Active Transportation is a form of human-powered travel such as walking, cycling, skating, roller blading, wheelchairs, scooters, e-bikes, anything that involves mobility. The most popular forms of transportation include walking and cycling which in recent years have become more expressed as physical activity.
Types of Infrastructure
Major street shared lane
Shared use lanes provide direct routes for experienced bicyclists along the outer travel lane of a roadway. While bicyclists mix with motor vehicle traffic, they are separate from pedestrians using the sidewalk, where a sidewalk exists. Sharrows are painted on the road surface to remind drivers they must share the road with bicyclists and help position road users on the roadway.
Multi-Use Pathway
A multi-use trail is a facility that is separate from the travelled portion of a roadway and may take the form of an in-boulevard trail in a public road right-of-way or an off-road multi-use trail within a greenway, abandoned rail corridor, or utility/hydro corridor. These types of trails are typically designed to support the widest range of users including pedestrians, cyclists, in-line skaters and skateboarders where trail surfaces permit such activities. These pathway can be paved with concrete, asphalt, or may be surfaced with stone dust, fine limestone, or gravel screenings.
Painted bicycle lane
Bicycle lanes are added throughout the Town of Halton Hills and are providing a safe and comfortable way to travel without interfering with traffic from cars and pedestrians. Bike lanes are dedicated to cyclists and cause a division from the road and the sidewalk so that biking is more suitable. Bike lanes are painted in a solid white line and are a symbol of regulatory sign that creates a path for bicycle users.
Buffered bicycle lane
Buffered bicycle lanes provide more protected space for bicycling than a painted bicycle lane, typically through a painted buffer or “shy” zones on one or both sides of bicyclists. Plastic posts can be used to delineate the lanes. These lanes may be further separated from traffic by a parking lane.
Paved shoulder
Where intended for bicyclist use, and provided enough width is available, paved shoulders on the edge of roadways can serve as a functional space for bicyclists in the absence of other facilities with more separation or delineation.
Sidewalks
Sidewalks are located within the public road right-of-way throughout the urban areas of the Town of Halton Hills. They are one of the most essential designs to create in active transportation. Most people use them to walk/run, and rollerblade. Sidewalks provide a safe network for people and are an alternative to get around without using the roads.
Benefits of Active Transportation
Health and Fitness
- More energy
- Better sleep
- Increased confidence and productivity
- Increased happiness
- Decreased stress
- Improved posture, balance, flexibility, and muscle strength
- Improved self-image
Environmental
- Reduce Air pollution
- Reduce traffic congestion
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Transportation
- Reduced road congestion and maintenance costs
- Less expensive infrastructure
- Increased road safety
- Decreased user costs
Build an active transportation lifestyle:
- Biking and walking instead of using a car to and from work.
- Bike to school instead of getting a drive.
- Encourage family or groups to use transportation such a rollerblading, cycling and walking/running.
Also ask yourself:
- How far is the place I need to get to?
- Are there pedestrian and bicycle lanes?
- Did I meet my daily activity level for the day?
Past Active Transportation Improvements |
2021
2020
2019
2018
Since adoption of the Cycling Master Plan (2010)
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Active Transportation Master Plan |
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The Town of Halton Hills has developed a comprehensive Active Transportation Master Plan to guide the Town in implementing a Town-wide cycling network over the next 10 years and beyond. The Active Transportation Master Plan document was adopted by Council in 2020. |
Bicycle and Driving Safety |
Bicycle Safety
Driver Safety
Helmet Safety
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Health and Safety |
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At Halton Hills, many different approaches have been implemented to address the safety concerns, bicycle parking, and sidewalk structures. With the implementation to active transportation comes the benefits of improved air quality, reduced contribution to climate change and efficient transportation modes to get from place-to-place. With active transportation it has been shown that people with better access to facilities, trails, designed infrastructure for mobility devices, public transportation, all have been shown to improve quality of life and health. |
Frequently asked questions |
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Related pages |
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Want to learn more about active transportation in Ontario? Here are some helpful links.
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