Testing the Greenbelt Cycling Route

The Waterfront Regeneration Trust has received funding from the Greenbelt Foundation to implement a new cycling route connecting communities throughout the Greenbelt. The project will create a signature provincial cycling route from Northumberland to Niagara (460 km) using existing infrastructure, and is expected to launch in late summer 2015.

I was fortunate to be one of the over 200 people who participated in the Greenbelt Route Mobile Workshops from May 5-10. The Workshops were a great opportunity to hear presentations from visiting and local experts on cycle tourism, cycling infrastructure and services; network with other cycling, tourism, business and Greenbelt leaders; and, most importantly, experience and evaluate the route.

Here are some of the highlights of the 63 km York Region segment of the route from the mobile workshops on May 7 and 8, 2014.

Greenbelt Route Mobile Workshop from Shawn Smith on Vimeo.

Touring Musselman's Lake

Musselman's Lake is a small community in Whitchurch-Stouffville and the lake itself is a significant natural and recreational asset.  Being a popular destination among touring cyclists, and I decided to check it out for myself.  It was worth the trip.


Most online bike routes around Musselman's Lake (such as this one from Warden to Cedar Beach on the shores of beautiful Musselman's Lake) follow Ninth Line, on the east side of the Lake.  I found this part of Ninth Line to be a bit narrow and uncomfortable for cycling, since there tight turns and are no shoulders.  A better alternative, in my opinion, is to go along the west side on quiet residential streets.  There's a section connecting Connor Blvd to Cedarvale Dr that is closed to motor vehicles, but accessible by bicycle or on foot.

Musselman's Lake is a tranquil community with some awesome views, although most of the shoreline is privately owned.  It makes for an excellent rest stop.  Connect to Ballantrae via Aurora Road to the north, and to Stouffville via Ninth Line to the South.

 

Here is the trail connection between Connor and Cedarvale on the north side of the Lake

Ice cream shop at Ninth Line & Cedarvale

Restaurant at at Ninth Line & Cedarvale