear your helmet
Make yourself visible and heard by using lights, reflective gear and your bell

We all play a role in keeping our roads and communities safe. Visit our cycling page for more road and bicycle safety resources and videos , and review the rest of our Bike-Friendly Friday series for tips and information on cycling safety.

Benefits of Choosing Active Travel to School

Choosing active modes of transportation to get to school, like walking, biking or rolling, have many benefits including:

Healthier students
Less traffic and pollution
Safer school zones
Better academic performance

Learn more about these benefits from Ontario Active School Travel and consider how your family could include more active transportation in your day.

August 25: E-Bike Safety

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are becoming a common mode of transportation in Saugeen Shores, and throughout Ontario. E-bike riders are required by law to follow the same road and trail rules that apply to traditional cyclists, with extra safety precautions in place. Continue reading to learn more about e-bikes and how they compare to traditional bikes.

What is an electric bicycle (e-Bike)?

A power-assisted bicycle (e-bike) is a bicycle with an electric motor. An e-bike is not considered a motor vehicle, however, to maintain this non-motorized designation an e-bike must have:

Handlebars
Working pedals
Two or three wheels
An electric motor
Braking systems

What regulations apply for e-bikes?

These are the minimum regulations you must follow when riding an an e-bike:

Be at least 16 years old
Wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet
Keep your e-bike in good working order (check your ABC’s before using)
Follow the same road rules as other cyclists

What is different about braking on an e-bike?

E-bikes are heavier and faster than traditional bikes, meaning that the distance required to stop is longer on an e-bike compared to a traditional bike. Due to these two e-bike properties, it is essential that you brake earlier than you would on a traditional bike. The best way to get used to your brakes is to practice with them before heading out for a ride.

Get to know the brakes on your e-bike:

Right brake lever: controls the rear brake and slows the bike down
Left brake lever: controls the front brake and brings the bike to a full stop
Never use the front brake without using the rear brake. The brakes on an e-bike are stronger and more sensitive than a traditional bike, and using only the front brake will cause an abrupt stop.

What about managing your speed?

E-bikes accelerate much faster than traditional bikes. When first riding your e-bike, start on the slower settings and get a feel for the bike before bumping it up to higher speeds. This will allow you to get comfortable with the bike and then increase the speed as desired after.

In Ontario, the maximum legal speed of an e-bike is 32km/h. When going this fast on a bicycle, it is important that you are aware of your surroundings because motorists are not expecting cyclists to move at that speed. Make yourself visible, use your hand signals and be predictable so motorists know what to expect.

The trails in Saugeen Shores have a recommended maximum speed of 20km/h. Be mindful of other trail users and how the speed of your e-bike affects them. Ring your bell well in advance of approaching other trail users and slow down around others.

What is important when mounting and dismounting an e-bike?

An e-bike is much heavier than a traditional bike because of the electric motor and larger frame. This can make mounting and dismounting your bicycle more difficult. The e-bike will not be as stable as a traditional bike, and you must be prepared to hold the weight of your e-bike while getting on or off. Using your kickstand as a stabilizer when mounting/dismounting is a good idea.

If you have challenges swinging your leg over the frame of the e-bike, buying a step-through e-bike is a good option.

Tips for Safe E-Bike Use

Check your e-bike before each use
Check the bikes ABC’s (air, brakes and chain/cogs)
Check your battery
Wear a helmet
Be predictable and alert
Make yourself visible to other road and trail users
Monitor your speed – trails in Saugeen Shores have a recommended maximum of 20 km/h
Start slow – get used to your e-bike and its braking systems before using your bike at higher speeds
Remember that all traditional bike rules apply to e-bike riders

We are happy to see the variety in the modes of active transportation being used in Saugeen Shores! Remember to practice safe cycling while exploring our community by bike.

August 18: Gran Fondo Lake Huron Routes and Closures

This weekend, the Gran Fondo Lake Huron returns to Saugeen Shores for their million-dollar ride. This annual cycling fundraiser supports the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation, and the Grey Bruce Health Services new Mental Health and Wellness Facility.

New this year is a 1km Kids Ride starting at 10am at The Plex in Port Elgin on Saturday August 19. While the main main cycling event starts and ends in downtown Southampton on Sunday August 20. The 10km, 30km, 75km, 80km gravel and 110km routes take participants on a scenic ride through Saugeen Shores and neighbouring communities. Expect roads along the routes to be busier with cyclists from 7am to 12pm, as cyclists share the road with other users.

Routes and Road Closures

Check out the ride routes here: The Rides – Gran Fondo Lake Huron Presented by Bruce Power.

Road closures in Port Elgin, Saturday, August 19:

Tomlinson Drive from MacKenzie Street to Wellington Street - 8:30am to 1:00pm
Wellington Street from Tomlinson Drive to MacKenzie Street – 9:30am to 1:00pm
MacKenzie Street from Wellington Street to Tomlinson Drive – 9:30am to 1:00pm
Access The Plex parking lot from Goderich Street

Note: Roads will reopen as soon as the last rider is back to the Plex parking lot.

Road closures in Southampton, Sunday, August 20:

High Street from Highway 21 to Victoria Street – 5:00am to 11:00am
High Street from Highway 21 to Grosvenor Street – 5:00am to 2:00pm

Road and Bicycle Safety
If you are driving in Saugeen Shores this weekend, be aware there may be increased bicycle traffic. You can help keep participants safe by:

Reducing your speed
Being cautious of kids and families cycling in this event
Giving one metre (1m) of space when passing.

If you are participating, you can help encourage a culture of cycling safely by:

Following the rules of the road
Stopping at all intersections unless controlled by OPP or Saugeen Shores Police Services
Being visible. Use your bike lights and wear reflective gear
Being predictable. Use your hand signals and obey rules
Using your bicycle bell when passing other riders
Always passing on the left-hand side

As a bicycle-friendly community, Saugeen Shores welcomes cyclists to explore the shores by bike. Learn more about cycling in our community including local routes and our bicycle-friendly businesses.

August 11: Cycling and Road Signs

Did you know that a bicycle is considered a vehicle under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act? Like motorists, cyclists must follow all traffic laws and take on the same rights and responsibilities. Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians all have a role in road/trail safety by adhering to traffic laws and signs.

Check out these common road and cycling signs and what they mean for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. How many did you know?

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.

August 4: Explore the Trails

Saugeen Shores has an extensive trail network with a variety of surface types and amenities.
In 2022, there were approximately 400,000 passes counted through the Town's trail counter program which includes 13 counters throughout the network. The highest usage was in July with 86,600 passes, while the lowest usage was in December with 8,100 passes.

Discover the Trails

Use our interactive cycling and trails map, or drop down the menu below for more information on each trail.

Saugeen Shores' Trail Network

Biener’s Bush Trail

Surface type: Natural terrain
Pedestrians and cyclists permitted
2.8km

Bushline Trail

Surface Type: Stone dust
Pedestrians and cyclists permitted
1.8km

Fairy Lake Trail

Surface Type: Stone dust
Pedestrian only
1km

Gore Drain Trail

Surface Type: Stone dust
Pedestrians and cyclists permitted
2.4km

Nodwell Park Path

Surface Type: Paved
Pedestrians and cyclists permitted
430m

North Shore Trail

Surface Type: Paved
Pedestrians and cyclists permitted
6km

Saugeen Rail Trail

Surface Type: Mostly stone dust with paved sections
Pedestrians and cyclists permitted
8km

Shipley Trail

Surface Type: Natural terrain
Pedestrians and cyclists permitted
1.8km

Southampton Beach Boardwalk

Surface Type: Paved
Pedestrians only – walk your wheels

Woodland Trail

Surface Type: Wood chip
Pedestrians and cyclists permitted
1.5km

Trail Etiquette

When enjoying our trails, please lead by example and remember:

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 on all Saugeen Shores Trails
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
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 designated trails. Respect private property and natural vegetation.

July 28: Staying Visible

Making yourself visible when cycling helps to promote your own safety and the safety of other road and trail users. When a cyclist is easily seen by other road/trail users, more time is available for them to properly pass and react to the cyclist. Listed below are three ways that cyclists can increase their likelihood of being seen by other road/trail users.

Use Your Bike Lights and Reflectors

Bike lights are important to have on your bicycle for three reasons:

They help guide you through terrain during dark hours of the day
They are a safety device so others can see you when you cycle
They are required by law

Having lights on your bike helps to ensure you're visible to pedestrians and other vehicles. During night hours and inclement weather, it can be very challenging for others to see you. Bike lights help to prevent accidents.

What is Required under the Highway Traffic Act?

Cyclists need to have a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the rear of their bike if they ride anytime from 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise. These lights must be visible from 200 metres in the front and back direction and 50 metres from the side. Similar to bike lights, you must have white reflective tape on the front forks and red reflective tape on the rear forks of your bicycle.

Dress to Be Seen

Cyclists should try to wear bright, fluorescent colours that help them stand out in their environment; think bright orange, hot pink, lime green and highlighter yellow. Wearing reflective vests is beneficial to be seen when cycling, especially at night. Cyclists should avoid wearing colours like include green, brown, blue, black and white, which are more likely to blend in with the environment, especially when riding at dusk.

Be Predictable. Follow the Rules of the Road

Cyclists should follow all traffic laws and act predictably while riding. This allows motorists to better understand where they may encounter cyclists and how cyclists will act. When cyclists and motorists follow the rules, it creates a safer environment for everyone. Avoid the blind spots of vehicles, and be aware of the turning radius of larger trucks.

Looking for more reflective gear? Find us at community events this summer, chat about cycling and pick up a reflective snap bracelet.

July 21: Bicycle Bell 101

The importance of having a bell

Anyone who rides a bike, including kids needs a bell or horn on their bike. 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 and they:

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

Always use your bell when approaching pedestrians or other cyclists.

Need a bell? Find us out and about at community events this summer, chat about cycling and pick up a bell (while supplies last).

Use your bell. Use it well.

Follow these tips to make sure you're using your bell, well:

Ensure your bicycle has a bell/horn, 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 are approaching a road or trail user and that you 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

Pedestrians and bells

If you hear a bell as a pedestrian, it means that someone on a bike is approaching and plans to pass on your left hand side. People are not ringing the bell to startle you, but to let you know they are approaching.

Please move to the right when it is safe to do so.

July 14: Theft Prevention and Tips for Locking Up

Registering your bicycle and keeping it locked properly are the best ways to prevent your bike from being stolen. Follow these tips to help prevent theft this summer!

Register your bicycle

You can register your bicycle with Saugeen Shores Police Services. 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

Keep a photo of your bike handy and know the serial number. This makes your bicycle much easier to identify in the event it is stolen.

Keep a photo of your bike. Know the serial number.

July 7: Free Bike Valet Parking

That's right, valet parking but for bikes! This summer, we are providing free bike valet parking at events in Saugeen Shores. Park your bike with us and we’ll keep it safe and secure while you explore the great markets and events.

Come find us on these dates:

Every Friday at the Marine Heritage Market Square in Southampton around the Coliseum
- June 30 to September 1, 9am to 2pm
- Enter from High Street to access bike valet parking
Marine Heritage Festival - July 21, 22, and 23
- July 21, 9am to 2pm, Marine Heritage Market Square
- July 21, 5 to 9pm, Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre for Festival Kick-Off
- July 22, 8am to 8pm, Pioneer Park Festival Grounds
- July 23, 10:30am to 4pm, Pioneer Park Festival Grounds

We will be providing free bicycle safety products and information at our bike valets throughout the summer. Stop by to chat about cycling safety and pick up a bike bell, bike lights or reflective bracelet (while supplies last).

We'd love to hear about your favourite places to ride in Saugeen Shores! For more information about cycling in our community, visit our cycling webpage.

June 30: 1 Metre Safe Passing Law

1 Metre Safe Passing Law

With summer officially here and Canada Day upon us, we know our communities will see an increase in people riding their bikes and using our roadways and trails. Providing at least one-metre of space when passing a cyclist ensures safer roads for all users.

What is the One-Metre (1m) Safe Passing Law?

Since 2015, Ontario drivers are required by law to provide at least one metre (1m) of space when passing a cyclist. Regardless of the law, drivers should always pass at a safe time, provide as much space as possible and pass at a slower speed. The law requires that drivers:

Provide at least one metre (1m) of space between their vehicle and a cyclist when passing
Do not pass unless one metre (1m) of space can be safely provided
Travel at a safe distance behind the cyclist until it is safe to pass

The One-Metre Safe Passing Law helps keep cyclists safe, as they do not have the physical protection of a vehicle. Cyclists are vulnerable because of their limited physical protection and as a motorist it is your duty to give them one-metre and help protect them.

Safety Videos

Check out these great safety video resources.

How to Pass a Cyclist

Credit: CAA South Central Ontario

Share the Road, 1 Metre Safe Passing Law

Credit: Share the Road Cycling Coalition

Giving one-metre of space when passing a cyclist will help keep our roads safe this Canada Day and all summer long. Thank you for putting safety first!

June 23: Road safety, everyone plays a role.

Drivers, pedestrians and cyclists play an essential role in road and trail safety. Understanding your role and putting it into practice as you travel by foot, 2 wheels or 4, helps all road and trail users get to their destination safely. Check out the different roles below, and how you can help make our roadways and trails safer for all to enjoy.

Motorists

Watch for cyclists and pedestrians
Reduce your speed and follow posted speed limits
Keep your distance from cyclists and leave at least one metre (1m) of space between you and the cyclist when it is safe to pass
Pass at a safe and appropriate time
Put down your distractions and be alert
Obey all traffic signs
Stay out of bicycle lanes, no parking or stopping in these areas
Always check your blind spots for cyclists and pedestrians when turning
Do not pass a cyclist in a roundabout, follow at a safe distance until you have both exited the roundabout
Communicate with cyclists and pedestrians (give a friendly wave, make eye contact, use your signals)
Practice the Dutch Reach (as the driver, use your right hand to open the door forcing you to look left before before opening your car door)

Cyclists

Cross at designated crosswalks and road crossings
Ride with the flow of traffic, stay on the right side of the road
Be visible and heard (lights, reflective gear and bell)
Ensure your bicycle is safe to ride (ABC’s)
Wear a properly fitted helmet
Remember that pedestrians and mobility devices always have the right of way
Ride at a safe speed – recommended maximum of 20km/h on trails in Saugeen Shores
Ride on the right, pass on the left
When stopped, move safely off to the side of the road or trail
Warn other road and trail users that you are passing by ringing your bell or calling out
Use your hand signals to communicate with other road and trail users
Avoid cycling in the blind spots of vehicles
Make eye contact with other road users to ensure they are yielding you the right of way
Use bike lanes when available

Pedestrians

Make yourself visible to other road/trail users (reflective gear and stay in well-lit areas)
Communicate with cyclists and drivers (make eye contact before crossing their paths)
Keep your senses available. Avoid texting, calling, using headphones and other distractions that would prevent you from hearing a cyclist's bell or an approaching car
Stay on the sidewalk when possible
Cross only at marked crosswalks or crossovers
Cross only when other road users have stopped completely
If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road, against the flow of traffic

Thank you for enjoying our roadways and trails safely. For more resources, tips and videos on road safety, visit our cycling page.

June 16: Bicycle Friendly Businesses: Become one. Find one.

In Saugeen Shores, we have many local businesses that have signed up to be a bicycle-friendly business through a network called Ontario By Bike. Ontario By Bike is a bicycle-friendly network offering a variety of cycling information that inspires cyclists to explore communities throughout Ontario.

What is Ontario by Bike?

Within Ontario there are more than 1,700 certified bicycle friendly businesses. Bicycle-friendly businesses can be found in food and hospitality services, local attractions, and accommodators. Ontario By Bike is one of the leading resources on where to eat, visit, and sleep, when out on your bike.

Learn about welcoming cyclists

The 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 Jenn, starting around 11 minutes and 40 second mark.

Listen to the podcast here.

Explore local businesses

Discover the Saugeen Shores bicycle-friendly businesses here. Bicycle-friendly businesses offer:

Secure daytime bike lock-up area
Access to washrooms
Local and regional cycling information
Healthy food options
Covered (some businesses) and secure bike storage area
Staff who can direct cyclists to tourism information and resources

Become a bicycle-friendly business

It's free to participate! We're looking to grow our local list of designated bicycle-friendly businesses. Participating businesses will be included on Saugeen Shores' interactive online cycling and trails map. These are some other reasons why your business should register:

Get “Friendly for Fondo”. Close to 1,000 riders participate in the Gran Fondo Lake Huron, happening on August 20 in 2023.
The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail is here Saugeen Shores joined this signature trail in 2018. The 3,600 km signed trail around the Great Lakes is well-known and explored by cyclists Cycling tourists spend more
$255 per trip vs. $171 per trip in Ontario. Cycling tourists stay, eat and drink! For them, the experience is just as important as the ride.
Our region (Bruce Grey Simcoe) holds 25% of Ontario’s cycling tourism market. Just like us, cyclists love Bruce Grey Simcoe!
Saugeen Shores is a bronze designated bicycle-friendly community and the first bicycle-friendly community in Bruce County

Saugeen Shores is here to help you sign up! The registration process takes about 10 minutes. Use these links for more information about the process of registration and to access the registration page. Please reach out if you have any further questions or need support.

For more information about the bicycle friendly business program, contact Cara at cara.zettler@saugeenshores.ca.

June 9: Bike Helmets 101 and the 2V1 Shake Rule

June 12 to June 16 is Bike to School Week in Saugeen Shores! During the week we are encouraging students to bike to school and practice safe cycling by wearing a properly fitted helmet next. Check out the guidelines below.

Wearing a properly fitted and certified helmet can greatly reduce the risk of injury or death if you fall or collide with a car, pedestrian or other cyclist. A bicycle helmet is required by law for all cyclists under the age of 18, and strongly recommended for those 18 or over.

When checking your helmet for fit, remember the 2V1 Shake Rule:

2: The helmet should cover the top of the head and sit two finger widths above the eyebrows
V: Adjust the side straps so they form a V-shape under the ears
1: Only one finger should fit between the chin and the fastened straps
Shake: Shake the head up and down and side to side to make sure the helmet is snug

Parents or guardians of children aged 16 and under are responsible to make sure they wear helmets. Children are required to wear a helmet when riding in a child carrier or a bicycle trailer.

Looking for more resources?

Using bicycle helmets reduces head injuries by more than 40 per cent, serious head injuries by 60 per cent and traumatic brain injury by 53 per cent. Helmet use reduces the total number of killed or seriously injured cyclists by 34 per cent.

Check out Parachute Canada's helmet safety information including how to property fit a helmet, choosing the proper helmet, and general helmet facts.

Video Credit: Parachute Canada

June 2: June is Bike Month

Saugeen Shores joins communities across Ontario to celebrate Bike Month in June 2023! Bike Month is an opportunity to learn about cycling, to learn how to ride a bike and to have fun connecting with people through cycling. It's about taking the time to rekindle the magic of exploring your community by bike and sharing that joy with the next generation of riders. Bike Month is a celebration of cycling!

Below are the events taking place throughout Bike Month in Saugeen Shores:

Kids Cycling Scavenger Hunt (June 1 to June 30)
Bike to School Week (June 12 to June 16)
Cycling Photo Contest (June 12 to June 16)
Kids Bike Night (June 13 from 5 to 7pm at Fairy Lake in Southampton)
Bicycle Day at the Port Elgin Farmer’s Market (June 21 from 9am to 2pm)

Visit our Bike Month page for more information about these cycling activities occurring in June.

As cycling traffic increases on the roads and trails this month, remember to reduce your speed and follow bicycle road safety techniques!

May 26: Benefits of Active Transportation

Choosing active transportation whether cycling, walking, or rolling, has many benefits extending beyond the joy of riding for recreation! There are positive environmental, health, social, and economic benefits from adding more active transportation into your day.

Check out the benefits below and make a goal of adding more active transportation trips to your daily travels. The benefits are supported by Share the Road's Bikes Can Do That! campaign and Ontario Active School Travel.

Environmental benefits

Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
Reduces air pollutants (walking and biking emit no greenhouse gases)
Limits noise pollution and congestion
Reduces the need for new parking lots and roadways
Saves valuable green space from development
Reduces your ecological footprint

Health benefits

Help residents lead healthy, active lives
Lowering your blood pressure
Improving posture and balance
Increasing your energy levels
Improving flexibility Increasing muscle strength
Reducing the risk of obesity, osteoporosis, heart disease, depression, and high blood pressure

Social benefits

Active transportation makes roads safer for all road users
Bikes make life more affordable and equitable
Making is safe and convenient for residents to cycle for shorter trips, instead of owning a 2nd or 3rd vehicle, can help to reduce annual household transportation costs

Economic benefits

Paving shoulders, for example, is estimated to extend road life by 10%
Attract more tourists; cycling visitors tend to spend more on average per trip than other visitors
Help to build vibrant downtowns

Student benefits for school and learning

Healthier students
Less traffic and pollution
Safer school zones
Better academic performance