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The benefits of safe, connected bike lanes–text version and sources


View the infographic.

The benefits of safe, connected bike lanes

When cycling is safe and convenient, more people choose to travel by bicycle instead of by automobile. To make this happen, Waterloo Region needs protected bike lanes that connect in a meaningful way and get people all the way to their destination. The benefits of cycling are obvious to riders, but did you know others have a lot to gain as well?

A safer drive

In a protected cycling network, cyclists move predictably, reducing conflicts between cars and bicycles. When protected bike lanes were installed on Bloor St. in Toronto, collisions between cars and bikes fell by 71%. When everyone knows where they belong, it’s a calmer, safer experience for all.

Less traffic

More cyclists mean fewer cars on the road. Around the world, many cities with high bike ridership have shorter commute times by car.

Safer sidewalks

Cyclists who ride on the sidewalk often do so out of fear of riding in car traffic. When cyclists have a protected lane to ride in, they don’t need to ride on the sidewalk.

Good customers

Customers who travel to Uptown Waterloo by bike spend just as much as those who drive there and they’re loyal to local businesses. In other North American cities, business owners who opposed protected bike lanes became supporters once they saw the results.

Reduced noise & pollution

More cyclists mean fewer drivers, and bike lanes provide a buffer between fast-moving traffic and the sidewalk, enabling people to enjoy a more pleasant atmosphere with decreased street noise and car fumes.

Reduced road costs

Protected bike lanes cost only a fraction of taxpayer money compared to the same distance of road because—no surprise—cars take up more space and are much harder on the roads than bicycles.

Healthier residents

Cycling has huge public health benefits, reducing the incidence of diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer, and improving mental health, lessening the burden of healthcare on taxpayers.

Independent kids

The most dangerous times for kids are the morning and afternoon dropoffs, which also produce a spike in road traffic. Our kids can make their own way to school with all the benefits of building independence and an active lifestyle.

Fight climate change

Increased cycling means lower greenhouse gas emissions. These reductions are necessary to meet the targets that our municipal governments have agreed to.

Citizens want to ride!

60% of residents in Waterloo Region are interested in cycling more but don’t out of concern for their safety.

Kitchener and Waterloo could get up to 9.5km of protected bike lanes in 2019. Please show your support and let local representatives know you want cycling to be a priority in Waterloo Region.


Sources

  • http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2017.P W24.9
  • https://www.waterloo.ca/en/contentresources/resources/government/Active_Waterloo_Cyling_Report_May2017_AODA.pdf
  • https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/cengin_fac/145/
  • https://www.t ransalt.org/sites/default/files/news/reports/2012/EV_Shopper_Study.pdf
  • https://www.sharetheroad.ca/how-dependant-on-cars-are-we–p128280
  • Pucher J, Buehler R. Cycling trends and policies in Canadian cities. 2005
  • https://www.citylab.com/solutions/2014/08/tired-of-cyclists-riding-on-the-sidewalk-build-more-bike-lanes/375984/
  • https://peopleforbikes.org/blog/no-protected-bike-lanes-are-probably-not-too-expensive-for-your-city-to-build-chart/–   
  • https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921800918308097?dgcid=coauthor
  • https://www.thestar.com/amp/opinion/star-columnists/2019/01/11/bike-lanes-prove-that-transportation-solutions-can-be-cheap-and-effective.html
  • https://vancouversun.com/business/local-business/chain-reaction-vancouvers-burgeoning-bike-routes-spin-off-new-businesses
  • https://peopleforbikes.org/blog/car-users-would-prefer-separated-bike-lanes-too-study-finds/

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CycleWR
CycleWR is now a non-profit. Become a member today CycleWR is now a non-profit. Become a member today and help us change the conversation about cycling in Waterloo Region. Members help support and guide our work, get access to discounts, and more!Get your membership:
cyclewr.ca/join(Link in bio)
Cycling Risk SurveyCycleWR is keenly interested Cycling Risk SurveyCycleWR is keenly interested to learn more about how people in our community view cycling infrastructure. We have created a survey that delves into how people perceive the many infrastructure options that we find in Waterloo Region.We know that there is a lot of diversity in the comfort levels that people experience while cycling. We want to know: Will you only ride on trails and physically separated facilities? Which street designs do you find safest? How do you feel about one-way versus two-way cycle tracks? Which cycling facilities do you prefer to see when you are driving a car? We ask all these questions and more.This survey will inform our advocacy and the results will be shared both publicly and with municipal staff who are designing new facilities. The survey is quite detailed, so you’ll want to set aside 10-15 minutes to complete it. Please share it widely – we want to reach many people with varying levels of experience, from non-cyclists and beginners to daily riders.Start the survey now - the link is our bio (https://forms.gle/RLASz6joa27NUX8T7)Please respond by March 21st.Thank you!
What cycling projects are Waterloo, Kitchener, Cam What cycling projects are Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, and the Region funding in 2021? Find out in our budget analyses. Link in bio.
Join us online on Thursday, January 21, from 7:30 Join us online on Thursday, January 21, from 7:30 – 9:00pm for a look at what we accomplished in 2020 and what’s coming up for cycling in the region in 2021 and beyond.Active transportation leads from the three cities and the region who will be joining us:
• Lisa Chominiec
Sustainable Transportation Coordinator, City of Cambridge
• Liz Christensen
Design & Construction Project Manager, City of Kitchener
• Darren Kropf
Active Transportation Planning Project Manager, City of Kitchener
• Louise Finlay
Project Manager, Bikeways, Trails and Greenspaces, City of Waterloo
• Kornel Mucsi
Manager, Transportation Planning, Region of WaterlooCheck the link in our bio for meeting instructions.
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