Cycling and Walking

Cycling safety 

There is safety in numbers! It has been shown that as more people cycle regularly in a community, the number of crashes involving cyclists actually decreases over time.

When you cycle, remember to:

• be visible - use lights, reflectors and wear reflective material
• be predictable - signal your intentions, ride with traffic and obey all road signals 
• always have room to manoeuvre - don't squeeze between curbs and other vehicles

Children need to learn how to cycle safely wherever they ride. Parents can check the City of Toronto - Wheel Safety page for tips.

For safety tips on sharing the road and preventing collisions check the following:

CAA - Bike Safety

Cycling Postcard

Cycling skills 

BikeWR

BikeWR is your "one-stop shop for all things cycling"! BikeWR helps you easily navigate through all of the bicycle-related events and resources in the Waterloo Region.

Have an exciting biking story or picture of your ride? Share it by tweeting #BikeWR. 

Bus 'n' Bike

Health benefits of walking

Walking is a great way to break up long periods of sitting or other sedentary behaviours, even if you only take a few steps. Our bodies are designed for walking, yet only 30 per cent of Canadian adults walk for exercise four or more times a week.

Incorporate walking into your daily routine to receive these benefits:

• Improved flexibility, coordination, balance and reduced risk of falling
• Improved circulation and cholesterol levels
• Reduced blood pressure
• Decreased risk of colon cancer, heart disease, and stroke
• Increased muscle strength, bone density, and joint lubrication
• Decreased stress and tension and improved memory and alertness
• Improved air quality - more people walking means better air quality for everyone
• Save money - walking is free and don't have to pay for parking

How to get started 

• Choose to walk to work or school or take Grand River Transit as each trip begins and ends with a walk.
• Join a walking group in your neighbourhood or start a walking group of your own. 

Walkability 

How walkable is your neighbourhood? Check out the Walkability in the Region of Waterloo - Interactive map interactive map of neighbourhoods in Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo. 

An interactive map is also available for tablets and smartphones:  

• Walkability in the Region of Waterloo - Interactive map for tablets
• Walkability in the Region of Waterloo - Interactive map for smartphones

Problems with sidewalks or lighting

If you have concerns about the condition of sidewalks or lighting in your neighbourhood, make a note of the address or nearest intersection, what the problem is and then contact your local municipality or the Region of Waterloo at 519-575-4400.

Winter walking

Walking is a year-round activity. Dress in layers with a wind and water resistant outer layer. Wear mitts, hats, neck warmers and warm sturdy footwear designed for snow and ice to keep safe and sound.

It is the law in Ontario that drivers and cyclists must stop and wait for pedestrians and school crossing guards to cross the entire road at:

• Pedestrian crossovers
• School crossings
• Any locations when a crossing guard is present 

Safety tips for walking:

• See and be seen
• Only cross at crosswalks or intersections
• Pay attention and stay alert
• Use the sidewalk
• Supervise children when near traffic

For more information about pedestrian safety, visit What You Need to Know about New Pedestrian Crossovers brochure or read the Waterloo Region Pedestrian Charter.

Pedometer lending programs for individual use or workplace walking challenges:

• Kitchener Public Library (individual use)  
• Cambridge Idea Exchange Public Library (individual use)
• Region of Waterloo Public Library (individual use)
• Region of Waterloo Public Health Resource Centre (workplace)    

Waterloo Region maps:

• City of Kitchener Mapping Services
• City of Waterloo Interactive Maps  
• City of Cambridge Maps  

Additional Information 

• Active Transportation
• Active Transportation at Work
• Active and Safe Routes to School