BETTER BY BIKE
A growing network of cycling routes and trails in the Bay of Quinte makes exploring the region by bike a sustainable option that is getting easier. So, leave your car at home—cycling may just become your favourite outdoor activity.
LIVELIER STREETS AND HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES
Human-powered forms of travel are vital to sustainable, healthy communities. It’s easy to see why—when people walk and cycle, they help build a sense of connection to the place they live, while minimizing traffic congestion and overall carbon footprint (not to mention improving physical health and quality of life).
BELLEVILLE: A HOTSPOT FOR CYCLING
Expanding its cycling network to become more commuter-friendly, the city of Belleville also hosts an annual cyclocross race that brings in riders from all over the province. Local groups continue to advocate for improved cycling experiences in the city, while locally owned bike shops are redefining their spaces, creating community hubs as a result.
PRESQU’ILE PROMISE CYCLING ROUTE
Presqu’ile Provincial Park is the featured attraction of this 69-kilometre cycling route with stops throughout Brighton and picturesque views of Lake Ontario. If 69 kilometres seems like a stretch, Presqu’ile offers an 8-kilometre walk/bike lane alongside its road, with lots of picnic tables—the perfect place for a cycling-style picnic followed by a well-deserved and refreshing swim.
MOUNT PELION HILL CLIMB
For panoramic views of Quinte West, challenge yourself to a hill climb up Mount Pelion followed by an ascent on foot of its upgraded lookout tower. This ride may be quite steep, but the views are well worth the effort. And it’s a breeze on the way down.
TAKE IT OFF-ROAD IN QUINTE WEST
A converted historic railway, the Millennium Trail is a scenic 46-kilometre multiuse trail that starts off of Highway 33 in Quinte West and takes you into Prince Edward County. It’s popular with runners, walkers and cyclists.
For a shorter experience, try the Lower Trent Trail, a 17-kilometre abandoned rail trail winding through Quinte West and along the Trent-Severn Waterway. The trail provides access to loop trails at Bata Island, Bleasdell Boulder Conservation Area and the new Batawa Riverfront Trail that connects to the trails as Batawa Ski Hill.
THE RIVER ROUTE
Soak up the great views of the Napanee River and the Bay of Quinte along this 24 km route through Lennox and Addington County. Begin and end in downtown Napanee, where you can fuel up before or after your ride.
GROUPS AND EVENTS
Both on and off the road, local groups like Belleville on Bikes, Bike Quinte and Quinte MTB, together with locally owned bike shops, work to promote safe cycling advocacy and education. They support the development of active transportation plans and access to bike parks, organize races and group rides, and host events such as the commuter challenge, Bike Month and summer pop up events. Getting in touch with a group or shop can be a great way to get started.
THE GREAT LAKES WATERFRONT TRAIL
This 3,600-kilometre trail follows along the shores of the Great Lakes region, eventually making its way east through Brighton, Quinte West, Belleville and Greater Napanee. It’s an ideal path for a leisurely afternoon ride—or a multi-day adventure for more avid cyclists.
BIKE SHOPS
DOUG’S BICYCLE SALES & SERVICES
dougsbikes.com
159 College St. W, Belleville
(613) 966-9161
GEAR FIX… GO Mobile Gear Shop
gearfixgo.com
#7 – 2223 Hamilton Rd,
(& Mobile Popup)
Quinte West
(613) 985-7205
IDEAL BIKE INC.
idealbike.com
225 Front St, Belleville
(613) 779-6979
STEPHEN LICENCE LTD.
stephenlicence.ca
288 Front St, Belleville
(613) 966-6900
THE BRAKE ROOM
thebrakeroom.com
34 Dundas St. E, Belleville
(613) 900-0767
GROUPS
BAY OF QUINTE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
hpepublichealth.ca
BELLEVILLE ON BIKES
bellevilleonbikes.ca
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