Peterborough is known for its natural prowess. The streets are laced with trees and greenery, parks can be found all throughout the city and a sparkling, yet slightly polluted river runs right through it. It is justifiably regarded as the "Gateway to Cottage Country" in central Ontario and acts as a wonderful transition from the busier metropolis of south-western Ontario (Toronto etc) to the isolated wilderness of the Canadian Shield.
Over the past few years I've maintained that one of the best ways to travel and see the world is on a bicycle. Such a statement is very easily applied to seeing and getting around in Peterborough. The city of approximately 70,000 people (many of which are seniors and students) is filled with a picturesque and convenient trail system. The trail system runs all the way from the busy, box-store filled Lansdowne St all the way to Trent University at the northern tip of the city. It is a paved path that runs along the river most of the way and has very few crossings of major roadways. In addition the system goes west from downtown in the large and beautiful Jackson's Park.
The trail system, which is home to walkers, runners, cyclists etc, is expanding. The city is ripping up abandoned railway lines and putting in smoothly paved trails, connecting the southern end of the city, much of which is a large industrial park, to the trail system. There are several abandoned rail lines throughout the city that are expected to be replaced with concrete, making the trail system more user-friendly and accessible for those around the city.
Additionally, the city has put in bike lanes on some of the busier streets that connects some of the separated trails, allowing for a much more continuous system.
Having a connected, easy-to-use and naturally aesthetically pleasing trail system will encourage people in cities to try alternative modes of transportation--most notably, bicycles--by making the rides easy, convenient and enjoyable. Good on 'ya, Peterborough!
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