Halton Hills Cycling Master Plan
In December 2010 Halton Hills approved its first Cycling Master Plan. This is a comprehensive plan that not only provides the basis for cycling infrastructure improvements on our roads, but also includes advocacy, policy development and education goals. Creating a cycling advisory committee was a direct result of Council’s adoption of this plan.
Infrastructure Improvements
Since adoption of the Cycling Master Plan the following cycling infrastructure improvements have been made:
- Bike lane on Delrex Blvd
- Bike Lane on Danby Road
- Multi Use Path on Wallace Street
- Bike Lane on 17th Sideroad
- Edge Line on Trafalgar Road
- Bike Lane on Queen Street Acton
- Bike lockers at the Civic Centre
- Covered bike racks at the GO station
- Bike lanes added to Miller Drive
- Bike lanes added to 17th Side Road from 6th line to 4th line
- Micro paving on sections of 5th Side Road with widening where possible
- Surface treatment of 27th Side Road between 8th and 9th line
- Bike lanes on Danby extended to Main Street
- Bike lanes on Churchill Road, Acton
- Multi Use Path extended on 10th Side Road
- Wayfinding Signage for Halton Hills portion of the Greenbelt Cycling Route
- Multi Use Path underpass opened at Danby Road
- Many trail upgrades from woodchips or screenings to board walks making them available year round
- Installation of an outdoor bicycle repair station at the Georgetown Branch Library
Infrastructure Improvements in 2018
- Bike lanes on Barber Drive West south of Argyle Rd.
- Multi-Use Path on Sinclair from Armstrong Ave to Guelph Street
Infrastructure Improvements in 2017
- Multi-Use Paths on Armstrong Avenue from Mountainview to Sinclair Ave.
- Bike lanes added to Berton Blvd and Atwood Ave.
- Wayfinding signage for cyclists and pedestrians in Acton and Georgetown
Halton Hills Bicycle Friendly Community Committee
The Halton Hills Bicycle Friendly Community Committee is a group of volunteers who have a passion for promoting cycling and cycling safety. The group works in partnership with the Town of Halton Hills with the goal of achieving Silver designation in the Bicycle Friendly Community Program which is administered by the Share the Road Coalition. Halton Hills received its Bronze designation in 2014.
The committee organizes a series of cycling initiatives each year that are designed to encourage more cycling by our residents.
Cycling Events in Halton Hills
All local employees are encouraged to ride their bikes to work on Monday May 29th. Please let us know if you are participating by email below. We would like to know how many people are cycling to work on May 28th.
Noon Hour Group Ride and Picnic
Noon Hour Group Ride and Picnic – Monday May 28th
The Halton Hills Bicycle Friendly Community Committee, Smart Commute Halton and the Office of Sustainability are hosting its sixth annual Noon Hour Bike Ride event in recognition of the globally celebrated Bike to Work Day. Join Town staff, residents, local commuters and cycle enthusiasts on Monday May 28 for a leisurely noon hour bike ride. Cyclists of all levels of experience will ride together through scenic trails and quiet downtown side-streets in Georgetown. Bring your own picnic lunch and enjoy it when we stop for a lunch break part way through the ride at the Georgetown Fairgrounds.
The Noon Hour Bike Ride event will begin at 11:45 am at the main entrance of our Town Hall located at 1 Halton Hills Drive in Georgetown. We will depart together at 12:00 pm. If you are planning on joining the ride please notify the organizers in advance by emailing hhcycling@haltonhills.ca.
Our seventh annual Bike It to The Market will be held on Saturday June 16th, 2018 from 8 am until 12pm. Once again participants will be treated to a free pancake breakfast hosted by the Georgetown Rotary Club. (Donations towards Rotary projects are always welcome)
This is a free event with riders of all ages, from all parts of the town, making their way to the Georgetown Farmers Market by whatever route they choose. To ensure safety and enjoyment for all ages, Main Street from the Farmer’s Market to Maple Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic.
Free valet bike parking, will be available in the Main Street Parking Lot. The breakfast is free to all who arrive by bicycle but can be purchased by non-cyclists.
Participants can leave their bikes parked while they enjoy the Georgetown Farmer’s Market and fun activities for children.
The closure of Main Street has provided the opportunity to add more free fun activities for all ages courtesy of the Halton Hills Active Easy Alliance. New activities include a children’s cycling skills course, plus hula hooping, skipping, zumba, ball hockey and more.
The Georgetown Farmer’s Market is joy to attend and will make for a great Saturday morning outing.
Many volunteers are required for this event including bike parking attendants, ticket takers, greeters, and road closure attendants. If you would like to volunteer or would like more information please email below or call Councillor Jane Fogal 905 877 5806. Volunteer shifts are typically 2 hours in duration. We have many jobs suitable for students.
For more information on our cycling events please email usPartners include
Leathertown Highlights Spin – 12.4 kms - 1hour
This is an entry level ride suitable for families and could be of interest to anyone regardless of cycling skill. The route takes us on bike lanes, along a forest trail and residential quiet streets within Acton. Please note that it is possible to skip the forest and meet us where the trail exits the forest.
We have created a ride that will show people the wonderful amenities and heritage neighbourhoods of Acton. There will be brief stops at several of the interesting locations in order to provide a bit of historical information.
Whether you are an Acton resident or someone with a curiosity about Acton’s highlights you will find this an interesting group tour.
There is no charge for but we request that you pre-register your intent to join us via hhcycling@haltonhills.ca.
Check out the route
Leathertown Rural Loop – 23 km route – 1 ½ Hours Approx.
The Rural Loop is a new ride geared to the intermediate cyclist. This route leaves town passing by views of Fairy Lake as we make our way to Dublin Line. Turning south we will immediately be into the beautiful rolling countryside of rural Halton Hills.
Remember that this is a group ride, not a race.
Please register your intention to join us by email hhcycling@haltonhills.ca
Check out the route
Rural Vistas – 53km route -2 to 2 1/2 hours approx.
This tour is an advanced level bike ride through the rolling hills of rural Halton Hills and Milton. (Yes, technically Milton really does come this far north). The terrain is easy but the 53 kilometre distance will provide a challenge.
The ride begins by heading west out of Acton and is quickly into the wonderful rural countryside. We will be riding the rural roads of what was formerly known as the Townships of Esquesing and Nassagawaya that feature lovely farmlands and cool forests. This year the route dips down to the 10th Side Road to take advantage of quieter roads which has in turn added 3 kms to the route.
Check out our route
Please register your intention to join us by email hhcycling@haltonhills.ca. Please indicate if you are an intermediate or advanced cyclist.
Bike it to Leathertown Festival Event Schedule
- 9:00 registration begins – signing waivers, getting instructions
- 9:30 Rural Vistas 50 km group (those needing 2 ½ hours leave first)
- 10:00 Rural Vistas 50 km group (those needing 2 hours) depart
- 10:30 Leathertown Highlights Spin and Leathertown Rural Loop registration begins
- 11:00 LRL tour departs
- 11:15 LHS tour departs
- 12:00 Valet Bike Parking opens
- 12:00 Cyclists begin returning from their tours. Participants can park their bikes and enjoy the Festival
- 2:00 Valet Bike Parking closes
NEW! Dust Off Your Bike Rides
We are hosting 2 leisurely rides aimed at people who haven’t been on a bike for a while and who need a nudge to get back on the saddle again. This will be fun and casual. We will start with a quick look at your bike and will have tools on hand to tighten the odd fitting and pump the tires.
Then we will talk about safety tips, proper equipment, how we are going to safely ride and will review the rules of the road. When we are all ready to go we will set off at a leisurely pace. This group ride will be led by our experienced volunteers.
- Ride #1 Thursday May 24th 6:30pm Gellert trails
- Ride #2 Tuesday June 5th 6:30pm Acton Sports Park
Please remember to wear your helmet
If you plan to attend please let us know by emailing hhcycling@haltonhills.ca It will be fun!
Wednesday May 23, 2018 7pm
Tickets at the door: $10 adults $5 Students
John Elliott Theatre
9 Church Street, Georgetown
www.haltonhills.ca/theatre
Bikes vs Cars is a documentary about the bike and what an amazing tool for change it can be. It highlights a conflict in city planning between bikes, cars and a growing reliance on fossil fuels.
Mark Burger will be on hand to share his experience cycling across Canada 3 times.
The Halton Hills Bicycle Friendly Community Committee will be on hand to promote the 2018 Cycling Program
The Bicycle Friendly Community Committee is participating again in Georgetown High School’s Annual Fit Day on Wednesday May 30th. We will have our team on hand to talk to youth about cycling and will host fun bicycle-related activities.
The Bicycle Friendly Team will be stationed out in the community watching for cyclists who are wearing their helmets, who have bells and lights, and who exhibit good cycling behaviour. When we spot great cyclists who are well prepared we will be giving out rewards. Watch for us on the following dates.
- Tuesday June 19th Georgetown South
- Tuesday July 10th Acton Sports Park
- Tuesday August 28th TBD
Other Cycling Initiatives
Did you know that Ontario has updated the Highway Traffic Act and it is now the law that drivers must give cyclists at least 1 metre when passing? Likewise cyclists have a responsibility to steer a predictable path and not weave in and out of parked cars. We have many more adults and children riding bikes and we want them all to arrive home safely.
Q1: What is the penalty to drivers for not leaving a minimum of one-metre distance when passing a cyclist?
The penalty for not leaving a minimum one-metre passing distance is a set fine of $85.00 plus a $5 court fee plus a $20 victim surcharge fine for a total payable of $110.00.
Drivers who contest their ticket by going to court may face a fine of up to $500 if found guilty (fine range is $60 to $500). Upon conviction, two demerit points will also be assigned against the individual’s driver record.
Q2: Will cyclists also be required to leave a minimum one-metre distance when passing a vehicle?
Cyclists are not required to leave a specific one-metre space; however, they are required to obey all the rules of the road. Cyclists who are being overtaken should turn out to the right to allow the vehicle to pass.
Q3: What if there isn’t enough room to allow for a one-metre passing distance? Can a vehicle cross the centre median line to pass the cyclist?
A motorist may, if done safely, and in compliance with the rules of the road, cross the centre line of a roadway in order to pass a cyclist. If this cannot be done, he or she must wait behind the cyclist until it is safe to pass.
Other changes to the Ontario Highway Act
Dooring
Q1. What are the new increased penalties for “dooring” offenses?
The new penalties for improper opening of a vehicle door (for driver or passenger) are a set fine of $300.00 upon conviction and 3 demerit points. The total payable fine is $365.00 ($set fine plus $60 victim fine surcharge and $5 court costs).
The current HTA set fine for “dooring” offence is $85.00 upon conviction and the total payable fine is $110 ($set fine plus $20 victim fine surcharge and $5 court fees). Additionally a conviction results in 2 demerit points being added to the individual’s driver record.
Q2. Does the “dooring” law only apply to cyclists?
Although cyclists may be the most commonly perceived road user affected by this behaviour, the “dooring” law applies to all road users and is not specific to cyclists.
The government is committed to helping ensure the safety of not only cyclists but all road users.
Increasing the Fine for Cyclists for Non-Compliance with Light, Reflector and Reflective Material Requirements
Q1. Why is the government increasing the fines for cyclists with improper light, reflector and reflective tape?
Currently, the fine for non-compliance with bicycle light, reflector and reflective requirements, carries a maximum fine of $20 which is less than the majority of set fines for motorists and cyclists.
Increasing this fine will put this violation in line with all other cycling violations.
Allowing Cyclists to use Intermittent Flashing Red Lights
Q1. Why is the government allowing cyclists to use a red flashing light? Won’t this be distracting to other road users?
Red flashing lights were previously not allowed under the Highway Traffic Act even though the majority of cyclists were already using rear lamps that produce intermittent flashes of red light to make themselves more visible to others.
Considering the safety benefits from the use of these lights, and to prevent cyclists from potentially being charged, the Highway Traffic Act was amended to allow bicycles to use lamps that produce intermittent flashes of red lights.
A motorist may, if done safely, and in compliance with the rules of the road, cross the centre line of a roadway in order to pass a cyclist. If this cannot be done, he or she must wait behind the cyclist until it is safe to pass.
Bicycle Helmets
Q1: What is the fine for not wearing a bicycle helmet?
All bicycle riders under the age of 18 need to wear an approved bicycle helmet when travelling on any public road. The total fine is $75.
Q2: How do I know which bicycle helmet to buy?
Look for a helmet that fits comfortably and meets safety standards. Check the inside of the helmet for stickers from one or more of the following organizations:
- Snell Memorial Foundation: Snell B90, Snell B95, Snell B90S, or Snell N94
- American National Standard Institute: ANSI Z90.4-1984
- American Society For Testing and Materials: ASTMF1447-94
- British Standards Institute: BS6863:1989
- Standards Association of Australia: AS2063.2-1990
- United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) 16 CFR Part 1203
DRIVER’S GUIDE TO SHARING THE ROAD WITH CYCLISTS
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation provides a guide for drivers sharing the road with cyclists including diagrams to illustrate different scenarios. It is good advice for everyone. Take a look at the Ministry’s website https://www.ontario.ca/
Risk Watch is a multi-agency project spearheaded by the Halton Hills Fire Department. It is a comprehensive safety program that is attended by all grade 4 students in Halton Hills, including French language students for the first time in 2012.
Risk Watch is a safety blitz involving a wide array of safety instruction including bike safety. Helmet fitting is a key component. Students are encouraged to bring their helmets and those that are out of date or damaged are replaced free of charge courtesy of Canadian Tire Georgetown. Bike maintenance is part of the program and is taught by Halton Regional Police.
The Town began the roll out of the cycling and pedestrian directional signage program began in 2016 and will continue in 2017. It will help people find the shortest and safest routes to popular destinations.
In 2016 the Town offered its first Bicycle Rodeo as a pilot project in cooperation with Halton Regional Police and the staff at Joseph Gibbons School in Georgetown. This was a great success with the students learning basic cycling and safety skills.
Bicycle Rodeos will be offered in 2017. More information about how to apply will be posted in the spring.
The Greenbelt Route is a 475 kilometre on-road signed cycling route that travels from Niagara Falls in the south west to Northumberland in the east. This amazing route travels through Halton Hills and follows rural roads through the scenic villages of Limehouse, Glen Williams and Terra Cotta.
For more information on the main route or the loop routes please check out http://www.greenbelt.ca/route-loops
2017 Halton Hills Community Bike Challenge
WE DID IT AGAIN! 416,000 kms logged
The Halton Hills Bike Challenge attracted a whopping 2,174 participants of all ages and cycling abilities. Collectively these intrepid cyclists logged over 416,000 kms or the equivalent of all the paved roads in Canada. This year’s event was run as a travelogue from sea to sea to sea as we celebrated Canada 150. The team began knocking off provinces and territories on April 25th with its launch at St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic School. Dan Curtis, Mayor of Whitehorse Yukon sent his best wishes on a successful Bike Challenge via video since his community was chosen as the virtual launch site.
On October 2nd the tour concluded in St. John’s Newfoundland with much joy and relief. The Sponsors will now pass over their cheques to the Georgetown Hospital Foundation. In total $45,000 has been raised in this year’s event. Over the past 5 years the Challenge has raised over $300,000 for local health care.
