Cyclists push for improvements

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This article was published 17/02/2023 (1189 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Brandon is great for year-round cycling, considering all the bike paths and trail systems, but there is room for improvement, says a cycling advocate whose daily commute is not behind the wheel but behind the handlebars.

The popularity of riding bicycles has been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic when people were encouraged to follow physical distancing and spend more time outside.

For those who like to cycle year-round, the fat-tire bike is quickly becoming the ride of choice. As the name suggests, the tires on such a bike are big — they’re four and a half inches wide, which is about double the size of a typical mountain bike tire, giving the rider more stability on snow and ice.

An avid bike rider year-round, Grant Hamilton has been on each and every path in the city, including the city loop trail. It takes riders on 20 kilometres of pathways from Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School on First Street, west to 34th Street, winding north to Kirkcaldy Drive and eventually back to the beginning.

While great for recreational riders, Hamilton said the pathway system is not designed for commuting.

“So, for someone like me who’d really love to use my bike as much as possible getting to and to and from work, going to the grocery store, dentist — all my appointments — that’s more difficult than it needs to be.”

In Manitoba, cyclists must obey the laws according to the Highway Traffic Act, including no riding on the sidewalk, obeying traffic control signals and signs, and communicating with others using hand signals and eye contact.

The importance of following the rules of the road while riding is something Hamilton knows only too well. In June 2022, he sustained serious injuries after being hit by a car while on his bike, losing the pinky finger on his left hand.

That’s why he has taken the lead on a new initiative in the city called Bike Brandon, comprised of a group of enthusiasts who want to make the city the best it can be for people and their bikes, with events and rides planned for this spring and summer.

“Out of my advocacy after the crash, a group of us are just launching our Bike Brandon website and social media channels. We just want to make sure cycling is as safe and convenient and as inclusive as possible and we think the desire is there,” said Hamilton.

Bike Brandon’s plan coincides with what city council released just last week in its new strategic plan, which included a focus on active transportation.

Active transportation is a way of using people power to get from one place to another like walking, biking, skateboarding, even moving by a non-mechanized wheelchair.

The phrase became well-known when Canada’s chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, released a report in 2017 that stated neighbourhoods and communities designed with active transportation in mind would improve people’s physical and mental health.

The first bike paths in Brandon were constructed more than 35 years ago, and council is now trying to revive and enhance what’s already there, Mayor Jeff Fawcett said in a phone interview.

“But if I want to get to work, to ride my bike to a destination, that’s where we need to improve. How do we do that a little bit better? So our plan is to get to the next level,” Fawcett said.

Bike paths and trails don’t end in the city, said Daniel Lam, who lives and breathes all things riding. Just west of Minnedosa are the Squirrel Hills fat bike trails, and the Brandon Hills are only a few minutes south of the Wheat City.

“The Brandon Hills is a little gem that we have, almost 60 kilometres of trails. It’s beautiful. We’re very lucky to have them so close to home,” said Lam, who is also the shop manager at Stream N Wood. “We’ve had riders from B.C. take a rip and they come back, surprised.”

As enthusiastic at another bike shop in town is A&L Cycle’s sales manager, Chris Clark. He bikes to work on a regular basis year-round and said the colder, the better.

“Especially when it’s cold,” Clark said. “There’s something about it. You dress right, put on the face protection and you’re perfectly temperature when you’re actually moving.”

For those serious about friendly competition and bragging rights about how far and fast they cycle, there’s an app for that, called Strava. Cyclists can compete against other riders complete with a leaderboard, but above all can see their personal best on specific trails or routes.

Hamilton said he’s not interested in the fastest time, but in providing the best way for everyone to cycle safely around the city.

“It’s a real joyful, fun, friendly activity. It doesn’t have to be a race. It’s just a great activity for an afternoon.”

» mmcdougall@brandonsun.com