Get Out There and Bike in Your Community!

Biking can provide many benefits; it’s a mode of active transportation, contributes to your health and well-being, and exercises your brain.

You can read more about how to get started with biking as an active mode of transportation, and its many benefits via Middlesex-London Health Unit’s cycling page.



At rTraction we love to focus on the community. Whether it’s our local community, or different communities across Canada, we believe in the importance of connecting and growing with each other and being a force for good. Biking is a great way to stay connected to your community, and to explore all your community has to offer via trails and local spots. 

A personal favourite is the Fanshawe Conservation Area trail. This trail is 20km and connects the rider with nature, and offers a few challenging spots to test your skills if you feel adventurous. The scenery of biking around the Lake trail is beautiful, and stopping connecting with nature is incredible for your mental health.

Our team member Steve has some great insights when getting started with biking:

The great thing about biking is that there is no right way to do it.  Hop on your bike and start pedaling!  The only requirements are to have fun and stay safe!  You can be as social as you want, riding in big groups, or riding alone. You can go as fast or as leisurely as you like, and you can stop as often as you like.  Plan a trip for any endeavor you like, whether it's to see farm animals on quiet country roads, or follow a paved path through the city. Cycling is a great way to exercise and learn about the place that you're riding.

You can't talk about cycling in London without mentioning the Thames Valley Parkway.  This 43 km paved trail follows the Thames River through almost all of the city. Anywhere on the pathway you'll find people walking or riding bikes pretty much every day of the year. The most popular part of the Thames Valley Parkway is the section through Greenway and Springbank Parks. On summer weekends it can get pretty congested.If you're looking for a quieter section, the trail between Adelaide Street and Kiwanis Park on the South Branch of the Thames River tends to be less traveled and perfect for riding quietly alone or with friends.  Since the bridge was built over the CN tracks at Kiwanis Park, it's become a perfect place to watch the trains pass underneath while taking a break from your ride.

Steve also had an honourable mention for a shorter biking experience in St. Thomas to check out — the Elevated Park. This path is on an old repurposed elevated rail track, and offers a unique experience, and great views!

Biking is a great way to get out and explore community trails, areas, and features.

It can be a social activity, or a solo activity, a zen activity, or your mode of transportation to get you from a to b. You can find out more about London’s cycling initiatives and local spots through the city’s website here.

Hop back on that bike, feel that fresh air, and start connecting with your community today!

Do you bike to work? Do you have a favourite trail you would love to share?

We would love to hear about it.