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Victoria is the known as the "Cycling Capital of Canada". A temperate climate, an extensive trail and road network and spectacular scenery allow for year-round on- and off-road biking. Bike shops, clubs and touring companies offer expertise, equipment and guided rides to both residents and visitors. All ferries that service Vancouver Island allow passengers to bring bicycles aboard for a small fee. Cycling in Victoria and on Vancouver Island is both a mode of transportation and a way of life. Visitors can explore the entire city or the entire Island via bicycle.
The 1994 Commonwealth Games held in Victoria left the Juan de Fuca Velodrome as a legacy. This facility has contributed to the sport of cycling in Victoria, where a local racing circuit competes twice weekly. Road cycling is also popular and some of the highest-ranked athletes in the sport are from Victoria or live and train here. Well-maintained roads, oceanside rides and unparalleled sight-seeing vistas make Victoria's city streets and highways cycle friendly for these athletes.
Amateur cyclists benefit from the same amenities. Bike lanes on many of Victoria's downtown streets and bike racks on several city buses that travel to the suburban communities also promote cycling. Business people and students are often seen cycling to work and school as an easy, environment-friendly mode of transportation.
In the Greater Victoria Region, we have at least 2.5 times more commuter cyclists than any other city in Canada; that works out to 7,000 people. These 7,000 potential car trips eliminated save at least $20 million in annual transportation costs. Most people live within a 30-minute bike ride of their workplace and, from some neighbourhoods, up to 20 per cent of trips to work are made by bicycle. More Victoria and area cyclists wear bike helmets than anywhere else in the world.
Mountain biking has also become a rapidly-growing sport and pastime in Victoria and on Vancouver Islandand the rugged terrain around Victoria is perfect for it. Active clubs and their members help maintain the numerous trails you will find throughout the Island, ranging from easy family tracks to very difficult rides that will challenge your physical fitness and your technical know-how.
Please see the Tourism Victoria member businesses offering Cycling & Mountain Biking. For a complete listing of all Tourism Victoria businesses, please visit our Business Directory.
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