Cycling
The Region of Waterloo has more than 500 kilometres of on-road bike lanes and off-road shared-use trails. To get started, plan a cycling trip on Google Maps to see the bike lanes and shared-use trails that connect our cities and townships.
The resources below will help you enjoy your ride in Waterloo Region.
COMING SOON! - Find out more about the Region's 5 km Separated Cycling Network pilot project - Construction starting soon!
Cycling safety |
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: |
Improve your family's cycling skills with Cycling into the Future and CAN-Bike |
Cycling into the Future Cyclng into the Future is a local non-profit that offers in-class and on-road cycling education to schools in Waterloo Region. The program is geared towards Grades 5 and 6 students and strives to include all children in the training by providing additional bikes, helmets, and learn-to-ride training when needed. Visit www.cyclingintothefuture.com to learn how your school can get involved in this one-of-a-kind program.
CAN-BIKE The 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 |
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 story or picture of your ride? Share it on social media with #BikeWR. |
Bus 'n' Bike |
Every Grand River Transit (GRT) bus has a bike rack, so you can combine your cycling journey with public transit. Watch the Bike 'n' Bus Grand River Transit video to learn how to use the bus bike rack. You can also bring your bicycle on GRT's ION trains! To learn more, visit www.grt.ca/bikes |
Walking
Neighbourhoods where more people are walking tend to be more vibrant, friendly and have lower crime rates.
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:
|
How to get started |
|
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:
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. |
Trails |
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 or Grand River Trails pages to learn more. |
Pedestrian safety |
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 |
Pedometer lending programs for individual use or workplace walking challenges:
Waterloo Region maps: |
Additional Information |
Contact Us