HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2023-007 - Active Transportation Progress Report 2023Staff Report
Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee
DATE OF MEETING:
September 18, 2023
SUBMITTED BY:
Barry Cronkite, Director, Transportation Services, 519-741-2200 ext.
7738
Jeffery Silcox -Childs, Director, Parks and Cemeteries, 519-741-2200
ext. 4518
PREPARED BY:
Darren Kropf, Manager, Active Transportation and Development,
519-741-2200 ext. 7314
Ashley Visneski, Manager, Parks and Open Space, Design and
Development, 519-741-2200 ext. 4045
WARD(S) INVOLVED:
All
DATE OF REPORT: September 8, 2023
REPORT NO.: DSD -2023-007
SUBJECT: Active Transportation Progress Report 2023
RECOMMENDATION:
That Development Services Department report, DSD -2023-007 be received as the first
progress report for the Cycling and Trails Master Plan.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
• The purpose of this report is to provide an update on progress made on Kitchener's
award-winning Cycling and Trails Master Plan, as well as other active transportation
and trail initiatives.
• The key finding of this report is that more people are walking, rolling and cycling thanks
to Kitchener's strong progress on implementing the Cycling and Trails Master Plan.
• This report is for information purposes and does not have any financial implications.
• Community engagement included consultation with the Active Transportation and Trails
Advisory Committee.
• This report supports People -friendly Transportation by improving connectivity and year-
round maintenance to multi -use trails and pathways as prioritized through the Cycling
and Trails Master Plan; and by building a continuous and protected cycling network.
BACKGROUND:
Kitchener's Cycling and Trails Master Plan (CTMP) was approved in 2020 and has since
won awards for its community-based approach to active transportation and trail planning.
The CTMP includes 35 strategic actions in three areas of focus: Connections, Experience
and Culture. Action 3E-2 calls for staff to communicate on progress made and provide data
on usership of the active transportation and trail network on a biannual basis. The last
progress report provided to City Council was in 2016. This progress report will provide
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
Page 58 of 399
information from 2017-2022, and is found in Attachment A: Active Transportation Progress
Report 2023.
There are many additional strategic initiatives that support a vision for Kitchener where
residents can safely and enjoyably walk, roll and cycle to get around and for healthy, active
lifestyles. These include the Sidewalk Infill Policy, Complete Streets, Vision Zero, Leisure
Facilities Master Plan, Places and Spaces and the Official Plan.
REPORT:
Walking, rolling and cycling — the main forms of active transportation - bring many benefits.
Everyone in the city can benefit when we collectively work to reduce automobile dependence
and greenhouse gas emissions, provide more recreation and leisure options, increase social
connections and physical activity, improve public health outcomes, and reduce infrastructure
demands.
A recent province -wide poll' shows that there is a high prevalence of cycling amongst
Ontarians. The majority of Ontarians want to cycle more often, and increased investment by
governments in cycling infrastructure is something that a majority of Ontarians support. The
poll finds:
• 68% of Ontarians (9.8 million people) ride their bike at least monthly.
• 65% expressed their desire to cycle more if there were improved cycling
infrastructure.
• 72% believe investing in proper cycling infrastructure makes it safer for all road users.
• 65% say "investing in cycling is good for my municipality".
• 58% agree that investing in cycling is good for their city's business and tourism.
• Ontarians are both cyclists and drivers: 87% of Ontario's 3.2 million frequent cyclists
say they also drive frequently, while 85% of Ontario's 9.8 million occasional cyclists
say this is the case.
Cycling and Trails Master Plan progress
The Cycling and Trails Master Plan focuses on creating a city-wide network of cycling routes
and trails that is comfortable for people of All Ages and Abilities (AAA). The CTMP's vision
is that "trails and cycling will connect Kitchener and create a sustainable, safe, equitable,
and healthy community for everyone year-round."
In the past five years, the largest increase in mobility infrastructure has been the active
transportation and trails network. A map of new infrastructure is found in Attachment B —
New Active Transportation Facilities Map 2017-2022.
F2017r` ease
Sidewalks
. -
Sidewalks & walkways 1170 km 1225 km + 55 km
Total AAA cvclina network
Multi -use trails (off-road)*
Boulevard multi -use trails*
Protected bike lanes
Neighbourhood bikeways
201 km
166 km
32 km
3 km
286 km + 84 km
191 km +25 km
74 km +41 km
15 km +12 km
0 km 6 km + 6 km
I "Ontario Bike Surrunit Opens in Hamilton With Release of New Province -Wide Polling Data on Cycling in Ontario",
Share the Road Cycling Coalition, May 1, 2023: https://www.sharetheroad.cVnews-media-p157824.
Page 59 of 399
Motor vehicle network 2239 lane km 2293 lane km + 54 lane km
(total lanes)
*Off-road and boulevard multi -use trails are also available for pedestrian use.
Kitchener continues to benefit from many initiatives led by the Region of Waterloo, which
are reflected in the numbers above and the map in Attachment B. Kitchener staff appreciate
the vision and collaborative spirit of Region of Waterloo staff as we work together on a
shared vision to see more walking, rolling and cycling in Kitchener.
At the end of 2022, 20% of the new or upgraded infrastructure identified in the CTMP has
been completed. Construction of off-road trails is ahead of schedule, which at the current
pace of funding and implementation will complete the short-term priorities within the ten-
year capital forecast. The implementation of on -street cycling routes is slightly behind
schedule, with the ten-year forecast to be completed in fourteen years at the current pace
of funding. The delay in on -road is attributed to inflation and complexity working in the
downtown.
In addition to expanding the active transportation network, progress has been made on 24
of the 35 actions identified in the CTMP. Highlights include:
• launching e -scooters and e -bikes with partner Neuron Mobility,
• upgrading walkways in a variety of neighbourhoods,
• an update to the City's Development Manual to integrate active transportation in new
subdivisions,
• supporting the Region of Waterloo's work for a pedestrian overpass of Highway 7/8
at Strasburg Road,
• delivery of education campaigns for safe cycling, with more campaigns in
development through Vision Zero education programs,
• boulevard multi -use trails have been added to the sidewalk inspection program for
annual asset management inspections, and;
• wayfinding for people walking, rolling and cycling was implemented on the Iron Horse
Trail and the Downtown Cycling Grid, with the next phases of expansion to include
the Trans Canada Trail and Henry Sturm trail.
There will be further opportunities to accelerate the implementation of the CTMP during the
2023-2026 Strategic Plan, through the main action items identified of city-wide active
transportation routes (both on -road and off-road trails) and developing a localized safety
improvement program.
Kitchener city staff regularly engages with other jurisdictions to share best practices, with
many of those conversations being hosted here in Kitchener. Other cities have taken note
of Kitchener's leadership in active transportation and trails and want to learn from our
example. Over a dozen professional groups have visited to tour our infrastructure, including
the Institute for Transportation Engineers Southwestern Ontario chapter, a delegation from
South Korea and several nearby Ontario cities.
Active transportation highlights (in street right of ways)
Page 60 of 399
The active transportation network is expanding through a combination of stand-alone
projects for sidewalk infill, pedestrian crossings and cycling infrastructure, as well as street
reconstructions required to replace aging underground infrastructure.
In the past five years, Kitchener has installed 28 new pedestrian crossings at mid -block,
trail and roundabout locations. See Attachment B for locations.
The Downtown Cycling Grid was the top priority identified by the community in the CTMP,
and it is now 75% complete, with the recent addition of a boulevard multi -use trail on
Margaret Avenue and Otto Street. The final phase on Duke Street is on track for construction
in 2024.
With the recent addition of new bidirectional, protected bike lanes on Cedar Street, Joseph
Street, Ontario Street, Water Street, and Queen Street, city staff has retained a consultant
to conduct an independent safety review of cycling facilities and adjacent street operations.
The review will evaluate current conditions and provide a summary of how the design
compares to current Active Transportation best practices, what is working effectively and
key issues to consider. The review is expected to be completed in early 2024.
In partnership with Parks staff, the Joint Spot Improvement Program was launched in 2023
to make targeted safety improvements for all street users including pedestrian and cycling
infrastructure. This work is guided by the spot fixes identified by the community in the Cycling
and Trails Master Plan and Vision Zero.
Trail highlights (off-road)
Since the adoption of the Cycling and Trails Master Plan in 2020, approximately 8 km of
trails have been constructed or upgraded. Focuses have been on upgrading stone dust trails
to asphalt and making needed connections. Some of the major trails that have been
upgraded are the Henry Sturm trail, Wilson Park trail, Traynor Trail, Shoemaker Greenway
trail, and the Transit Hub trail (led by Region of Waterloo on City -owned land).
In 2023, a trails spot improvement project was initiated to address notable deficiencies in
already paved trails, with some of these improvements being done as a result of the
additional funding ($600,000) Council approved for trail upgrades through the 2023 budget.
Partnerships with Engineering, Transportation and Storm and Sanitary Utilities on projects
has allowed for several trail projects to be delivered ahead of the master plan's
implementation schedule.
How people are using the active transportation and trails network
City staff collect data to track usership over time. In most cases, when we add cycling
infrastructure, we see an increase in the number of people cycling. That increase depends
on the comfort level for people biking.
• On average, the number of people cycling on a street increases by 30% after painted
bike lanes are installed.
• On Queen's Boulevard and Belmont Avenue, protected bike lanes using low-cost
measures like flex stakes and bumper blocks brought a year-round increase of 64%
for people biking.
Page 61 of 399
• The Downtown Cycling Grid has seen a 164% increase in ridership as people of all
ages and abilities are attracted to fully protected bike lanes. When Neuron e -scooters
and e -bikes are added to the cycling numbers, the Downtown Cycling Grid has seen
a 218% increase of trips.
• Through the first seven months in 2023, there has been a total of 54,781 cycling trips
on the portions of the Downtown Cycling Grid currently completed.
• City-wide, there have been 23,821 Neuron e -scooter and e -bike trips since its launch
in April.
• The Iron Horse Trail continues to grow in use, with an average of 2,894 daily users
in June 2023, compared to 819 in June 2016, an increase of 270%. On the busiest
day in June 2023, there were 4,923 people walking, rolling and cycling at the three
counter locations.
Further data is presented in simple -to -understand graphs in Attachment A.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports People -friendly Transportation by improving connectivity and year-
round maintenance to multi -use trails and pathways as prioritized through the Cycling and
Trails Master Plan and by building a continuous and protected cycling network.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
This report is for information purposes only. Capital and operating impacts are discussed
during annual budget cycles.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM — This report has been posted to the City's website with the agenda in advance of
the council / committee meeting. It has also been shared with Bike Kitchener newsletter
subscribers and will be posted on the city's cycling webpage.
CONSULT — The Active Transportation and Trails Advisory Committee reviewed the
findings of the report on September 12, 2023 and will share their feedback as a delegation.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
• 2019-2022 Strategic Plan
• INS -20-015 — 2020 Cycling and Trails Master Plan
APPROVED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services
Denise McGoldrick, General Manager, Infrastructure Services
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A — Active Transportation Progress Report 2023
Attachment B — New Active Transportation Facilities Map 2017-2022
Page 62 of 399
New Active Transportation 2.4
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01 Walking, rolling and cycling in Kitchener
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02 How Kitchener is getting active 8
03 The state of the network18
04 What the numbers tell us23
(' 05 Building a culture of active living
06 Looking to the future
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Page 65 of 399
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About this report
In this report, you'll find a
snapshot of growth in
pedestrian, cycling and trail
investments in Kitchener over
the past five years. There is a lot
to celebrate - with more to
come!
In Kitchener's Cycling and Trails
Master Plan (2020), we
committed to provide
transparent, public updates on
our progress of implementing
the master plan and related
walking, rolling and cycling
initiatives.
Find out what we've been up to
and where we're heading
together.
44
Page 67 of 399
A city for everyone
Walking, rolling and cycling is great for us in many ways. Everyone benefits when we collectively reduce
automobile dependence and greenhouse gas emissions, provide more recreation and leisure options,
increase social connections and physical activity, improve public health outcomes, reduce transportation
expenses and lessen infrastructure demands.
With the adoption of Kitchener's award-winning Cycling and Trails Master Plan in late 2020, Kitchener
focused on the immediate priority of installing 3 km of protected cycling infrastructure in the heart of its
downtown, known as the "Downtown Cycling Grid." This, combined with 27 km of new trails, multi -use
pathways and supporting cycling routes in just two years since the plan was approved, has positioned
Kitchener as a city invested in a sustainable future.
As Kitchener continues to grow and meets the growing urgency of the housing crisis and affordability
challenges, it is even more critical that the city's active transportation network continues to expand to
meet the needs of new residents and the most underserved communities. Developing world-class
walking, rolling and cycling infrastructure will help make Kitchener a city for everyone.
Sincerely,
Justin Readman, MEPP, General Manager, Development Services, City of Kitchener
Denise McGoldrick, General Manager, Infrastructure Services, City of Kitchener
IF
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Page 68 of 399
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Active transportation creates resilient, sustainable and vibrant communities. Walking, rolling
and cycling reduces our carbon footprint, and also promotes better health, economic
development, equity, and well-being.
The Active Transportation and Trails Advisory Committee (ATTAC) welcomes the City of
Kitchener's commitment to offer opportunities for mobility beyond the car. The emerging
downtown cycling grid, complete streets, the Gaukel Block, and the Vision Zero strategy
provide a glimpse into how we can reimagine our growing city.
As the climate emergency worsens, action is required to incentivize walking, rolling, and biking.
ATTAC encourages City Council to live up to the commitments in the Strategic Plan (2019-
2022), the Pedestrian Charter, and the Climate Emergency Declaration (2019). Evidence -
informed policy-making shows that pedestrianization, protected bike lanes, play streets, traffic
calming and improved connectivity are effective tools to achieve these goals.
Recent innovations have laid a foundation for a new approach to get around our diverse
neighbourhoods - through investment in greener public infrastructure that is safe, equitable
and climate -friendly.
-A message from Kitchener's Active Transportation & Trails Advisory Committee
Page 69 of 399
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Strategic Initiatives
Cycling and Trails Master Plan (2020)
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The Cycling and Trails Master Plan focuses on creating a city-
wide network of cycling routes and trails that is comfortable
for people of All Ages and Abilities. Vision: "Trails and cycling
will connect Kitchener and create a sustainable, safe,
equitable, and healthy community for everyone year-round."
Complete Streets Kitchener (2019)
COMPLETE
STREETS
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A Complete Streets approach uses every roadway construction
project as an opportunity to improve the design and functionality
of a street for all users. Vision: "Every street in Kitchener is safe,
comfortable and convenient for all."
Page 72 of 399
Vision Zero (2022)
Vision Zero provides a framework to improve street safety
for all street users regardless of age, ability, or mode of
transportation. The goal of this strategy is to achieve zero
serious injuries and fatalities on City of Kitchener streets.
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Speed limit reduction (2022-2024)
Lower speed limits are shown to reduce the likelihood that
vehicle collisions result in serious injury or death. That's why
we're lowering speed limits from 50 km/h to 40 km/h in
Kitchener's residential neighbourhoods.
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Page 719 399
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F -scooters and e -bike sharing system
The Region of Waterloo, along with the Cities of
Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo, have selected
Neuron Mobility to run an e -scooter and e -bike share
program.
There are over 50 parking stations in Kitchener, with
plans to expand to more areas of the city. There have
been 23,821 trips taken in Kitchener since the launch.
In Ottawa, e -scooters have shown to contribute to
economic activity:
• 73% of trips result in a direct purchase from a local
business
• $32 spent at local business per trip • $2M spent at local businesses each year. 19V
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Cedar Street protected bike lanes (Ward 9)
Page 711399
Key Investments
Downtown Cycling Grid
The Downtown Cycling Grid is a continuous and
protected cycling network designed for all ages and
abilities that connects adjacent neighbourhoods and
major trails to the downtown. Half the network is now
available for use, with the remaining to be completed
by the end of 2024.
By creating a trail -like experience in the heart of the
downtown, the grid attracts people who would like to
bike more but don't feel comfortable riding in busy
traffic. And, when combined with walking and light rail
transit, the grid provides a viable alternative to car
ownership for the up to 5,000 people moving
downtown in new homes currently under
construction.
Ontario Street protected bike lanes (Ward 10)
Page 719 399
Key Investments
Iron Horse Trail Upgrades and Extension
When it was time to replace underground services on
Delta Street, this barely used street was converted to a
trail and greenspace, effectively extending the Iron Horse
Trail.
This is just the latest of many upgrades on the City's
busiest trail corridor. The City's first wayfinding signs are
here, along with lighting, seating and other amenities.
Pedestrian crossovers were installed on all city -owned
street crossings, improving the safety of crossing the
street by giving pedestrians the right-of-way.
• 2, 894 average daily users in June 2023
• 4, 923 users on the busiest day in 2023
New multi -use trail on what used to be Delta Street (Ward 9)
Page 71P 399
Key Investments
Trail Upgrades
Over the past five years, we have upgraded 7
km of stone dust trails
to hard surfaces
that can be
maintained for year-round use, including
the Henry Sturm Trail, Traynor trail and many
more. This year-round
access provides
connections
to transit, schools, parks and shopping
centers.
Multi -use trail connecting Matthew
Street & Rothsay Avenue with
Victoria Street and iXpress bus
station (Ward 1)
Multi -use trails in Rolling Meadows
Park (Ward 7)
L
Wilson Park multi -use trail in
Kingsdale neighbourhood (Ward 3)
Page 7� J 399
Key Investments
A Pedestrian - First Gaukel Street
Now a pedestrian corridor, Gaukel Street has
been host to many community -driven events
and informal hangouts following a conversion
to a pedestrian -first street.
More than 25,000 people attended
events on Gaukel Block in 2023
Nearly 20 events in 2023 with many
new partners
Gaukel Street (Ward 10)
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Page 715 399
Key Investments
Regional infrastructure expansion
The Region of Waterloo and City of Kitchener work together to
create a holistic and connected active transportation network. When
the Region builds new active transportation infrastructure in their
boulevards, the new infrastructure becomes City assets to manage
and maintain. Recent additions include new boulevard multi -use
trails on Ottawa Street, Victoria Street, Lackner Boulevard and
Homer Watson Boulevard.
Boulevard multi -use trail along Homer Watson Boulevard (Wards 3, 4
and 6)
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Bike Parking
Short-term and long-term bike parking is provided at
various locations throughout the City. In the downtown,
two new secure bike parking facilities were built at the
Kitchener Market and the Duke and Ontario parking
garages, bringing the total to 164 spaces at five locations,
with 450 preregistered users!
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Kitchener Market secure bike parking (Ward 10)
Page 71§ 399
New Active Transportation
Facilities 2017-2022
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Painted Bike Lane
Marked shared -Use
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of Waterloo are faded.)
Page 817 399
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Making connections
A well-connected network of sidewalks, cycling routes and trails can
significantly improve the ease of moving around Kitchener and provide
more recreation opportunities.
Our focus is to build infrastructure for All Ages and Abilities (AAA),
including children, women, and older adults. We can consider
infrastructure to be "AAA" when it is safe and comfortable for all.
Typically this includes sidewalks, multi -use trails and protected bicycle
lanes that are physically separated from traffic, as well as
neighbourhood bikeways, which are bike routes on streets with low
traffic volumes and speeds.
Public consultation consistently revealed that the community wants to
see an active transportation network that is more comfortable,
complete and connected for all ages and abilities. So, how are we
doing?
Laurentian multi -use trail (Ward 6)
Page A 399
The last 5 years, by the numbers
We have seen large increases in walking, rolling and
cycling infrastructure.
Boulevard multi -use trail along David Bergey Drive (Ward 5)
2017
1170 km
2022
1225 km
• Increase
+ 55 km
2017
201 km '
2022
285 km*
Increase
+84 km
2017
i 2239 lane km
2022
2293 lane km
• Increase
+ 54 lane km
*This includes over 260 km of shared multi -use trails that are also available
for pedestrian use.
Page A 399
The last 5 years, by the numbers
A network is only as good as its connectivity. While the motor vehicle network benefits from 100% connectivity, the active transportation
network still has considerable gaps. However, the largest, uninterrupted network of AAA infrastructure is growing each year.
Longest AAA Cycling Network in 2017
Longest AAA Cycling Network in 2022
Page A 399
Longest
2017
AAA & Painted Bike Lanes Network in
Longest
2022
iW PER Pon
AAA & Painted Bike Lanes Network in
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Page A 399
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If we build it, will they come?
In short, yes! In most cases, when we add cycling infrastructure, we see an increase in the number of people cycling. That increase will depend
on the comfort level for people biking.
Transit Hub Trail (Ward 9)
Protected bike lanes on Queen's
Boulevard (Wards 7 and 8)
Multi -use trail along Huron Community Centre
and Oak Creek Public School (Ward 5)
Page Sof 399
If we build it, will they come?
100
75
50
25
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People biking (average per day in spring/fall)
Before bike lane installation
After bike lane installation
Union Krug Stirling Glasgow Wilson East Franklin
On average, the number of people cycling on a street
increases by 30% after painted bike lanes are installed.
125
i•e
75
50
25
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People biking (average per day)
Before protected bike lane on Queen's and Belmont
After protected bike lane on Queen's and Belmont
Winter Fall/Spring Summer
On Queen's Boulevard and Belmont Avenue, protected bike lanes
using low-cost measures like flex stakes and bumper blocks
brought a year-round increase of 64% for people biking.
Page A 399
If we build it, will they come?
People rolling &biking (average per day)
160
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120
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Joseph Water Ontario Geer. r
■ Before protected bile lane (fall 2021)
■ Neuron e -scooters (Spring & Summer 2023)
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After protected bile lane (Spring & Summer 2023)
Overall, the Downtown Cycling Grid has seen a 164% increase in cycling ridership as people of all ages and abilities are attracted to fully
protected bike lanes. When Neuron e -scooters are added to the cycling numbers, the Downtown Cycling Grid has an increase of 218%
of trips, with Neuron adding 6,464 total trips at bike lane counter locations. These numbers are expected to continue to increase,
especially as the network expands.
Downtown Cycling Grid Trends
54,781 total rides in 2023
(so far!)
More women and young
people have been observed
riding in the bike lanes
The bike lanes are used every
single day, year-round, with an
average of 111 people biking
per day in the winter months
on Joseph, Water, Ontario and
Cedar.
Primarily serve a transportation
function (Ridership peaks mid-
week as opposed to weekends.
Trails are the opposite, they peak
on sunny weekends indicating a
strong recreational function)
Page 9??f 399
Downtown Cycling Grid Trends
The percentage share of people biking compared to people driving has increased on the streets with bike lanes
Mode Share on Joseph Street (2020)
People biking
0.5%
People Driving
99.5%
C
Mode Share on Joseph Street (2023)
People biking
10.2%
People driving
89.8%
Page A 399
�uilaing a culture of activeLIivinj
Safe cycling education during Bike Festivities event in 2022
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Active transportation culture
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While the installation of new infrastructure is critical to increase the number of people walking, rolling, and cycling in Kitchener, it's also
important to encourage people to try active transportation and create a positive culture for sustainable and active living. Much of this work is
done in cooperation with community partners and volunteers and the City of Kitchener extends its immense gratitude to everyone who has
helped contribute to Kitchener's active transportation culture.
Bike Check
Bikecheck is a free, safe, and convenient bike parking
service at local events provided by City of Kitchener
volunteers and staff. It works just like a coat check:
attendees drop off their bike, receive a ticket from a
Bikecheck attendant and return with it to reclaim their
bike. On average, 1,300 bikes are parked ever year at 6
events throughout the summer. 23 volunteers
contributed over 195 hours!
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Active transportation culture
Bike Events
In partnership with many valuable organizations and volunteers, city staff host events that reach out to various neighbourhood and
community groups to introduce them to the joys of riding a bike.
The second annual Pride Ride in June 2023 attracted over
100 people to bring visibility to the 2SLGBTQIA+
community- and their beautifully decorated bikes!
At the Ride Safe event held in Laurentian neighbourhood in
May, 2023, staff and volunteers distributed over 300 bells,
maps and brochures to families learning to ride a bike.
(Ward 6)
Page 911399
Active transportation culture
Winter Bike to Work Day
Winter Bike to Work Day aims to demystify winter cycling
and create awareness that ordinary people can ride their
bicycles year round. At this annual event hosted by the city,
prizes are given away to people who are riding their bikes in
winter for the first time.
Education
Staff work with many partners to educate the community on
how to bike safely. Over 500 bike maps, 1,000 bells, 1,000
lights and 300 educational brochures are distributed each year
to newcomers, community centres, older adult riding clubs, bike
repair shops and youth groups.
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Active transportation culture
School Travel Planning
Kitchener is an active partner with Student Transportation Services of
Waterloo Region, to support important initiatives that help reduce
traffic at schools and to encourage more families to use active
transportation modes like walking, cycling, and scootering, for their
school journey. Popular initiatives include IWALK month, bike to
school week and school travel planning committees.
Trillium Public School (Ward 6)
"The children love to cycle
and we are so proud of them
for taking part in this event."
- Fariha and Ayesha, from
Trillium Public School who
won a bike rack during Bike
to School Week in 2023
Community Engagement
Community input into infrastructure and programming
ensures staff build the highest quality infrastructure that
meets community expectations. Thanks to the many
residents who are engaged in our consultations, and to the
Active Transportation and Trails Advisory Committee and
CycleWR for their continued partnership in making
Kitchener a great place to walk, roll and cycle.
Page A 399
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Growing thoughtfully
Kitchener is growing fast, and we need this growth - done in a sustainable
and thoughtful way - to bring much needed homes to people who live here
now and those who will join us in the future. As we plan for more homes and
people to join our existing and new neighbourhoods, we are also planning on
how they will get around. A combination of walking, rolling, cycling and public
transit offers the greatest amount of opportunity to move people within
limited space, while helping to free up road capacity for the remaining trips
that do require a motor vehicle. Investments in walking, rolling and cycling are
typically more accessible, cost effective, and efficient in terms of
infrastructure investments, while bringing benefits to our quality of life,
health, safety, recreation, environment and economy.
Kitchener's Cycling and Trails Master Plan has won multiple awards by
centring community engagement throughout every stage of its development.
Our ambitious vision is embraced by a community ready for transformative
change. Of course, this change won't always be easy, and we are committed
to continuing a two-way dialogue with the community as future projects
come to neighbourhoods across the city. We look forward to working with
you in the future - and waving hello as we pass each other on our sidewalks,
bike routes and trails!
Traynor Trail (Ward 3)
Page A 399
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