Posted by: Vikb
Welcome to the valley! I find it's pretty easy to get around the area. Between dedicated bike lanes, wide low traffic roads and busier roads with shoulders I haven't had any issues getting anywhere I wanted to go on a bike. That said I've been riding bikes in Canada [sub-optimal bike infrastructure] my whole life so plotting good routes and riding safely in these sorts of conditions is second nature.
That said it could be improved 100%. Especially for folks who are not confident cyclists and aren't able to plan/execute less than ideal routes to their destination. A CCC coordinated cycling plan would be great so each community as well as the local FNs could work towards a common goal. For all I know such a beast exists and there are plans in the works to make improvements. It's clear there is a focus on cycling in that I see a lot of cycling infrastructure and signage, but it just doesn't connect up throughout the whole valley in a really obvious and efficient way. I haven't gotten involved in local cycling advocacy yet, but I've started to meet people who are so I'll have a better understanding by the end of 2022.
Speaking of Comox specifically I see a lot of folks getting around on bikes. Drivers are pretty considerate. Almost to the point of overdoing it. I've had to pull way over and wave cars by even though there was room for them to safely pass me as I was riding.
For sure it's already easy to get around on a bike. I was more thinking of the level of bike friendliness where primary school kids ride their bike to school on their own etc. The potential is there.
Posted by: jgshinton
What do you guys do for fun when you aren't cycling? I stayed in Cumberland briefly last year and it felt like there was only 2 restaurants and 2 cafes, I thought I would quickly run out of things to do. So I ended up moving to Victoria then Vancouver, kind of the opposite route from you ironically... Thankfully I found a place near Mt. Seymour so I can still ride to the trails, but I do miss Cumberland's flow routes.
We don't really eat out that much, maybe once or twice a month, same for grabbing a coffee or tea somewhere. Feels like at least Courtenay and Comox have enough choice for our needs. Apart from that there are endless outdoor opportunities spanning the entire spectrum from nice parks for a picnic to mtb and hiking trails, lakes for kayaking etc.
It really depends on your lifestyle and maybe what phase of life you are in. I have always enjoyed all the amenities in Amsterdam, Montreal, and Vancouver but am at a point where I'm ready for a smaller and quieter town.
