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.
It is expected that the first Halton Hills Cycling map will be released in 2021.
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. |
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. |
Cycling Initiatives 2021
- Bike Lanes added to Barber Drive East from Mountainview Road to 10th Side Road
- Bike lanes added to Tanners Drive from Churchill Road North to Churchill Road South
- Queen Street (Acton) reconstruction & intersection pedestrian signal (IPS), bike lanes will be reinstated for active transportation and the addition of a new IPS will improve pedestrian safety.
- 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.
- Implementation of additional “Share the Road” signs as part of the Rural Safety Project.
- Eighth Line pilot project safety pavement marking enhancements for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Cycling Infrastructure Maple Avenue Trafalgar Road to River Drive. Phase 1 of Maple Avenue retrofit to add cycling infrastructure from Main Street to Guelph Street.
- Town of Halton Hills will be participating in Bike Month 2021.
Roads are for everyone
Social media campaign |
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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Bike It Halton Hills events
All events are cancelled at this time due to the ongoing pandemic.
April 25 - Used bike buy and sell (cancelled) |
Do you have bicycles in your garage that are too small or no longer used and you would like to find a good home for them? Do you have a great bike but want to move up? Or are you looking for a good deal on a used bike? This event is all about putting buyers and sellers in the same place at the same time. Tricycles and other cycling equipment are also welcome. The intent of this event is to recycle bicycles, put bikes in the hands of those who need an inexpensive way to get a bike and to help you clear out your garage in an environmentally friendly way. Drop offs welcome from 8 a.m. when the gates open for the Earth Day Event. There is no fee to participate in this bike recycling opportunity. Spokes N Slopes Georgetown will have staff on hand to assist with minor repairs. To let us know you will be joining, please send an email to the bike it committee. Sell your own bikeThose bringing bikes for private sale set their own price, must stay with their bikes and complete the transaction privately with the buyer. In the event you are not successful in finding a buyer, you may either take the bike home or donate it to the Bike it Committee. Bike It Committee donated saleYou may also choose to drop off your bikes with the Bike It Committee. We will price and sell these bikes with proceeds donated to local foodbanks. |
May 25 - Noon hour group ride and picnic (cancelled) |
The Halton Hills Bike It Committee, and the Transportation staff are hosting their seventh 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 for a leisurely noon hour bike ride. Cyclists of all levels of experience will ride together through scenic trails and quiet residential streets. Bring your own picnic lunch and enjoy it when we stop for a lunch break part way through the ride at the Georgetown Fairgrounds. To let us know you will be joining, please send an email to the bike it committee. Remember to ride safe and wear a helmet. |
June 2 - Dust off your bike ride in Georgetown (cancelled) |
This ride is aimed at people who haven’t been on a bike for a while and need a nudge to get back on the saddle again. This will be fun and casual. We will start with a talk about safety equipment and bike maintenance. We will have a quick look at your bike and will have tools on hand to tighten the odd fitting and pump the tires. However, this is not a bike maintenance course but is a reminder of the proper maintenance you should give your bike. Then we will talk about safety tips, rules of the road and how we are going to safely ride the route. 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. To let us know you will be joining, please send an email to the bike it committee. See you there. Remember to ride safe and wear a helmet. |
June 2 - Ride the loop (cancelled) |
Ride the loop is a new group cycling event intended for the intermediate and above cyclist. Although this ride takes advantage of multi-use paths and on-road bike lanes it also is on roads where there is no cycling infrastructure. Cyclists should be able to ride this route in 1 hour and 10 minutes or less. To let us know you will be joining, please send an email to the bike it committee. See you there. Remember to ride safe and wear a helmet. |
June 20 - Bike it to the market (cancelled) |
An annual favourite for almost a decade, riders will once again 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. 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. Activities may include a children’s cycling skills course, plus hula hooping, skipping, Zumba and ball hockey. Many volunteers are required for this event including bike parking attendants, ticket takers, children’s activity supervisors, greeters, and road closure attendants. If you would like to volunteer or would like more information please send an email to the bike it committee or contact Councillor Jane Fogal. Volunteer shifts are typically 2 hours in duration. We have many jobs suitable for students (counting towards mandatory 40 hours). Our partners
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August 6 - Dust off your bike ride in Acton |
This ride is aimed at people who haven’t been on a bike for a while and need a nudge to get back on the saddle again. This will be fun and casual. We will start with a talk about safety equipment and bike maintenance. We will have a quick look at your bike and will have tools on hand to tighten the odd fitting and pump the tires. However, this is not a bike maintenance course but is a reminder of the proper maintenance you should give your bike. Then we will talk about safety tips, rules of the road and how we are going to safely ride the route. 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. To let us know you will be joining, please send an email to the bike it committee. See you there. Remember to ride safe and wear a helmet. |
August 9 - Bike it to Leathertown Festival |
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Enjoy the sights, sounds and flavours of the Acton Leathertown Festival by bike! Several route options are suitable for intermediate to advanced riders. Ride or bring your bike to the Acton Go Station parking lot where you will find our free valet bike parking. Group rides are planned to finish approximately when the Festival gets fully underway. After your ride, leave your bike in our secure valet bike parking area and enjoy the food, the bands, the vintage cars and vendors. For more information on the festival please check out Leathertown Festival. Please register your intention to join us by sending an email to the bike it committee. Kindly remember these are group rides, not a race. Leathertown rural loop – 23km (1.5 hours)
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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. |
