NCC Bikedays returning in May without 24-hour use on Queen Elizabeth Driveway

People ride their bikes on the westbound lane of the Kichi Zibi Mikan in Ottawa. Monday, May 18, 2020. (Justin Tang/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The National Capital Commission (NCC) has announced the schedule for the 2025 Weekend Bikedays season.

From Mother’s Day weekend to Thanksgiving weekend, the Kichi Zībī Mīkan, a section of the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, and a section of the Queen Elizabeth Driveway will be reserved for active use, such as biking, rollerblading, walking and running on weekends and holidays.

“The NCC Weekend Bikedays schedule has been adjusted this year to accommodate ongoing construction projects and address feedback received from communities and users,” the NCC said in a news release Tuesday.

From May 10 to Oct. 13, on weekends and holidays, the Kichi Zībī Mīkan will be open for active use from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway will be available for active use between St-Joseph Boulevard and the Aviation Parkway from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Queen Elizabeth Driveway will be open for active use between Somerset Street to Fifth Avenue from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

This year’s schedule does not include a summertime period where part of the Queen Elizabeth Driveway will be reserved for active use seven days a week. Two years ago, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe campaigned to have the NCC reopen a section of the road to cars.

Last year, a shorter section of the Driveway was reserved for active users 24 hours a day in July and August.

The NCC says its Summer Zone pilot project returns this year, with a “vibrant waterfront experience” at Dow’s Lake, including a new recreational dock.

“Additional seating will also be available along the Rideau Canal, giving the public more places to relax and enjoy the view,” the NCC said.

CEO Tobi Nussbaum says the NCC has been working to expand access to Ottawa’s scenic parkways.

“Over the past several years, the NCC has been transforming the National Capital Region’s scenic parkways and shorelines into lively destinations,” he said. “Whether it be NCC Weekend Bike Days, River House or Summer Zone and the new recreational dock at Dows Lake, we are working to increase public access to the capital’s incredible shorelines and waterways.”