Tuesday, 3 June 2014

This goose gallops

A recent trip to Victoria along with a hybrid bike rental allowed a chance to check out some of the biking around the capital city of British Columbia.

Coming from Montreal where you have limited hilly areas in town, Victoria is an up and down delight though it always seemed that it was uphill wherever we went.

Cycling infrastructure throughout the city is limited to painted lanes on the streets though there are some interesting designs for bike parking.



Unlike Montreal, city officials don't want bicycles locked to parking posts though not everyone follows the instruction.


Some parking spots are truly inspired.


What really stands out in Victoria is their rail trails that start right downtown and extend north to Schwartz Bay and west to Sooke.


Although they are supposed to be rail trails, expect a fair amount of up and down riding in some sections. These trails are used extensively by cyclists commuting to and from Victoria though they are considered multi-use trails so expect lots of dog walkers and other pedestrians. For the most part, people seemed quite courteous to each other.

The trails are well serviced. Check out the watering hole at the Switch bridge where the Lochside trail branches off from the Galloping Goose. There is a bottle filling station and even a lower one for your pet.


There is also a cool looking bike shop just by the Switch bridge.


There are other trails that can be found by visiting the town of Saanich's website. We tried out the Colquitz River trail that was very picturesque and narrow in some spots.


Victoria and its environs is definitely a great place to visit by bike.

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