June 1st marked the start of Bike Month, a celebration of cycling and all the ways it supports our health, our environment, and our communities. Grey Bruce Public Health encourages residents of all ages to take advantage of the longer days, fresh air, and beautiful local routes by hopping on a bike!

Cycling for leisure, exercise, commuting, and active transport are great ways to support positive health changes by contributing to an individual's recommended daily physical activity as set out by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP). In Grey Bruce during 2021, 23.3% of adults were not meeting the national physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of physical activity (PA) a week, only slightly below the provincial rate (23.7%) (PHO, 2024). Keep up the good work and encourage our children and youth to get more active.

Physical Activity in Grey Bruce Children and Youth

Public Health Ontario's data underscores the need to encourage physical activity among children and youth in our community, as trends show a consistent decline in their activity levels (CHSCY, 2019, PHO, 2024).

• Children (ages 3-4): In pre-pandemic pooled data for Canadian children ages 3-4 years, 61.8% met the PA recommendations of an average of 180 minutes of various physical activities per day, 60 minutes of which includes energetic play
• Children (Ages 5–11): On average, children in Grey Bruce engage in 42.5 minutes of physical activity per day. Approximately 38.5% meet the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines, which recommend at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily.
• Youth (Ages 12–17): Youth in our region average 28.6 minutes of physical activity per day, with only 23.4% meeting the recommended guidelines.

These figures underscore the need for increased opportunities and encouragement for physical activity among our young residents. Cycling is an excellent way to incorporate more movement into daily routines, offering both health benefits and enjoyment.

Why Bike?

Bicycling is a fun, low-impact way to get active and stay healthy. Just a short ride each day can:

• Strengthen your heart and muscles
• Boost your mood and energy levels
• Improve sleep and reduce stress
• Support healthy aging and prevent chronic diseases
• Provide a screen-free activity the whole family can enjoy
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
• Reduces traffic congestion

Canada’s 24-Hour Movement Guidelines recommend:

• Adults: at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week
• Children and Youth: 60 minutes of physical activity every day

Learn more about the physical activity recommendations by visiting publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Your-Health/Active-Living/Physical-Activity

Ride Smart and Safe! Before you go make sure:

• Your helmet fits properly (mandatory for those under 18, strongly encouraged for all)
• Your bike is in good working order (check brakes, tires, and lights)
• You’re visible (use reflectors, bike lights, and bright clothing)
• You know the rules of the road (cyclists must obey traffic signs and signals)

Find more safety tips and resources:

publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Your-Health/Injury-Prevention/Road-Safety/Cycling-Safety or visit: Ontario Bicycle Safety

Trail maps and Cycling Routes in Grey Bruce
Grey Bruce is filled with scenic cycling routes suitable for all skill levels. Whether you're seeking leisurely trails or challenging terrains, there's something for everyone.

• Bruce Grey Simcoe Cycling Maps: Access detailed maps covering various routes across Bruce, Grey, and Simcoe Counties. https://brucegreysimcoe.com/activities/cycling/cycling-maps
• Grey County Cycling: Discover diverse cycling experiences, from tranquil waterfront paths along Georgian Bay to adventurous off-road trails on the Niagara Escarpment https://www.ontariobybike.ca/grey-county/
• Bruce County Cycling: Explore a wide range of cycling options, including regional trail systems, road routes, and mountain bike facilities. https://www.ontariobybike.ca/bruce-county-southwest/
• Ontario By Bike – Cycling in Ontario 2025: Find inspiration and information to explore more of Ontario by bike with this free annual guide https://www.ontariobybike.ca/cio2025/

Celebrate Bike Month with Us

Set a family goal, try biking to work, or simply spend more time outdoors on two wheels. Share your rides using #BikeMonth and tag @greybrucepublichealth to show how you’re celebrating. Let’s keep Grey Bruce moving, one pedal at a time.