Cycling

Whether for leisure or daily commuting, cycling is an excellent option for getting around the community and supporting active living.

Cycling offers many health benefits:

It can help you reach your physical activity requirements (Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology).
It’s an inexpensive way to get around.
It helps build muscles.
It increases cardiovascular health.
It increases stamina and improves coordination.
It reduces stress and tension.
It does not put a lot of stress on joints: it’s low impact.

Before you begin:

Consult with a health care provider before starting any new physical activity.
Find the right bicycle for you. For example the right: size, fit, and features.
Always begin slowly: you can increase the length and pace of cycling as you become more comfortable.
Familiarize yourself with the routes in your community that are cycling friendly.

A bicycle is considered a vehicle under the Highway Traffic Act (e-Laws Ontario), so it is important that cyclists follow all the traffic laws signs and signals. Cyclists have the same responsibilities on public roads as motorists. It is important to review cycling safety before you begin to cycle.

Finding the right bicycle

It is important to find a bicycle of the proper size because it will be easier to handle and will provide more comfort.

The seat should be at hip height when standing beside the bicycle. Also, when standing, you should be able to straddle the top tube of the bike with both feet flat on the ground.
Younger cyclists should be able to have both feet on the ground when sitting on the seat.
You should be able to reach the handlebars with a gentle forward lean. Stretching the back and shoulders to reach the handlebars is not the proper technique. If your bike has handlebar brakes, ensure that you can reach them and that they are adjusted so you can pull them strongly.
Children grow fast. When purchasing a bicycle, ask the sales staff to show you how to adjust the seat and handlebar height to allow the child to grow into the bicycle.
You may wish to drop by a local bicycle store and have them assess proper bicycle fit.

Where to cycle

Cycling is a great alternative to motorized transportation to get to places that you want to go to. Depending on your skill level, there are many types of routes in our community for you to choose from. According to the Highway Traffic Act, all bicycles must operate on a roadway; however, local trails (Rainbow Routes Association) also provide opportunities to connect you to places in a safe manner.

Another option to make it easier to commute is to use the Greater Sudbury transit rack and roll program (City of Greater Sudbury). This program allows you to take your bicycle on public transit.

Active transportation

Active transportation (Public Health Agency of Canada) is defined as a human powered way of transportation such as walking, cycling and skateboarding. It is important to reduce the dependency on motorized vehicle use and make smart choices about transportation. We all have a part to play to live longer healthier lives. Walking and cycling are key contributors to improve health through increased physical activity.

The benefits of active transportation:

It is a great way to fit some physically active into your day.
It is an accessible means of transportation.
It offers opportunities to meet new people including your neighbours.
It is a less expensive way to travel.
It can help reduce road congestion and greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

Tips to begin:

Before jumping in your motorized vehicle, ask yourself whether walking or cycling to your destination is possible.
When going out with your children (to the beach, park, etc.), consider making it a family bike ride or a family walk.
Consider using public transportation.
Cycle to school (Ontario Active School Travel) with your children .
Cycle or walk to work.

This item was last modified on March 4, 2024