Starting this Sunday at 6 am parkways in Gatineau Park are closed to cars every Sunday until fall. Cars regain these roads at 11 am.
The NCC has made a booboo in its press release though, they indicate that the north loop will be closed to cars for an additional period, until 1 pm; suggesting access from P8. In fact that section has been closed to cars for the majority of the summer based on the erosion near P8. Moreover, there is no bicycle, foot or car access to this portion of the parkway from P8 due to the protective fencing. Cyclists and others need to go to P9.
Here’s the NCC press release:
41st SEASON OF ALCATEL-LUCENT SUNDAY BIKEDAYS BEGINS THIS WEEKEND
Canada’s Capital Region – The National Capital Commission (NCC), in collaboration with title sponsor Alcatel-Lucent and volunteers from KPMG LLP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP, the Canadian Mental Health Association and Tommy & Lefebvre, is pleased to present the 41st season of Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bikedays, which begins this Sunday, May 22, 2011
Every Sunday morning until Labour Day weekend, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy more than 50 kilometres of scenic parkways in the heart of the Capital and Gatineau Park that are closed to motorized traffic and reserved for cyclists, in-line skaters, runners and walkers.
“The NCC is pleased to announce the opening of the 41st season of Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bikedays, one of our most popular summer activities,” said Marie Lemay, Chief Executive Officer of the NCC. “We invite residents and visitors to discover Canada’s Capital in a whole new way. We hope that Sunday Bikedays will encourage more people to get out and cycle.”
“At Alcatel-Lucent, we are proud of our long standing partnership with the National Capital Commission to present Sunday Bikedays. It is rewarding to see people enjoy this healthy, eco-conscious activity,” said Steve McCaughan, Vice President and General Manager, IP Division at Alcatel-Lucent. “By encouraging the use of bikes and means of transportation other than motor vehicles, we can all have a positive impact on our community and the environment.”
PARKWAYS RESERVED FOR ALCATEL-LUCENT SUNDAY BIKEDAYS: OTTAWA
Ottawa River Parkway — 9 am to 1 pm
The westbound lanes of the Ottawa River Parkway, located on the south side of the Ottawa River just west of the downtown core, are closed to motorized traffic from 9 am to 1 pm, from Vimy Place (Canadian War Museum) to Carling Avenue. The Parkway is monitored by volunteers from Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP. (Length: 5.5 kilometres)
* May 29, 2011: Access to the Ottawa River Parkway during Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bikedays will be modified due to the Ottawa Race Weekend. Police will be onsite to direct traffic.
Colonel By Drive — 9 am to 1 pm
Both lanes of Colonel By Drive, located on the east side of the Rideau Canal in the heart of the Capital, are closed to motorized traffic from 9 am to 1 pm, from the Laurier Bridge to the Hog’s Back Bridge. The Parkway is monitored by volunteers from KPMG LLP. (Length: 7.6 kilometres)
* May 29, 2011: No Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bikedays on Colonel By Drive due to the Ottawa Race Weekend.Rockcliffe Parkway — 9 am to 1 pm
Both lanes of the Rockcliffe Parkway, running along the south side of the Ottawa River, just east of the downtown core, are closed to motorized traffic from 9 am to 1 pm, from the Aviation Parkway to St. Joseph Boulevard in Orleans. The Parkway is monitored by volunteers from the Canadian Mental Health Association and Tommy and Lefebvre.(Length: 8.4 kilometres)PARKWAYS RESERVED FOR ALCATEL-LUCENT SUNDAY BIKEDAYS: GATINEAU PARK
The Gatineau, Champlain and Fortune Parkways, which are ideal destinations for cycling enthusiasts who enjoy steep hills, are closed to motorized traffic from 6 am to 11 am. One section, to the north of Lac-Meech Road (parking lot P8), is ideal for families with young children and is closed for two additional hours, from 6 am to 1 pm. (Length: 30.5 kilometres)
CLINICS – SUMMER 2011
Once again this year, representatives from the Alcatel-Lucent Switchbacks will be on hand to offer free bike checks.
Club: Alcatel-Lucent Switchbacks
Clinic: Free Bike Checks
Location: Colonel By Drive (near Pretoria Bridge)
Date and Time: Every Sunday, from May 22 to September 4 (9 am to 1 pm)_________________________________________________________________________
Members of the Ottawa Public Health and the Pathway Patrol will offer instructional sessions on helmet fitting and recreational safety tips for the whole family.
Clubs: Ottawa Public Health and the Pathway Patrol
Clinic: Helmet fitting services and recreational safety
Location, Date, Time: Colonel By Drive (near Clegg Street and Echo Drive): June 5, 12 and 26, July 17 and 24 and August 14 and 21 (9 am to 1 pm)
P8 parking lot of the Rockcliffe Parkway: July 10 and August 7 (9 am to 1 pm)For more information about the Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bikedays activity, please contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 1-800-465-1867, 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), or visit the website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca/biking.
The cards that GuideGatineau has begun distributing to promote the website are considered to be highly environmentally responsible due to the fact that the paper used is 100% recycled and is produced using energy from biofuels plus the ink is vegetable based.