News Release
April 23, 2024
The National Capital Commission is pleased to announce the return of its popular NCC Weekend Bikedays program. On weekends and holiday Mondays, from May 11 to October 14, Kichi Zībī Mīkan and Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway will be reserved for active use from 8 am to 4 pm, while the section of Queen Elizabeth Driveway, from Somerset Street to Fifth Avenue, will be reserved for active use from 8 am to 8 pm — offering a car-free experience for people to walk, cycle or roll.
In July and August, a portion of Queen Elizabeth Driveway, from Somerset Street to Pretoria Avenue, will remain car-free 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This will allow the NCC to provide animation opportunities along this corridor, creating an ‘open street’ concept.
A recent survey indicates that both residents of and visitors to the National Capital Region are highly satisfied with the opportunity to enjoy scenic parkways in an active, sustainable, and safe way. Electronic counters on the parkways also captured more than 240,000 visits.
To further enhance the safety of the multi-use pathways along the Rideau Canal, the busiest in the National Capital Region, the NCC will explore the feasibility of installing bike lanes along the length of the canal parkways — Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Colonel By Drive. The objective is to determine the most effective way to provide permanent, segregated cycling space to ease the pressure on the canal pathways and enhance pedestrian safety while separating faster-moving cyclists from the limited pathway space. This study will include consultation with community associations, stakeholders and the public.
“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.”
- Tobi Nussbaum, CEO, National Capital Commission
Details on NCC Weekend Bikedays locations and schedule are available on our website. NCC Weekend Bikedays are one of many ways to take in the beauty of the national capital region. The Gatineau Park free shuttle service schedule will be released next week.