09-19-2023, 07:36 PM
Kitchener reports on progress in active transportation
Kitchener has made great progress supporting active transportation by investing in local trail networks, pedestrian crossings and cycling infrastructure, allowing residents to travel across the community safely.
A progress report to Kitchener’s Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee on Monday, Sept. 18, found that the initial investments made by the city in pursuit of its Cycling and Trails Master Plan have gotten residents walking, rolling and cycling in greater numbers. The report found that the 55km of new sidewalks and walkways combined with the 84km of all ages and abilities trails and bikeways have led to greater numbers of Kitchener residents using active transportation options to move through our community.
“I’m thrilled to learn that real data shows that our cycling and pedestrian infrastructure investments are already being well-used. We’re still early in our journey of strategic investments in key connections that will connect neighbourhoods across Kitchener and beyond, but I’m encouraged to see how much progress has been made so far,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “As a growing city, we need to provide transportation options for Kitchener residents that are healthier, take up less space on our streets and are more affordable than personal car ownership.”
Key findings of the report include:
Kitchener has installed 28 new pedestrian crossings at mid-block, trail, and roundabout locations.
Construction of off-road trails is ahead of schedule, with 8 km of upgraded trails in the past two years alone.
The Downtown Cycling Grid has seen a 164 per cent increase in ridership, with 54,781 cycling trips in the first seven months of 2023.
There have been 23,821 Neuron e-scooter and e-bike trips in Kitchener 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 per cent.
In addition to expanding the active transportation network, progress has been made on 24 of the 35 actions identified in the CTMP, including preparing education campaigns for pedestrian crossovers and safe cycling.
“We often hear that ‘if you build it, they will come,’’ said Councillor Paul Singh, chair of the Planning & Strategic Initiatives Committee. “This report validates this and directly responds to what I hear from my constituents consistently – people want options to get out of the car, get active, reduce traffic and get around the city in a sustainable manner.”
The City of Kitchener’s Cycling and Trails Master Plan is a plan to build a city where people willingly and joyfully choose active transportation for recreation and getting around. With a focus on planning and designing for all ages and abilities, the strategy aims to make it safer and more comfortable for everyone to get out walking, rolling and cycling. The full strategy can be found on the City of Kitchener’s website.
Kitchener has made great progress supporting active transportation by investing in local trail networks, pedestrian crossings and cycling infrastructure, allowing residents to travel across the community safely.
A progress report to Kitchener’s Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee on Monday, Sept. 18, found that the initial investments made by the city in pursuit of its Cycling and Trails Master Plan have gotten residents walking, rolling and cycling in greater numbers. The report found that the 55km of new sidewalks and walkways combined with the 84km of all ages and abilities trails and bikeways have led to greater numbers of Kitchener residents using active transportation options to move through our community.
“I’m thrilled to learn that real data shows that our cycling and pedestrian infrastructure investments are already being well-used. We’re still early in our journey of strategic investments in key connections that will connect neighbourhoods across Kitchener and beyond, but I’m encouraged to see how much progress has been made so far,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “As a growing city, we need to provide transportation options for Kitchener residents that are healthier, take up less space on our streets and are more affordable than personal car ownership.”
Key findings of the report include:
Kitchener has installed 28 new pedestrian crossings at mid-block, trail, and roundabout locations.
Construction of off-road trails is ahead of schedule, with 8 km of upgraded trails in the past two years alone.
The Downtown Cycling Grid has seen a 164 per cent increase in ridership, with 54,781 cycling trips in the first seven months of 2023.
There have been 23,821 Neuron e-scooter and e-bike trips in Kitchener 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 per cent.
In addition to expanding the active transportation network, progress has been made on 24 of the 35 actions identified in the CTMP, including preparing education campaigns for pedestrian crossovers and safe cycling.
“We often hear that ‘if you build it, they will come,’’ said Councillor Paul Singh, chair of the Planning & Strategic Initiatives Committee. “This report validates this and directly responds to what I hear from my constituents consistently – people want options to get out of the car, get active, reduce traffic and get around the city in a sustainable manner.”
The City of Kitchener’s Cycling and Trails Master Plan is a plan to build a city where people willingly and joyfully choose active transportation for recreation and getting around. With a focus on planning and designing for all ages and abilities, the strategy aims to make it safer and more comfortable for everyone to get out walking, rolling and cycling. The full strategy can be found on the City of Kitchener’s website.