PEDAL BICYCLE SHOP 'SUPER BUSY'

TRAILS ACROSS NIAGARA ARE BUSIER AS MORE AND MORE CYCLISTS ARE OUTSIDE EXERCISING OR ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS

If it seems like there are more cyclists out this year, you are not wrong.

Port Colborne's Alfie D'uva said he often rode a bicycle when he was younger living in Italy but that there was a period of time after coming to Canada when he didn't ride at all.

However, he said, he took the hobby back up and has been riding for many years now.

"It can be an escape," D'uva said about solo bicycling. "If you go out alone, one of the nice things about it, you can go out and kind of clear your head. You just enjoy the scenery."

Also a member of the Niagara Freewheelers Bicycle Touring Club, D'uva said cycling can be a great group activity.

"It's also a social thing," he said. "You are talking to people you bike with all

the time."

D'uva said the Freewheelers host rides for different skill levels and speed.

"We make sure we give them tips to make sure they know how to ride safely in a group," he said.

The Niagara Freewheelers was established in 1991 and hosts more than 500 recreational road races annually. The club boasts over 300 members and hosts rides throughout the region.

D'uva said he has seen a lot more cyclists on the roads since the pandemic began.

A.J. Kendrick, owner of Pedal Bicycle Shop in Port Colborne, has seen the increase in demand firsthand.

"It has been hard getting in parts," said Kendrick. "This year is getting

a little better."

Kendrick said, for higher end more expensive bikes, there can be long waits for parts.

"It's tough but it's like that for every bike shop," he said.

Pedal is located on Main Street West, right along the Greater Niagara Circle Cycling Route, an approximately 140 kilometre signed and paved loop.

Kendrick said the proximity to the cycling route was part of the reason they opened the shop where they did.

He said he hasn't heard a huge amount of people getting into cycling to avoid high gas prices.

"Not many of cyclists in this area are commuters," he said.

He did point out the demand for electric and pedal-assist bicycles has continued to rise, adding they sell out very quickly once in the shop.

According to Kendrick, overall, there are more people spending at the shop. He has noticed an increase in the 40 to 70 age demographic, he said.

"We have been super busy," he said. "We are trying to get in good bikes and keep them up. It is just the two of us."

For the most part, motorists are more considerate of cyclists than in the past, D'uva said.

Accidents still can happen. A cyclist in St. Catharines was recently killed in a collision.

He feels like there is demand for more cycling infrastructure, like protected bike lanes, in Niagara's cities.

"I think educating people about what is going on with bikes goes a long way," he said.

D'uva said cars should make sure they give a metre of space when passing.

"Make sure you always wear a helmet," said D'uva.

He said helmets have expiration dates so it is important to make sure your helmet is up to date.

"Make sure your bike is in good working condition," he advised.

Another suggestion he had was to make sure you wear clothing that are more visible, like bright colours.

Du'va said he thinks more can be done from a tourism angle to promote the cycling infrastructure Niagara already has. He pointed to the number of trails in the area.

To learn more about Pedal Bicycle Shop visit www.pedalbicycleshop.com

For more information about the Niagara Freewheelers Bicycle Touring Club visit thefreewheelers.com

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: With gas prices continuing to rise reporter Nick Fearns sought to learn more about the local bicycling community and what has been impacting them.