Halton Hills is a popular destination for cyclists who are attracted to a wide variety of paved rural roads through the scenic Greenbelt and Niagara Escarpment areas and the Credit River valley. The hilly terrain provides a challenge for both the serious and recreational cyclists. For touring cyclists, the Provincially significant Greenbelt Cycling Route also passes through Halton Hills and features the charming villages of Limehouse, Glen Williams and Terra Cotta.
Halton Hills approved its first Bicycle Master Plan in 2010. Since then, in-town cycling has improved annually with investments in safe cycling infrastructure including bike lanes, multi-use paths, and trails suitable for bicycles. Directional signage throughout the Town helps to direct cyclists to the best cycling routes to popular destinations. Bicycle repair stations are located at the Georgetown and Acton Branches of the Halton Hills Public Library and at the Gellert Centre.
Bike It Committee |
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The Halton Hills Bike It 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. There is a need for volunteers at all of our events and the committee is always interested in welcoming new members. Please contact Ivan Drewnitski, Transportation Planning Technologist, or Councillor Jane Fogal if you are interested in volunteering. |
Free Bike Rack Program |
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The Town of Halton Hills’ recognizes the bottom-line benefits of businesses becoming more bike friendly for their customers and employees. This year the Town of Halton Hills is offering a FREE bike rack (valued at $600 each) to the first Halton Hills businesses that provide proof they have applied for the Bicycle Friendly Business certification through the Ontario By Bike Network. Benefits of certification
All interested businesses are encouraged to contact Ivan Drewnitski, Transportation Planning Technologist for the Town of Halton Hills. Learn more about Bicycle Friendly Business certification criteria, how to qualify and how to register your location on the Ontario By Bike map. About the Ontario By Bike NetworkTMThe Ontario By Bike™ Network is a project by Transportation Options, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable mobility and tourism solutions across Ontario. Transportation Options engages in projects that research, develop and promote new transportation and tourism choices, with a focus on those that are integrated, environmentally sound, healthy, service-oriented, and improve the experience of users. Why should a business join the Ontario By Bike Network?
Please note bike racks are only available while supplies last. At this time due to physical constraints, we will not be accepting any applications within the Georgetown and Acton Downtown Districts. |
The Greenbelt Route |
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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 the Greenbelt Route. |
Hosting a Cycling Event |
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Are you an event organizer looking to host a cycling event in Halton Hills? Submit a Special Event Application to the Town of Halton Hills and someone will respond promptly. |
Bike It Halton Hills events
Sept 11, 2021 - Used Bike Swap |
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Join the Halton Hills Bike It Committee for their Used Bike Swap, an event that gives residents the opportunity to recycle their bikes in an environmentally friendly way by putting them in the hands of those who can use them. Donate your used bikes and trikes (in working condition) or get a great deal on a used bike for yourself of a family member with all proceeds going to local food banks! DonateDonated bikes and trikes can be dropped off at the Norval United Church parking lot (14015 Danby Road, Georgetown) September 8-10, 2021 between 5 and 7 p.m. OR the morning of the event between 8:30 a.m. and noon. Just look for the Hey Ray container in the back of the parking lot. BuyBikes can be purchased on September 11, 2021 from 10 a.m. to noon at Norval United Church (14015 Danby Road, Georgetown). Bikes will be sold "as is" and priced as follows (cash only):
COVID-19 GuidelinesAttendees are asked to wear masks and sanitize their hands before entering the display area. Questions?Have questions or need more information on the Used Bike Swap? Contact hhcycling@haltonhills.ca. |
Cycling Initiatives 2022
- Bike lanes added to Tanners Drive from Churchill Road North to Churchill Road South
- The implementation of phase 2 of cycling infrastructure along Maple Ave from Trafalgar Road to Main Street. The infrastructure will include a cycling track to enable increased Active Transportation.
- Reconstruct 22nd Side Road, 30m east of Elizabeth Street to Highway 7 (Trafalgar Road), upgraded roadway to current standards will improve safety for vehicular traffic and provide paved shoulders for improved pedestrian and cycling safety.
- The rehabilitation of Mountainview Road bridge over Hungry Hollow to provide a safe and reliable level of service for transportation and active transportation.
- The replacement of the culvert over Beeney Creek on Sixth Line including installation of a guiderail to protect the travelling public.
- The resurfacing of Mountainview Road from Maple Avenue to John Street. This project will incorporate active transportation facilities along Mountainview Road.
- A new multiuse asphalt pathway will be installed on the west side of Sinclair Avenue from Guelph Street to Duncan Drive.
- The Town will be introducing its very first bike signal at the intersection of Guelph and Sinclair.
- The Town will be installing a variety of signed bike routes with pavement markings at several locations as approved within the Towns Active Transportation Master Plan.
- Town of Halton Hills will be participating in Bike Month 2022.
Roads are for everyone
Rules of the Road |
The one metre lawDid 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. DooringThe new penalties for improper opening of a vehicle door (for driver or passenger) are a set fine of $300 upon conviction and 3 demerit points. The total payable fine is $365 ($set fine plus $60 victim fine surcharge and $5 court costs). The current HTA set fine for “dooring” offence is $85 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. 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. Fines for non-complianceThe Town has increased the fine for cyclists for non-compliance with light, reflector and reflective material requirements. 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. Intermittent flashing red lightsRed 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 helmetsAll bicycle riders under the age of 18 need to wear an approved bicycle helmet when travelling on any public road. The total fine for not wearing a helmet is $75. When buying a helmet, look for one that fits comfortably and meets safety standards. Check the inside of the helmet for stickers from one or more of the following organizations:
Sharing the road with cyclistsThe 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions |
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