While Ottawa’s Stage 2 LRT aims to green the city’s commute, local cyclists find that there are ‘missing gaps’ in the cycling network.
According to the O-Train website, the O-Train is building around 25 kilometres of multi-use pathways, cycle tracks, and pedestrian bridges to improve connections for walkers and cyclists.
Danial Domen, the Secretary of Bike Ottawa, said that some of the city’s bike lanes do not provide good access.
Domen said that while Lincoln Fields is expected to have decent cycling access, connections to stations around Bayshore and Pinecrest remain limited, leaving gaps in the bike network for nearby residents.
“Depending on where you’re going, there are bike lanes missing,“ Domen said. “I would say I have to be on the sidewalk to feel comfortable,” Domen said. “Those roads are quite dangerous and kind of busy.”
Along Richmond Road, where stations such as New Orchard and Lincoln Fields are located, the City of Ottawa is adding cycle tracks to provide protected cycling infrastructure.
“That part of Richmond Road will get a very good improvement. But in terms of the Pinecrest and Bayshore area, there will be some gaps filled.” Domen said.
The OC Transpo and the City of Ottawa are adding different infrastructure to help cyclists bike in the city.
Click here to explore the cycling network in Ottawa
Mary-Ellen Gleeson, the Transit Committee project manager, said in the Sep.19, 2025, meeting that they understand the revitalization work on Richmond and Byron can be disruptive.
“We appreciate the community’s patience and are committed to keeping them informed,” Gleeson said. “We encourage everyone to continue to support the local businesses in this area.”
Stage 2 did not respond to the Capital Transit Report’s request by the deadline.
The National Capital Commission has the Capital Pathway Strategic Plan, which provides a framework for long-term planning and day-to-day management of the multi-use pathway network in the National Capital Region.
Approved in 2020, the Capital Pathway Strategic Plan provides a high-quality, multi-use network connecting major destinations and municipal infrastructure to support safe, seamless active mobility across the region.
The NCC designed the LeBreton Flats Pathway, a multi-use recreational path for walking, cycling, and winter activities, running through LeBreton Flats.
“The city needs to build more on-street infrastructure so that people can get to the final destination that’s along a road easily,” Domen said
“I think the NCC plays a part in terms of making cycling infrastructure, but they are a big reason that cycling is good in the city,” Domen said, “They could definitely still create new connections that can make things even better.”