Home » Recreational Cycling » » Press Release-August 2005 Debra Ryan

November 20, 2005

Press Release-August 2005 Debra Ryan

Annapolis County Recreation Services officially launched a new bicycling guide to promote active living within the Annapolis County region on August 4, 2005 in Annapolis Royal. The guide entitled Bicycle Annapolis County, A Cycling Guide to Outdoor Adventure will be available free of charge and is also available on the county web site.
www.annapoliscounty.ns.ca click recreation

In 2004 the county completed a comprehensive Recreation Interest Study and found that over 50 % of county residents owned a bicycle and that cycling was identified within the top ten recreation activities enjoyed by residents.

As a result of this survey and input from a number of residents, organizations/agencies and cyclist, recreation services developed a process that will hopefully lead to a more Bicycle Friendly Annapolis County.

Bicycle Annapolis County is a first step and the Municipality will be developing other initiatives in the future to meet this goal.

The guide is a listing of 21 selected bicycle routes that range from easy, moderate and challenging and highlights the diversity of terrain and beauty that the region offers from the rolling landscape of the valley floor to the North and South mountain climbs. You can view mountain and valley scenic vistas, cycle through the Bay of Fundy coastal communities or you may prefer the wilderness areas of the South Mountain region with its many lakes and waterways. It is only a sampling of the various routes that one may take in the county and more will be added on our web site as time and resources will allow.

The guide consists of a large map like brochure that showcases 21 color coded routes that are user friendly and specifically designed for novice map readers and includes bicycle safety tips, Nova Scotia Bicycle laws and other bicycle information.

Each route includes the color coded name , recommended start and finish area, distance of each route in both km and miles, rating (easy, moderate and or challenging), terrain, conditions, attractions, services, and links to other routes.

It is our hope that residents will continue and or rediscover the healthy benefits of riding a bicycle to increase their fitness level and to enjoy bicycling to and from work or just for fun!

Special thanks to Brian Orde who championed the project with our staff; Kent Thompson, Susan and Nat Tileston and the Annapolis CyclePaths for their valuable insights and feedback; Jim Todd , Graphic Artist and cartographer for listening to our needs and designing the project accordingly and to our Municipal Council and the Office of Health Promotion for their financial support.