About Ottawa:

Nestled on the banks of the majestic Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau Rivers, Ottawa is one of the most beautiful G8 capitals in the world. A thriving international technology and business centre and world class tourism and convention destination, Ottawa is also rich in culture and heritage with its many national institutions, parklands, waterways and historic architecture. It is home to a large number of foreign embassies and is a recognized centre for both academics and professional training. The city offers an open and welcoming environment to cultures from around the world, providing service in English, French, and a host of other languages. The city’s residents enjoy an enviable quality of life that is recognized around the world.

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Getting your motorcycle licence in Ottawa:

Graduated Licensing for Motorcycle Riders

If you're a new driver applying for your first licence to ride a motorcycle in Ottawa, you'll need to enter Ontario's graduated licensing system. That means you'll earn full driving privileges in two stages.

Class M1

New motorcycle riders with a Class M1 licence learn to ride under these four conditions:

• your blood alcohol level must be zero;
• you must ride only during daylight hours (1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset);
• you must not ride on highways with speed limits of more than 80 km/h except highways 11, 17, 61, 69, 71, 101, 102, 144, 655;
• you cannot carry passengers.

After you pass a motorcycle knowledge test, you will get a Class M1 licence and an information package for new riders. You must spend a minimum of 60 days with a Class M1 licence, which is valid for 90 days.

Motorcycle riders who successfully complete an approved motorcycle safety course that includes a road test with an M1 licence are exempt from taking the ministry's M1 road test and can move to an M2 licence after 60 days. If you complete an approved safety course in either level, you can reduce the time that you must hold an M2 licence from 22 to 18 months. While the motorcycle safety course certificate is valid for two years from its issue date, it may only be used for the M1 road test exemption within six months of its issue date.

See also: Motorcycle Safety Course Providers

With a Class M1 licence, an operator can drive a moped, limited-speed motorcycle and a motorcycle.

Class M2

You must pass an M1 road test or complete an approved motorcycle safety course before receiving a Class M2 licence. You must have a Class M2 licence for a minimum of 22 months. If you complete an approved motorcycle safety course, you may reduce this time requirement by four months. With an M2 licence, you gain more privileges - you may ride at night and on any road. However, at this level:

• your blood alcohol level must be zero;
• you will be eligible to take a Class M road test after you have completed the time required with an M2 licence;
• you must pass this test to get a Class M licence.

Note: Class M2 and Class M licence holders may also drive Class G vehicles under the conditions that apply to a Class G1 licence holder.

With a Class M2 licence, the operator can drive a moped, limited-speed motorcycle and a motorcycle.

Graduated Licensing applies to drivers of limited-speed motorcycles and mopeds

Effective November 28, 2005, there is a new restricted class M licence for drivers operating a limited-speed motorcycle or moped. A limited-speed motorcycle is a motorcycle that has a maximum speed of 70 km/h. Applicants for the new restricted class M licence are required to take both M1 and M2 road tests.

Like standard motorcycle drivers, new drivers applying for their limited-speed motorcycle or moped licence will enter Ontario’s graduated licensing system. You must be at least 16 years of age and pass a vision test and a test of your knowledge of the rules of the road and traffic signs. After you pass these tests, you will enter Level One and get an M1 licence. You must pass two road tests to become fully licensed on a limited-speed motorcycle or moped. Passing the first road test lets you move to Level Two (class M2 with L condition). Passing the second road test gives you the new restricted class M driving privileges. With this licence, you can drive mopeds and limited-speed motorcycles only; you will not be able to operate a full-powered motorcycle.

The ministry is looking into approving motor scooter training courses. These courses may be offered at a future date by, for example, associations/colleges that include road testing. Associations/colleges may already offer motor scooter training courses without road testing. You may contact them directly to see what courses are offered.

We would encourage you to check this website for any new information on motor scooter training courses.

Ottawa Motorcycle Clubs:

Many motorcycle riders find joining a club adds to their enjoyment of the sport. Clubs are organized around a variety of charters: some are brand- or model- specific, some gather riders of similar riding interests (e.g. touring or racing), while others form around age groups, charitable organization’s, or other interests. Most provide members newsletters, organized events, group discounts, and other benefits.

Below is a list of some of the organization in the Ottawa area, in alphabetical order. This is for your information only - we are not affiliated with these clubs and are not recommending any of them in particular. Descriptions were provided by the clubs.

Chartered Clubs

These clubs have a formal mandate, charter, elections, and so on.

- Base Petawawa Motorcycle Club

The BPMC is a "non-brand specific" motorcycle club. Our motto is "Run By Riders, For Riders." With us you'll find all types of bikes from sport bikes to cruisers to full tour bikes. The goal of the BPMC is to generate interest in the sport of motorcycling and promote safety. We achieve this by bringing motorcycle enthusiasts of all types together, both military and civilian, through coordinating motorcycling activities at CFB Petawawa and the surrounding communities, and fostering operator safety. We hold meetings the first Thursday of each month at the South Side Rec Plex in Petawawa. We hold weekly rides throughout the area every other Thursday during the month, leaving the Tim Horton's in Petawawa at 1800 hrs. To learn more about our club, visit our web site or contact one of our executives or club members listed on the site.

- Blue Knights

The Blue Knights is a non profit, international fraternal organization, consisting of law enforcement officers and their families who are motorcycle enthusiasts. Information about membership eligibility is available at the international web site. Our Chapter meets on the second Thursday of the month, alternating at an east-end and a west-end restaurant. Please contact BlueKnightsOttawa2@hotmail.com for time and location.

- Bytown Motorcycle Association

The BMA is a group of off-road motorcyclists dedicated to preserving and enhancing off-road motorcycling in the Ottawa area. We have semi-regular meetings, a newsletter and sponsor many events such as trail rides, as well as completive dirtbike events such as hare scrambles, ice racing, trials and enduros. Visit our web site at Bytown Motorcycle Association (BMA) or email Doug McNeil.

- Canadian Army Veteran Motorcycle Unit

The Canadian Army Veteran (C.A.V.) Motorcycle Unit is a national brotherhood of Canadian Forces Army, Air Force and Navy Veterans (retired and still serving) and supporters who are motorcycle enthusiasts. The C.A.V. is the only true national Canadian military/veteran motorcycle organization and reaches out to the population through its many units located across Canada.
The 1st C.A.V. Paardeberg Unit rides out of our Nation’s Capital with a membership of Veteran Riders, still serving Riders and Veteran Supporters in the Ottawa Area. We ride for established charities in Ontario, to attend motorcycle events and for weekend camp outs. We ride together just for the sake of seeing other veterans and supporters, to enjoy quality friendship, to talk about the old days, swap stories and just to have a good time. Please visit our national web site for additional general, membership and contact information.

- Canadian Masonic Riders

The Canadian Masonic Riders is a loosely structured group providing for a Canadian venue for the gathering of motorcycle riding Masons to enjoy good comradeship and, where feasible, to add some meaning to our miles by helping to raise funds for charity. There are members from Fredericton to Edmonton, and still growing. Favourite rides are organized by individual members. Please visit our web site.

- Canadian Military Motorcycle Association

The Ottawa chapter of AMMC is a social organization for military members who ride motorcycles. We plan frequent rides in the Ottawa area for fun and to raise money for charity. While we are mostly Canadian Forces members and their partners, all NATO members and their partners, posted in the NCR are welcome. For more information visit our web site or email us.

- Canadian Motorcycle Cruisers Ottawa Chapter 011

The Canadian Motorcycle Cruisers Riding Club (CMC) is one of the fastest growing riding clubs in Canada with over 60 chapters coast to coast. The CMC is open to all riders, regardless of the type of bike they ride, and there are no membership fees. We are a family based riding club with all members of the family being welcome at most events. Our mandate: It doesn’t matter the brand, as long as you ride it! For more information, visit our web site.

- Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group (Ottawa)

The Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group (CVMG) is a 1600 member, Canada-wide organization that encourages the restoration, preservation, and use of Classic and Vintage motorcycles. Motorcyclists in the National Capital area owning a Classic or Vintage Motorcycle, (for CVMG purposes, a motorcycle over 10 years old) or with an interest in these motorcycles are invited to join the Ottawa Section of the CVMG. The CVMG offers an informative monthly newsletter. Dues are currently $35.00 per year. The CVMG Ottawa meets every Sunday morning for breakfast, at Local Heroes Restaurant, 1400 Clyde Ave., at 9:00 AM. For further information, contact Tim Bryans at 837-4839.

- Christian Riders Motorcycle Club

C.R.M.C. is the oldest Christian Motorcycle Club in Canada and the 2nd oldest in North America. Our purpose is to present God's love to all who are a part of the biker community. We also believe strongly in serving other bikers through participation and volunteering at the many biker rallies and events. Christian Riders strives to join with others groups and organizations to stand up for the rights of bikers as the relate to our riding enjoyment in the National Capital Region. The C.R.M.C. web page is located at www.christianriders.com/ottawa .

- Eternity Riders for Christ

Christian Motorcyclist Association, Ottawa Chapter: Eternity Riders For Christ is a non-profit, interdenominational Christian organization, dedicated to reaching people for Christ through motorcycling. For more information, email us. Our local web page is temporarily off the air, but CMA also has a main Canadian web site you can visit for more information.

- Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Ottawa Valley Wings, Ontario Chapter "B" of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association welcomes all brands of motorcycles - it is not a Gold Wing-only group. We meet Sundays for breakfast, and in the summer we have planned rides every other Sunday or so, and informal rides on most other Sundays. The club's motto is Friends For Fun, Safety and Knowledge (and we do have a lot of fun). To find out the times and locations of our breakfast meetings and rides, for membership information, and for information on all other chapter activities, just visit our web site.

- Judges Rules

We are a Law Enforcement motorcycle club who share the love of riding V Twins, family gatherings, charity runs and participation. We are a non-profit organization. To qualify you must me an active or retired member of Police, Corrections, Customs, or Immigration. Check out our web site for more details.

- Motor Maids

Motor Maids, Inc. is the oldest women's motorcycle club in North America. We are a diverse group of women motorcyclists united through a passion for riding.

• We believe it is important to ride, and we are proud to be a riding club.
• We believe that we should have fun in what we do.
• We believe in the importance of our history and in its preservation.
• We believe in our traditions.
• We believe that presenting a positive image of women motorcyclists demonstrates our respect for each other and for ourselves.

Motor Maids meet once a month for a breakfast meeting and ride (weather permitting). Contact Lise Sculland or Sue Proctor for details. We have many organized events across Canada and the US throughout the year including a three day international convention. Visit our web site for more information about Motor Maids.

- Ottawa Gold Wing Riders

Ottawa Gold Wing Riders are a chapter of the Gold Wing Touring Association (GWTA) located in Indianapolis, Indiana. GWTA is an association of people who share a love of, and interest in, motorcycles. Although most of our members ride Honda Gold Wings, there is no requirement to own one, or to own a motorcycle at all. Our motto is Destination Friendship, and all we ask is that you follow our prime directive - "Have Fun." Ottawa GoldWing Riders are members coming together to visit, ride, and have fun.
Visit our web page, or contact Dwight Buckland by email.

- Ottawa River Riders

Ottawa River Riders is the Ottawa chapter of the international Virago Owners' Club (VOC).
We advertise ourselves as "A Family of Riders." Bikes are predominantly Viragos, but we welcome any make. In the summer, we enjoy group rides every other Sunday after a 9:00 AM hardy breakfast at our local haunt, Broadway Bar & Grill Central, located at the juncture of Prince of Whales and Fisher. We tour Eastern Ontario and as far north as the Laurentiens. As a Virago Club member there are various international reunion rides to all parts of the United States and Canada. For 2000, the Ottawa River Riders hosted the first in Canada, VOC International Family Reunion.
Visit our web page, or contact our president, Ettie Van Dijk , at 613-256-3054.

- Ottawa Valley Touring Club

The Ottawa Valley Touring Club is a "non-brand specific" motorcycle club. Our members are men and women of all ages who enjoy riding, travelling and socializing - promoting family fun and safety.
We ride all types and sizes of motorcycles - from sport bikes to touring bikes. Outings and events are aimed at promoting friendship, family, fun and safety. The OVTC supports local charities and we try to get involved in community service as well as in fundraising endeavours through other motorcycle clubs and organizations.
Meetings are held on the 1st Thursday of every month, 7:30 P.M., at the Nepean Museum, 16 Rowley Ave. To contact us or learn more, visit our web page.

- Retreads of Eastern Ontario

Ontario East Retreads are part of the International Retread Motorcycle Club Inc. One of the couple must be 40 years of age or over, and must be riders or enthusiasts of motorcycling. All brands of motorcycles are welcome.
Retreads are without politics or charities. We support charities by participating in other clubs' activities. We have breakfasts (no meetings) on the first Sunday of every month, held in various spots in Eastern Ontario. Little is requested of our members. Our annual Regional Rally is held in various towns and cities across Ontario. Newsletters are published every 1-2 months.
For more information contact Earl & Jean Reinke - OER Area Representatives - at (613) 839-2997 or by email at erreinke@sympatico.ca or Dave & Doris Corbett - OER Membership - at 613-283-0642 or by E-Mail at dcorbett@ripnet.com or visit our web page by clicking here.

- Red Knights

Red Knights is a non profit international organization, consisting of fire fighters and their families, who are motorcycle enthusiasts. Our members cover all fields of fire fighting from active to retired. We share the common interest of motorcycling, promoting motorcycle safety and the brotherhood of firefighting. For more info contact Doug Kuiken Ontario 5 (Pembroke) or Dennis Gobey Ontario 9 (Ottawa).

- Southern Cruisers Riding Club (Ottawa)

The Ottawa Chapter is part of the Southern Cruisers Riding Club. The International SCRC was founded in 1998 in the U.S.A. by Rick "Rickster" Perry. With approximately 26,000 members, the SCRC is one of the fastest growing riding clubs in the world. Based out of the National Capital Region (Ottawa / Gatineau), Canada, Chapter 437 is made up of a group of folks who love to ride. The SCRC is not "Brand or Gender Specific", all are welcome. For more information contact Gerald (Gerry) Goulet, or visit our web site.

- Upper Valley Riders

Upper Valley Riders is a club for all motorcycle enthusiasts. Our members own various types of motorcycles and we are together every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Williams Pub across from MacDonald's, Main St. E. Pembroke and have a coffee then ride. Our members also get together most weekends and join with other clubs. We co-sponsor the annual Help2Hear Motorcycle Ride on the first weekend of June. If you like to ride come out with us.
For more information contact Biker Al at (613) 582-3631 or by email to groves@nrtco.net.

Other Groups

Many other groups also meet regularly for riding, community service, and socializing, and there are some major annual events that have groups dedicated to their organization.

- Bikers Down

Bikers Down is dedicated to the care and well being of hospitalized motorcycle riders in the Ottawa-Carleton-Outaouais region. It was started in 1999 to meet the needs of injured motorcyclists from out of town who were stranded in Ottawa after being involved in an accident. Over the last two years the ministry has grown; including all bikers who have been unfortunate enough to have had an accident in the region, regardless of who they were or where they lived. Bikers Down also provides safety awareness guidance in the form of safety pamphlets to people who attend our fund raising rides and other events. Visit our Web Site for more information.

- Capital City Biker's Church

That's right folks! Ottawa is home to a very unique Christian church! The Biker's Church is one of only two such churches in Canada! This non-denominational church believes that every biker has a spiritual side that can be explored in a non-threatening, welcoming environment. Our services are on Thursday nights to allow us to also participate in the many rallies and events that take place on the weekends. A "typical" Thursday night service includes a show-n-shine, rocking blues music, shooting pool, biker videos, lots of magazines, as well as a relevant discussion on how to make sense of our spiritual side. Our pastor has been ordained for over 11 years, and is available, free of charge, for biker weddings, counselling, visitation, funerals, dedications, etc. Check out our web page for more information at www.bikerschurch.com or contact our pastor at rev@bikerschurch.com.

- Ride for Dad

Fighting Prostate Cancer with the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre Foundation and the Ottawa Police Association. The annual Motorcycle Ride For DAD raises money for prostate cancer research and education in the Ottawa area. In 2000 the Ride donated $24,000 to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre Foundation. To participate or help, visit our web site.

- Ride for Sight

Canada's single biggest gathering of motorcyclists annually, and the single largest fundraising initiative for vision research in the world. Riders and friends from across Ontario collect pledges locally and then ride to Trenton in the City of Quinte West June 23 - 25 for a fun-filled weekend to celebrate their success in fundraising. Thousands of Riders will participate in a full weekend of motorcycle fun. Nationally Riders and friends now raise over $1.2 million a year for The Foundation Fighting Blindness. The Foundation is the only charity in Canada dedicated to funding vision research. For more information contact Ottawa Coordinator Wayne McWilliams or at (613) 833-5207 or visit our web site.