Cycling and Walking
Cycling
Visit Explore Waterloo Region for bike rides and trip planning apps that will help you discover charming destinations, bicycle-friendly businesses, and learn more about Waterloo Region.
Bikes and e-bikes on transit
Grand River Transit has updated its policies to make it easier to combine your journey with public transit.
- Every GRT bus has a bike rack and you can also bring your bike on GRT's ION trains!
- Pedal-assist e-bikes are also allowed on ION trains, but are too heavy for GRT bus bike racks
To learn more, visit www.grt.ca/bikes
| Region of Waterloo Bike Map |
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The 2021 Bike Map is a summary of all bike infrastructure in the cities and townships of Waterloo Region. The map highlights public art, scenic historic bridges, the Hydrocut trails (a premier mountain bike destination), and Ontario by Bike’s Bike-Friendly Businesses in partnership with Explore Waterloo Region. Printed maps are out of stock. Download digital maps using the links below, or visit Explore Waterloo Region for up to date app-based route recommendations.
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| Learning to cycle safely |
CAN-BIKEThe Canadian Cycling Association's CAN-BIKE program has a series of courses for all ages and abilities. Courses range from introductory learn-to-ride lessons to training on how to lead group rides or become an instructor. Need a quick refresher before your next family ride? CAN-Bike also offers a free online course: www.canbikecanada.ca/online-education |
| Cycling safety tips in multiple languages |
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When you cycle, remember to:
Bike Tips and Rules of the Road This brochure is a great quick reference for new and experienced cyclists riding in Waterloo Region. For more safety tips on sharing the road and preventing collisions check the following: |
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Protected bike lane pilot projects |
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Walking and hiking
More people walking means more friendly and vibrant neighbourhoods!
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Health benefits of walking |
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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:
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How to get started |
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Trails and Hiking |
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Waterloo Region offers a number of parks and trails that are accessible to all ages, incomes, and abilities. Visit the Region's Forests and Trails and Grand River Trails pages for information about Regional Forests and other woodlands open to the public, including site-specific trail maps. Grand River Conservation Area trails |
| Walkability |
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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:
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. |
| Pedestrian safety |
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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:
Safety tips for walking:
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 |
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Pedometer lending programs for individual use or workplace walking challenges:
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Additional Information |
E-scooters
E-scooters are permitted within the Region of Waterloo on:
- All roads 50 km/hr or less
- All roads with bike lanes, regardless of speed limit
- All boulevard multi-use paths like the paved trails next Homer Watson Blvd.
- Select paved recreation multi-use trails like the Iron Horse Trail, Spur Line Trail, Market Trail, etc.
E-scooters and transit
E-scooters, roller blades, hoverboards, and other personal vehicles must be folded and/or carried to bring on board Grand River Transit buses and trains.
Learn more about e-scooters and other personal vehicles on transit
Rules for riding an e-scooter
To ride an e-scooter, you must:
- be 16 years of age or older
- wear a helmet
When riding an e-scooter, please follow these rules:
- you cannot take a passenger (only one person is allowed on each e-scooter)
- do not ride on the sidewalk (if you need to use a sidewalk to get to a location or parking, you must walk your e-scooter)
- ride on the right side of the road, keeping as close to the edge of the road as possible
- if you're on a mixed-use trail, don't ride much faster than the pedestrians on the trail
- yield to pedestrians as necessary, and keep a safe distance between you
- do not park your e-scooter or leave it in a way that blocks a road or sidewalk
The speed limit for e-scooters in Ontario is 24 km/h. This applies on roads, in bike lanes and on trails.
Visit the Ministry of Transportation e-scooter rules or the Region's By-laws page for more information.
E-bike and e-scooter rental program
The Region of Waterloo, in partnership with the City of Cambridge, the City of Kitchener and the City of Waterloo, entered into an agreement with Neuron Mobility to provide e-scooters and e-bikes available for rent. Up to 500 e-bikes and 500 e-scooters will be available for rent until the end of October 2023.
For costs, availability and booking, please visit Neuron Mobility's website or download the Neuron Mobility app.
Feedback on the rental e-bike and e-scooter program will be collected through the Engage Waterloo Region page.
Where can you ride rental e-bikes and e-scooters?
Check the Neuron app for the designated riding areas. Do not ride e-bikes or e-scooters on sidewalks.
Please note, e-bike motors may turn off when riding on multi-use trails and paths to conform with local bylaws. You can ride the shared e-bikes on multi-use trails (unless otherwise indicated in the Neuron app), but may need to pedal without the e-assist.
Where can you park a shared e-scooter or e-bike?
E-bikes and e-scooters must be parked upright in one of Neuron’s parking areas, identified through the mobile app.
Rental e-bikes, e-scooters and transit
Rental e-bikes and e-scooters are not permitted on board GRT buses, in the bike racks on GRT buses or on ION light rail trains.
Park your Neuron vehicle before getting on transit, then grab another vehicle when you get off.
Learn more about bicycles, scooters and transit
Safety and etiquette
- Riders must be 16 years or older. Riders under 18 must have guardian consent.
- E-scooter and e-bike riders must wear a helmet. All Neuron vehicles are equipped with adjustable helmets that are unlocked through the Neuron app. You can also use your own helmet.
- Only one rider per scooter at a time
- The maximum speed of e-bikes and e-scooters will be limited in designated ‘slow zones’
- E-bikes and e-scooters will not operate in designated no ride zones
- Park shared vehicles upright in designated parking areas
- Be considerate of pedestrians
Visit Neuron's ScootSafe website and select "Waterloo Region" from the dropdown for more safety tips and videos.
Reporting a misparked e-scooter or e-bike
You can report a misparked e-scooter or e-bike by:
- Scanning the QR code on the vehicle and reporting through the Neuron app
- Filling out the parking form
- Calling 519-626-0347
- Emailing waterlooregionsupport@neuron.sg
Reporting sidewalk riding
You can report shared e-bikes or e-scooters being ridden on the sidewalk by:
- Calling 519-626-0347
- E-mailing waterlooregionsupport@neuron.sg
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