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Transportation Infrastructure
Learn how Halton Hills invests in and manages transportation infrastructure, including roads, sidewalks, cycling routes and multi-use pathways, to support safe, reliable and accessible travel throughout the community.
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
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
How to 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.
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?
Pedestrian Crossovers
Pedestrian crossovers support safety efforts. By law, drivers and cyclists must stop for pedestrians intending to cross the road. Pay attention, read the signs and learn the rules. Print the pamphlet and share it with your family.
Instructions for use
Pedestrians and cyclists walking their bicycles: Push the button for flashing lights (if applicable), extend your arm to indicate you wish to cross, wait for traffic to stop and make eye contact with the driver to ensure you are seen.
Motorists/drivers/cyclists: Stay alert and be prepared to stop behind the yield line.
Types of crossovers
There are three levels of pedestrian crossovers; each type has the same rules of the road.
- 2 Type D
Lines that mark the crossing area
Clear place for motorists & cyclists to stop
Roadside signs
- 2 Type C
Lines that mark the crossing area
Clear place for motorists & cyclists to stop
Roadside signs & flashing lights with push buttons
- 2 Type B
Lines that mark the crossing area
Clear place for motorists & cyclists to stop
Roadside signs, flashing lights with push buttons & overhead signs
New pedestrian crossover locations
Eastern Avenue - Level 2 Type D
- Church Street - Level 2 Type D
2024
The Town participated in Bike Month 2024.
Cycling Promotional Events - "Bike to school" and Bike Safety Campaign.
The Town continued the launch of its annual Bike Month Scavenger Hunt.
The Town participated and supported the Bike It Working Group's 2024 Community Cycling Forum.
2023
Queen Street (Highway 7) between Churchill Road and Eastern Avenue - Bike Sign Improvements
Purple Active Transportation Directional Sign Improvements - Various Locations
Share the Road Signs - 15 Side Road and 10 Side Road between Trafalgar Road and Regional Road 25
Cycling Promotional Events - "Bike to School", "Bike to Work", Bike Safety Campaign, High School Active Transportation Presentation
Bike Repair Station - Program Extension
The Town participated in Bike Month 2023
2022
Tanners Drive Bike Lane Project - Installation of bike lanes between Churchill Road South and Churchill Road North
Sinclair Avenue Multi-use Pathway (North side) - Duncan Drive to Guelph Street (Hwy 7)
Maple Avenue between Main Street and Trafalgar Road (Bike Lanes/Cycle Tracks)
Wooden Pedestrian Safety Barriers - 10 Side Road Access Locations to Multi-use Pathways
The Town participated in Bike Month 2022
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.
Infill Sidewalk Connection – South of McCullough Crescent on the south side to Mount Crescent under the underpass.
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.
The Town participated in Bike Month 2021
2020
Bike Lanes deferred to 2021 due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic for Barber Drive East from Mountainview Road to 10th Side Road
Bike lanes deferred to 2021 due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic for Tanners Drive from Churchill Road North to Churchill Road South
The Town participated in Bike Month 2020
As part of Bike Month 2020, the Town promoted 6 safe cycling webinars
2019
Multi-Use Path on Armstrong Ave from Sinclair Ave. to Guelph Street ($2.75 million)
Repaving and marking Barber Drive (West) bike lanes
Sharrows installed on Edward Street
2018
Bike lanes on Barber Drive West south of Argyle Rd.
Multi-Use Path on Sinclair from Armstrong Ave to Guelph Street
Sharrow pavement markings on Main Street South in Downtown Georgetown
Installation of a bike corral in Downtown Georgetown as a pilot project
Since adoption of the Cycling Master Plan (2010)
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
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 Safety
Perform a safety check before each ride: tires, wheels, chain, gears, brakes, and lights/reflectors
Law requires bikes to have a bell/horn, white front light, red rear light (or reflector), and white reflective tape on the front forks and red reflective tape on the rear forks
Follow the rules of the road, obey traffic laws and share the road with others
Ride on the right side of the road
Wear a helmet, be alert and be heard
Practice straight-line riding
Always check over your shoulders before turning and signal your intensions
Stop for pedestrians
Ride in single file, one meter apart, on two-lane roads, and move to the right to allow motorists to pass
Don’t travel in motor vehicle blind spots
Driver Safety
Drivers must leave a minimum of one meter passing distance
Keep your distance and do not following too closely
Signal, check mirrors, and your blind spots prior to turning
Do not sound your horn unnecessarily
Take extra care when entering or crossing a bike line
No dooring – check mirrors and blind spots before opening your car door
Pay extra attention to children riding bicycles
Watch for cyclists’ hand signals indicating that they will be turning
Treat cyclists like any other vehicle
Helmet Safety
Two finger widths between your eyebrows and the helmet
The straps should be flat against the face
The side straps should meet just below the ear making a V-shape under you ear lobe
The chin strap should be fastened snugly with enough room to fit one finger between your chin and the strap
Use the dial at the back or the sizing pads provided with the helmet to adjust the fit
Cyclists under the age of 18 are required to wear an approved bicycle helmet when travelling on any public road.
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.
FAQs
The benefits are reduction of motor vehicle operating speeds (traffic calming), reduces pedestrian crossing distance, promotes alternative mode of transportation, provides identified space for cyclists, connects to existing bike paths/trails and promotes healthy living (active transportation).
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 Cycling Master Plan document was adopted by Council in 2020.
All inquiries should be directed to the Transportation Planning Technologist at 905-873-2600 ext. 2328.
A Complete Street is defined as a street that is designed for all ages and abilities, designed for universal access specifically to accommodate safe and comfortable access for pedestrians, cyclists, transit users and drivers.
The projects are funded from a combination of Federal Gas Tax and the Town's Capital Program, which is approved annually by Council.
Halton Regional Police Service through the North Halton Injury Prevention Committee will undertake a bike safety workshop during the Bike to Market public event. The Town's Traffic division will provide additional bike information, safety tips and discuss the proposed bike lane implementation process.
Bicycles are designated as vehicles under the HTA and as such are required to obey all the same rules and regulations as automobiles when being operated on a public roadway. It is important to note that even when bike lanes are provided, cyclists are not obligated to use them. Should they choose to do so, cyclists are legally permitted to travel with mixed traffic in a standard motor vehicle travel lane.
Based on the Bike Lane Implementation project, travel lanes for motorized vehicles will be narrowed. Therefore, the conflict area between pedestrians and motor vehicles will be reduced and pedestrian safety improved. Uncontrolled crosswalks will be retrofitted with warning tab signs indicating Pedestrians Wait for Gap message. Vehicles approaching the uncontrolled crosswalk have the right-of-way over pedestrians entering the road.
School entry and dismissal times managed by each school board are provided on their websites. Staggered dismissal times would benefit traffic distribution and reduce traffic congestion in front of the schools. The Town manages the school crossing guard program.
Yes, the width of the lanes are designed within acceptable standards based on the Ontario Traffic Manual standards, ensuring public safety.
For more information regarding the Town of Halton Hills Uniform Traffic Control By-law No. 2023-0094
Learn more
Municipal Law Enforcement Coordinator 905-873-2600 ext. 2330.
Halton Hills allows a maximum parking duration of 6 hours, unless otherwise posted. During winter time, overnight parking prohibition is in effect between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.
It is the removal of old paint (water-based) and/or durable paint (plastic) pavement road markings.
For a short period of time residents may experience disruption such as noise and dust during the removal of the existing lane markings (during the day) and implementation of the new lane marking (overnight). Certain sections of the road will be inaccessible, but clearly marked. The Town's Traffic Coordinator will be supervising the contractor during all phases of the project to ensure health and safety are maintained. If you have any concerns with regard to the Town's contractor's actions, please call 905-873-2600 ext. 2215.
The Town will hand deliver a notice informing residents of any major delays, next steps, and continue to communicate with the affected homeowner. Project signs will be installed to ensure affected motorists are informed.
Related pages
Want to learn more about active transportation in Ontario? Here are some helpful links.
Related By-Laws
A By-law to regulate traffic and parking on highways under the jurisdiction of the Town of Halton Hills and to repeal the Uniform Traffic Control By-law 1984-0001.