Ottawans are enthusiastic cyclists, fully utilizing the more than 160km (99 miles) of bike paths running along the Ottawa and Rideau rivers, along the Rideau Canal, and in Gatineau Park -- and more miles are being added. A blue, black, and white cyclist logo marks all bikeways. April to Canadian Thanksgiving in October, bicycles are available at RentABike, 1 Rideau St., in the parking lot behind Château Laurier (tel. 613/241-4140). Town bikes, sport bikes, mountain bikes, and in-line skates are available, with standard bikes from C$8 (US$6.40) per hour to C$30 (US$24) for 24 hours, and performance bikes from C$40 (US$32) per day. Take the kids along in a bike trailer with two seats and a harness for another C$6 (US$4.80) per hour. The company will also provide maps of self-guided pathway tours around the city, as well as guided tours. Bikes and in-line skates can also be rented at Dow's Lake Marina (tel. 613/232-5278). The public transportation company, OC Transpo, has what it chooses to call a "Rack & Roll" program. Bicycle racks are installed on the outside of over 150 buses for the use of passengers, first-come, first-served. For details about specific routes, call tel. 613/741-4390.
