Perhaps you have rediscovered a bicycle stored in the far reaches of your basement or maybe you are an everyday cyclist who regularly uses the roads and multi-use pathways.

COVID-19 has many of us exploring our own communities and re-thinking our summer vacation plans.  Now is the perfect time for a staycation and to get to know your own city and region by bicycle. 

This summer, the Ottawa Public Library and Envirocentre are teaming up to offer a cycling series that will appeal to people of all ages and abilities. From the very beginners to Tour de France hopefuls, we want to share our love of cycling.    

The first session, Urban Cycling, is offered in English on Thursday, July 9, 2020 at 12:30 pm and in French on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at 12:30 pm. It will cover bike basics, urban infrastructure, and tips and suggestions for having a safe and comfortable ride. You will learn some interesting cycling trivia as well.  Did you know that the Ottawa Bicycle Club has been around for over a 120 years?! 

The second session, Discover Your City by Bike, is offered on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 12:30 pm and will cover some interesting destinations in Ottawa that are easily accessible by bicycle. Heritage sites, nature areas and public art!  Route planning resources will also be shared that will help you plan your adventure. 

A great place to learn more about cycling is the cycling tips page on EnviroCentre's Bike to Work website.  Find links and videos on many cycling topics including how to safely cycle in the city and how to fix a flat tire. 

EnviroCentre is a local non-profit whose mission is to provide people, communities and organizations with practical solutions to lighten their environmental impact in lasting ways. They love all things about bikes and organize Bike to Work Month each year… COVID has shifted Bike to Work month from May to fall 2020.

Ottawa Public Library has material on cycling ranging from inspirational cycling travel stories to documentaries about bike-friendly cities.  As the Library begins to re-open, more of these titles will be available for you to borrow!  For now, add items to your ‘For Later’ list on the website, to make it easier to place holds for them in the future.