Cycling

The Bike St. John’s Master Plan sets out the goal to create a safe, inclusive, and convenient cycling network that is well-connected, attractive, and reflective of the City’s unique topography and climate. The City developed the Bike St. John’s Master Plan in 2019 in collaboration with the Bike St. John’s Advisory Committee and the general public. The proposed plan, including details, supporting documents and maps can be found at EngageStJohns.ca.

The City is continuously developing cycling infrastructure that aligns with this plan, including bike lanes, shared-use paths, trails, and other amenities that improve the cycling experience.

You may ride your bike on all city streets in St. John's, unless a posted sign shows otherwise. Learn about some of the infrastructure available for cycling below or view our cycling routes map.

Bike Lanes

Bike lanes are on-street travel lanes reserved for people cycling. They are separate from sidewalks and motor vehicle traffic lanes. Bike lanes can be separated from traffic with a painted line, a painted buffer, a curb or other physical barriers. People must ride in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic when using a bike lane.

Streets with bike lanes are:

Airport Heights Drive (Parkers Pond Road to Elderberry Place)
Mundy Pond Road (Columbus Drive to Cashin Avenue/Cambell Ave)
Viscount Street (Airport Heights Drive to SUP at Portugal Cove Rd)
Cowan Avenue (Frecker Drive to Topsail Road)
Cashin Avenue Extension (Mundy Pond Road to Blackmarsh Road)

Shared-Use Paths

The City also has a number of Shared-use paths that can be used by people walking, cycling and wheeling. Paved shared-use paths are designed to be accessible for people of all ages and abilities. They are wheelchair-friendly, stroller-friendly, and provide a safer and smoother surface for all users, regardless of their mobility or physical limitations.

Areas with shared-use paths are:

T’railway along the Waterford River from Railway Coastal Museum on Water Street, through Bowring Park to Mount Pearl - Gravel
Along Portugal Cove Road from Airport Heights Drive to Windsor Lake - Gravel
From Airport Heights Drive to Penney Crescent - Gravel
Along Columbus Drive, from Captain Whelan Drive to Wishingwell Road - Paved
Along Prince Philip Drive, from Wexford Street to Westerland Road - Paved
Along Captain Whelan Drive from Columbus Drive to Blackmarsh Road- Paved
Throughout the Galway development - Paved

Learn more about our Shared-Use Paths

Trails

Both City staff and the Grand Concourse Authority maintain trails in St. John's. Trails that are not on City property, such as those in Pippy Park, are not serviced by the City.

Pump Track

The City of St. John's operates a pump track at Quidi Vidi park. A pump track is a continuous loop of berms and “rollers” (paved mounds) where riders use an up and down pumping motion to propel themselves forward instead of pedaling or pushing. It is most suitable for bicycles and skateboards. It can also be used by other non-motorized equipment like scooters and wheelchairs.

Cycling Supports and Safety

Adaptive Equipment for Biking

Adaptive equipment improves accessibility for those with mobility-related disabilities. This free, lending service is based on availability and reservation. Equipment may be borrowed for up to two weeks. A minimum of one week notice is appreciated for requests. For more information, visit our adaptive equipment page.

Metrobus Transit Bike Racks

When riding with Metrobus Transit, you can take your bike along with you from May to November!

Visit Metrobus Transit's Rack & Ride program to learn more about:

how to take your bike with you on the bus, using the available bike rack
rules for using the bike rack
notifying the driver when getting on and off
how to load your bike
how to unload your bike

Cycling Laws

Laws that govern cycling in the City of St. John's come from the City's Bicycle Helmet by-law, the Newfoundland and Labrador Highway Traffic Act and other provincial regulations. People driving and cycling generally have the same rights and duties when using a roadway or highway under the act. This means that all laws relating to traffic officers, signs, signals and yielding, etc. generally apply to both transportation users.

You must follow all of the following laws as a person cycling in our city. Not obeying each law may result in a fine, arrest or legal action.

No person shall ride a bicycle unless that person is wearing a bicycle helmet. No parent or guardian shall knowingly permit a child under 12 years old to ride without a bicycle helmet.
A person shall not ride a bicycle on a sidewalk. (Highway Traffic Act)
When riding between one half-hour before sunset and one half-hour after sunrise, you are required to have a front white light and a rear red light, or rear red reflector on your bike. (Highway Traffic Act and provincial regulations)
Your bicycle is required to have at least one brake that stops the bicycle. (Highway Traffic Act and provincial regulations)
People cycling have the responsibility to be identifiable. It is a finable offence for failing to remain at the scene of an accident or for failing to identify yourself and giving your address to a police officer. You may be subject to arrest. (Highway Traffic Act)