54th year of NCC weekend bikedays
Tashi Farmilo
The National Capital Commission (NCC) is underway with the 54th year of its beloved NCC Weekend Bikedays, offering residents and tourists in the Ottawa-Gatineau region a vibrant, car-free environment to enjoy during the warmer months. Started May 11 and running until October 14, the initiative will transform Kichi Zībī Mīkan and Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway into pedestrian zones from 8-4 PM on weekends and holiday Mondays. Additionally, Queen Elizabeth Driveway will be reserved from Somerset Street to Fifth Avenue from 8-8 PM.
In a move towards creating a more inclusive urban space, the NCC has extended its car-free hours for a portion of Queen Elizabeth Driveway between Somerset Street and Pretoria Avenue to 24 hours a day, seven days a week during July and August. This extension is part of an innovative "open street" concept aimed at enhancing community engagement and recreational activities.
A recent NCC survey shows strong approval from both local and visiting participants, who cherish the opportunity to explore the region's scenic parkways in an active, safe, and eco-friendly manner. Last year, electronic counters recorded over 240,000 visits, underscoring the program’s popularity.
In response to growing demands for safer and more accessible routes, the NCC is considering significant enhancements to the multi-use pathways along the Rideau Canal, the region’s busiest. Plans are underway to evaluate the possibility of dedicated bike lanes along Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Colonel By Drive. This initiative seeks to create a permanent, segregated cycling space to alleviate congestion on the existing paths, thereby improving safety for all users. Consultations will involve local community associations, stakeholders, and the general public to ensure that the new developments meet the needs and expectations of the community effectively.
Tobi Nussbaum, CEO of the National Capital Commission, expressed enthusiasm about the ongoing project: “NCC Weekend Bikedays transforms our scenic parkways and shorelines into destinations in themselves, offering a unique and sustainable urban experience. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with our partners and stakeholders to create spaces and experiences that make our region a wonderful place to live and visit.”
Photo caption: Now in its 54th year, the beloved NCC Weekend Bikedays continue to offer both residents and tourists in the Ottawa-Gatineau region a vibrant and car-free environment to enjoy during the warmer months.
Photo credit: Courtesy of the NCC
