March 3/15 18:09 pm - 2015 Cycling in Ontario Guide Released

Posted by Editor on 03/3/15
 

All types of cyclists can now easily find an array of Ontario-wide summer ride ideas, inspiration and detailed travel information in the newly released 2015 Cycling in Ontario / Le vélo en Ontario guide. Available for free, this 24 page colourful annual publication keeps getting bigger, better and more sought after by cyclists each year.

Cycling is becoming an increasingly popular recreational activity in Ontario as more and more Ontario residents and visitors take to two wheels to explore Ontario by bike. Not only is cycle tourism a growing phenomena worldwide but in Ontario as well; with 69% of cyclists in Ontario having taken an overnight or day trip in the past two years.

Ontario tourism businesses are welcoming cyclists, many providing an extra level of service to those who arrive by bike. Cycle tourists can find over 1,000 locations around the province that have achieved certification status as a bicycle-friendly location through the Ontario By Bike Network. An increasing number of destinations are now publishing cycling maps, showing bike routes and ride details.

The 2015 Cycling in Ontario guide highlights a range of cycling experiences including information on where to find:

• 2 hour outings to 14 day cycling tours
• Quiet country roads well-suited for serious training rides
• Top technical terrain for mountain bike enthusiasts
• Expansive gorge and wetland crossings via bike bridges
• Converted rail beds and world-class trail riding
• Cycling events, from fundraisers to leisurely weekend or longer tours
• Ferries and island bike destinations
• Wineries, brew pubs, cafes and patios to quench a thirst
• Lost islands, decommissioned submarines, agricultural museums and many other truly original sites that beg a stop

View a digital copy on-line at www.ontariobybike.ca/2015.

Free print copies are available by sending an e-mail request to info@ontariobybike.ca;. Print copies will also be available at Tourism Information Centres and locations around the province.

Pick up a copy this weekend at the Toronto International Bicycle Show March 6 to 8, booth #721, Ontario Cycle Tourism Information Centre.

Cyclists looking for more information about cycling in Ontario can visit www.ontariobybike.ca

Quick Facts
• A total of 35,000 copies are printed annually (25,000 in English and 10,000 in French).
• In 2014, cyclists took an average of 3 overnight cycling trips in Ontario.
• In addition to cycling top activity preferences for cyclists include culinary experiences, visiting cultural sites and museums, hiking, camping, wine tasting and shopping.
• Cycling events are a big draw with 65% of Ontario cycling event participants are tourists (travelling farther than 40km from home) and participating in more than 3 events annually.
• There were over 98 cycling events across Ontario in 2014, attracting tens of thousands of participants. The economic impact of single day to 2 day events can range from $6,000 to $1.42 million.
• 1,000+ Ontario By Bike certified bicycle friendly business locations in 28 regions across the province.

*Source: From Niche To Now: Cycle Tourism in Ontario (2015). Transportation Options recently released industry report on the state of Ontario's cycle tourism sector. Now available at www.ontariobybike.ca/from-niche-to-now.

About the Publication
The 2015 Cycling in Ontario / Le vélo en Ontario guide is published annually by partners Ontario By Bike and Direction Ontario. Available with identical content in both English and French, 2015 is the third year the partnership has worked with regional and provincial tourism partners to print the guide.

Direction Ontario is an organization and expert on promoting tourism in Ontario to Francophones. Ontario By Bike is a project of Transportation Options, a non-profit organization focused on delivering sustainable transportation and tourism solutions in Ontario and a recognized leader in cycle tourism development.