Cycling in Essex

Bicycling is a great way to get around the Town of Essex, whether you’re commuting, exploring, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

We’re proud to be an active partner in the County Wide Active Transportation System (CWATS) since 2012.

Together, we’ve been improving cycling safety and connectivity within our town and to neighbouring communities through the addition of paved shoulders, multi-use pathways, and bike lanes.

Bikers near the greenway

A Hub for Cycling in Essex County

Located at the geographic center of Essex County, the Town of Essex is a natural hub for a wide range of cycling experiences. The region’s flat terrain, comfortable routes, waterfronts, wineries, locally grown food, historic sites, and vibrant local shops and restaurants all combine to create an exceptional cycling destination.

Group biking in wineries

Something for Everyone

Our community offers both on-road and off-road routes suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities. Whether you’re planning a short family ride or a longer cycling adventure, Essex provides a welcoming and enjoyable environment for all.

We encourage residents and visitors alike to get on their bikes and discover everything Essex has to offer.

Featured Cycling Routes

To help you get started, here are a few suggested routes:

5 KM

Town of Essex Loop

27 KM

Essex - St. Clair / Lakeshore Route

28 KM

Essex - Amherstburg Trail

100 Miles

EC Way Loop

Kelly-Ann Way

Connecting the Gordie Howe International Bridge to Point Pelee through Essex

Cycle through Essex Centre, Colchester, Harrow, and McGregor!

Essex 76 KM Loop

Bike Lockers

Secure and free bike lockers are ready to rent at key locations in each of Essex County’s seven municipalities, including the Essex Civic Centre and the Essex Recreation Complex. For all locker locations, visit the County of Essex website.

Daughter putting on mothers bike helmet

Safe Cycling

Our community features both road and trail routes that are suitable for all ages and abilities. We encourage all of our residents and visitors to gear up and go, but safety should be your #1 concern!

Resources: 

Group cycling on paved shoulders

Paved Shoulders

The Town of Essex’s section of County Road 50 now features paved shoulders along its entire length, marking an important milestone for active transportation in the region.

Paved shoulders were also constructed along Dunn Road. This route serves as an important connection between Colchester and Harrow and was among the first projects completed by CWATS.

Two people looking out at Lake Erie with their Bikes

Great Lakes Waterfront Trail

The Town of Essex is part of the scenic Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and is currently the first—and only—fully completed segment of the trail within Windsor-Essex that is ready to accommodate cyclists of a wide range of ages and abilities.

This trail features 1,400 kilometres of connected routes linking communities along the Great Lakes waterfront.

 

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