There’s something so amazing about jumping on a bike for a spin on a summer afternoon. There’s something even more amazing about doing that while next to the ocean. The city of Halifax is a biker’s paradise and offers something for all bike riders, whether new to the sport or a seasoned veteran of two wheels. Here are some resources the Hazelview Properties team compiled to help you learn more about biking in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
I Heart Bikes (1507 Lower Water Street)
www.iheartbikeshfx.com/bikerentalshalifax
This is a charming little bike shop located in a lime-green shipping container. It is one of Halifax’s gems and a great place to purchase or rent a bike. This is a spot to rent a great vintage cruiser bike for an afternoon adventure. Be sure to chat with the owners as they’re quick to offer suggestions for great local shops and restaurants that may have been previously overlooked. A day’s rental will set you back about twenty dollars and includes a custom map with lots of bike routes that weave throughout the city. For a fun day with a friend or even on a date – check out the tandem bikes available for $45. Add-ons such as pet baskets, infant holders and a child chariot are also available at no additional cost.
Even for those that already have a set of wheels, it’s worth heading over to I Heart Bikes’ website for a terrific map and its take on the best of Halifax’s bike routes. For beginners, try the suggested route of just over 7 kilometres that makes its way to Point Pleasant Park – a perfect spot for a break and an afternoon picnic.
Halifax Cycling Coalition
http://cyclehalifax.ca/
Learn more about cycling in Halifax and support the improvement of cycling conditions in the city by connecting with the Halifax Cycling Coalition. This association of cyclists is finding ways to encourage bicycle use and increase education for both cyclists and motorists sharing the road. First time urban bikers should check out HCC’s practical safety tips for cyclists. Keep an eye out for HCC’s workshops and events to learn more about biking in Halifax and support bike-friendly infrastructure in the city.
Halifax Critical Mass
http://halifaxcriticalmass.ath.cx
Join other cyclists for a monthly critical mass ride. The ride takes place on the last Friday of every month. The ride is simply to celebrate the bicycle and enjoy the company of other bike riders in Halifax. The next ride takes place on Friday July 26. Critical Mass in Halifax meets at Victoria Park, on the corner of Spring Garden Road and South Park Street at 6 p.m.
Bicycle-Friendly Halifax
http://www.halifax.ca/cycling/
Overall, Halifax is working to develop a network of trails and on-road bicycle infrastructure. Learn more about the initiatives by visiting Blueprint For a Bicycle-Friendly HRM. Remember that bikes can be used with all MetroLink, Ferries and MetroX routes. Passengers can bike to a Metro Transit terminal and either use bike lockers or take bikes along on the bike rack. Check out the HRM Bike Map of both road routes and greenways. Hard copies of the maps are also available at public centres such as libraries, customer services centres, visitor centres, bike shops, and other locations throughout Halifax.
Make sure to remember that under Nova Scotia’s Motor Vehicle Act, all bikers are required to wear a helmet while on wheels. Have fun and bike safe! Ready to call the bike-friendly city of Halifax home? Contact Hazelview Properties about a wide variety of rental apartments in some of the most sought-after areas of the city including Bayer’s Lake and in the heart of Clayton Park.