The National Capital Commission (NCC) has confirmed that the reduced hours for its Weekend Bikedays program, which were initially scaled back after the pandemic, are here to stay. The decision has sparked mixed reactions among Ottawa residents, with cyclists expressing disappointment while some local residents welcome the change.
Cyclist Disappointment
Rob Attrell, a board member at Bike Ottawa and an Orléans resident, relies heavily on the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway for his cycling trips. He voiced his frustration with the NCC's decision, stating, "I'm pretty disappointed, but I can't necessarily say it was unexpected." Attrell noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the NCC opened up several parkways for active transportation, but has been gradually rolling back those hours ever since.
Starting Saturday, May 9, the 2026 Weekend Bikedays schedule will see Kichi Zībī Mīkan open from 8 a.m. to noon, Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Queen Elizabeth Driveway from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. These hours are consistent with last year's schedule, as confirmed by the NCC in a statement to the Ottawa Citizen. The NCC explained that the decision was guided by user comments, surveys, and usage data from previous seasons, as well as ongoing construction on Kichi Zībī Mīkan that necessitates safety coordination.
Attrell recalled a time two summers ago when Weekend Bikedays provided the perfect solution for transporting his children to a birthday party. He emphasized that the program offers a quiet yet accessible way to navigate the city. He also noted that cyclists use the parkways for both training and commuting, and sees the reduced hours as a "missed opportunity." Attrell has proposed piloting a Wednesday bikeday to encourage downtown commuting, arguing for an objective balance between car and bike traffic.
Resident Support for Reduced Hours
However, residents of the Champlain Park neighbourhood, which is directly adjacent to Kichi Zībī Mīkan, largely support the reduced hours. The closure of the parkway during Weekend Bikedays diverts traffic onto residential streets, causing congestion and safety concerns. For these residents, the scaled-back schedule alleviates some of the disruption to their daily lives.
The NCC's decision to maintain the reduced hours reflects a compromise between the needs of cyclists and local residents. While cyclists like Attrell advocate for more extensive active transportation options, the NCC must balance these demands with infrastructure projects and community feedback. The 2026 schedule will remain unchanged from last year, with no plans to extend hours or introduce new bike days at this time.
