Trails and Bikeway Committee

Mandate

The Committee's mandate is to advise Community Services Committee and Council on issues regarding Recreation Trail and Bicycle related programs. The Committee will consider ways in which to help promote and develop Recreation Trails and Bikeway routes throughout the City of Niagara Falls. The Committee will assist in the implementation of recommendations contained in the City's Trails and Bikeway Master Plan.

Membership

The Membership of the Committee will include a wide range of trails and cycling enthusiasts with interest, expertise and experience in these fields. Membership will generally be composed of 13 individuals appointed by Council. The term of Membership of the Committee will coincide with the Terms of City Council.

Members of the Committee are approved and endorsed by Council.

Meeting Format

Meetings will be held on a monthly basis, or at the call of the Chair. The agendas and minutes will be prepared by the liaison representative from Recreation & Culture. At the first meeting, the Committee will elect a chairperson.

Staff Support

The City's Recreation & Culture liaison will act as Secretary-Treasurer to the Committee, providing professional and administrative support.

Trails and Bikeway Committee Activities

Upcoming Activities

Milenium Trail Section Four - Efforts are underway to complete Section 4 of the Millennium Trail which will stretch 1.4 kilometers along the Hydro Canal, connecting Morrison Street to Thorold Stone Road. The continuation of the Millennium Trail provides residents and visitors of Niagara Falls further opportunity to walk, cycle, jog and/or rollerblade in the City’s natural green spaces and corridors. In addition, trails are an economic, environmentally friendly and safer off-road mode of transportation.

The abundance of tree coverage allows for shade and cool walking conditions. The Trail also offers a memorial grove where people have sponsored a tree in memory or in honour of someone.. Whether you cycle, walk, run, jog, or roller blade this path offers you a safe off-road area for recreation.

The Trails & Bikeways Committee organized and implemented the following events:

Completion and Opening of the Olympic Torch Run Legacy Trail - On Saturday December 12, 2009 the Trails & Bikeway Committee participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the Olympic Torch Run Legacy Trail. Originally named the Palmer Avenue Trail, it was renamed to commemorate the official Olympic Torch Run which took place in Niagara Falls on December 20, 2009.

The 1.3 kilometer paved trail, travels along the former railway corridor, starting at Queen Street ending at Palmer Avenue at the Newman Hill bridge overpass; linking the Downtown to the Clifton Hill area.

On April 23, 2010, students from Stamford Collegiate and Simcoe Street Schools celebrated Arbour Day by planting approximately 50 trees along the first section ofthe Olympic Torch Run Legacy Trail. Three weeks later, representatives of the Fallsview Casino Resort Project Green Team planted an additional 15 park size trees on the second section of the trail.

2010 YMCA Bike Camp - In partnership with Niagara Region Public Health, the YMCA is proud to introduce the new Bike Camp. This camp teaches youth safe cycling skills for residential streets, bike lanes and multi-use trails following the CAN Bike program (the Canadian Standard for cycling education). Participants will learn about bike skills and safety from certified instructors and will also enjoy traditional camp activities. In an effort to make this camp available to all youth, the Trails & Bikeway Committee, Stamford Lioness, the Niagara Falls Knights of Columbus and the Optimist Club of Niagara Falls have all volunteered to sponsor the registration fee (i.e. $150/youth) of 7 participants. The Trails & Bikeway Committee is also seeking donors of bikes (new & used), helmets and water bottles for youth who could otherwise not participate. For more information click here Ride of Silence - The Trails & Bikeways Committee proudly organized the annual Ride of Silence at which cyclists worldwide gather in a silent slow-paced ride (max.20 kph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways. View photos of the2009 or 2010 event.

Cycle Safety Clinic - On May 31, 2009, the Trails & Bikeways Committee welcomed 32 children, from the ages of 4 to 14 to run through the various safety stations set up by the Niagara Regional Police. The event also included a bicycle maintenance and helmet check station. Routine repairs or fit adjustment s were made to the bicycles, reflectors installed and a bike bell attached if needed. View the event photos

Whirlpool Trail Restoration - In September the Committee once again assisted with the restoration of another 80 stairs on the Whirlpool Trail. The addition of prefabricated stairs to the trail has increased safety for regular users and made access to the gorge much better for rescue crews. The Trails and Bikeway Committee wishes to thank Lococos, Moodies Bakery, and Tim Hortons (Victoria Avenue) for donating food and refreshments. View the before and after pictures.

Olympic Torch Run Legacy Trail Opening - On Saturday December 12, 2009 the Trails & Bikeways Committee participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open a new trail which will ultimately link downtown Niagara Falls to the Clifton Hill area. View photos of the trail opening

Upcoming Activities

Completion and Opening of the Olympic Torch Run Legacy Trail & Parkette - In April 2010, the Trails & Bikeways Committee will participate in the opening of the completed Olympic Torch Run Legacy Trail & Parkette - date & details to follow.

Millennium Trail Phase 4 - Late summer 2010, the Committee will also participate in the highly anticipated opening of Phase 4 of the much used Millennium Trail - date & details to follow.

Trails and Bikeway Committee

The City's Trails & Bikeway Committee consists of volunteers from the community. Their mandate is to consider ways in which to help promote and develop Recreational Trails and Bikeway Routes throughout the City of Niagara Falls. View the Minutes of the Trails and Bikeway Committee.

If you have any questions regarding the role or projects involving the Committee, please contact the Recreation & Culture Division at 905-356-7521 ext 3330.

Benefits of trail development

Provides for increased leisure recreation opportunities for the whole family through a safe off-road trail that can be used for walking, cycling, jogging and cross-country skiing.
Provides, low cost, easily accessible, year round opportunities for people to improve their personal health and fitness.
Local schools can pursue educational opportunities and allow their students to explore nature.
Families can enjoy a safe and enjoyable leisure walk in a naturalized and peaceful setting.
Provides an alternative and healthier transportation option.
Provides linkage to schools, parks, the Village of Chippawa, and the Niagara Parks Commission Recreation Trail.