Active Transportation

Active transportation refers to all types of human-powered transportation such as walking, cycling, in-line skating or skateboarding, or using a wheelchair. It includes:

  • Walking to the school bus
  • Walking, cycling or rolling to school or work
  • Walking, cycling or rolling to other locations

Active transportation provides:

  • Opportunities for people to be physically active on a regular basis
  • More opportunities to meet people
  • Other travel options for those who cannot drive
  • Less motor vehicle traffic on our roads
  • Improved local air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions
 Health benefits of active transportation

Active transportation can:

  • Help meet physical activity recommendations*
  • Help reduce risk for chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke
  • Improve mental wellness and prevent depression
  • Improve the health of the community
  • Lower risks for injury to pedestrians and cyclists

*Canadian adults should participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week, accumulated in bouts of ten minutes or more.

Check the Active Transportation and Health resource for more information about the health benefits of using active transportation. 
 Active transportation in Waterloo Region

Waterloo Region has developed a plan to make cycling and walking a safe and comfortable choice for transportation. More information can be found on the The Region of Waterloo's Transportation Master Plan page. 

You can also get more information about this topic on the Cycling and Walking, Active Transportation to work pages, and Active and Safe Routes to School. 
 Walk Cycle Waterloo Region

We've developed a plan to make it easier to walk, cycle, and roll in Waterloo Region.

Walk Cycle Waterloo Region provides guidance to Council and staff on actions to take to make it easier for residents of and visitors to Waterloo Region to choose active transportation. Active transportation includes:

  • People with mobility devices
  • Walking
  • Cycling
  • Skateboarding
  • In-line skating

Active transportation can take place along roads, sidewalks and trails. Walk Cycle Waterloo Region is an action plan to create attractive and comfortable spaces that encourage more people to use active transportation to their favourite destinations.

For more information contact us by email or telephone 519-575-4400

 Next steps
Regional Council approved Walk Cycle Waterloo Region on Feb. 11, 2014 as a guiding document for Regional transportation infrastructure planning and construction. Regional staff is also working with the Area Municipalities and other partners to develop priorities and funding options.
 Pilot programs

On April 4, 2017, the Planning and Works Committee approved a pilot program for a network of separated bike lanes. Read the report to Council about the planned project.

On September 30, 2014, the Planning and Works Committee received an information report on planned cycling enhancement pilot programs, including crossrides and sharrows.

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