Cycling in the city masthead
SPRING 2018
Waterloo wins gold at annual Ontario Bike Summit
On Tuesday evening, April 17, The City of Waterloo was awarded the gold level Bicycle-Friendly Community designation from the Share the Road Cycling Coalition at their annual Ontario Bike Summit in Toronto. The Share the Road Coalition is a provincial cycling advocacy organization, with a collective goal of becoming the most bicycle-friendly place to ride a bike in North America.
Waterloo is the first mid-sized city in Ontario to achieve this gold designation, joining the larger cities of Toronto and Ottawa. There are a total of 42 communities in Ontario that are now recognized as bike-friendly (31 bronze level, eight silver level and three gold), representing 70% of Ontario’s population.

Waterloo was recognized for its commitment to designing complete streets and connecting people throughout the community. Some of the initiatives cited include:
  • the strong and growing network of active transportation infrastructure such as the uptown King Street raised bicycle lanes that will be completed this summer;
  •  Waterloo’s expansive trail system including upgraded trail crossings making it safer for cyclist to cross busy roads;
  • the integrated high priority active transportation network with a focus on connecting key routes as well as connecting the new ION LRT system to the trail system; and
  •  a commitment to cycling education, including the partnership with the Region of Waterloo and other cities with the Cycling Into the Future Program, a program that aims to nurture a love of cycling for students in grade five, numerous bike groups, community rides and events such as Bike to Work Day.
Uptown King Street cycle lanes
We are anxiously awaiting for warmer weather when we can finish the much-anticipated raised cycle lanes on King Street in uptown Waterloo. The cycle lanes are not standard concrete and require consistent temperatures (including overnight) above 10 degrees celsius . Based on long-term forecasts, work on the lanes will begin mid-May with completion expected later in June. When the lanes are ready for cyclists, no parking signage will be prominently displayed and the lanes will be clearly marked for cyclists only. The city will strictly enforce the no-parking bylaw when the lanes are in service.
Spurline Trail's Union Street crossing
Last year, the city conducted a study of the Spurline Trail’s Union Street crossing to better understand the current crossing conditions. This study is still under review. As needed, crossing improvement options will be identified and a recommendation will be made to address any challenges identified through the review process. The recommendation is expected to be made public late spring 2018.
Educational videos
City staff have been working with Vidya , a local company, to create a series of cycling education videos. These videos are geared to youth to educate Waterloo’s young cyclists on equipping themselves and their bikes, roadway navigation and cycling on multi-use trails.
Central promenade in Waterloo Park is nearing completion!
Staff have been busy working to complete the central promenade through Waterloo Park. This stretch of multi-use trail resides on one of the most well-used trails in the city. Given the current high volume of trail use by pedestrians and cyclists and anticipation that travel along this corridor will increase once the LRT is operational, this project will provide a number of enhancements to accommodate safety and comfort.

Thanks to the generous support from TD Bank Group, through the  TD Common Ground Project , the central promenade bridge over Silver Lake will be twinned to provide a safer separate route for cyclists and pedestrians. On May 10 and 11 the new bridge will be constructed and then lowered into place using giant cranes. A viewing area will be arranged for residents and their families interested in watching the bridge being putting together or dropped into place (on May 11).
 UPCOMING EVENTS
May 26
Holy Rosary Catholic School, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
May 27
Kitchener's BikeFest
Sunday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
June
There's lots happening! Check regularly for up-to-date information.
June 9
Saturday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
May - June
June 16
Free give-aways and lots more!
Saturday, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
June 4
Middle school and high school students riding their bikes to school this day can win great prizes!
Stay tuned for the next edition of Cycling in the City.
Coming your way Fall 2018.
Sign up for updates about arts and culture, recreation and active living, cycling and other city news and stories.
Cycling in the City is published four times a year to keep residents informed about new active transportation projects and initiatives, new cycling infrastructure, safety and education programs and more. If you have any questions or comments, please e-mail cyclingwaterloo@waterloo.ca . If you’re reading Cycling in the City as a non-subscriber, visit our subscription page to register for future editions.

The City of Waterloo is committed to providing accessible formats and communications support for persons with disabilities. If another format would work better for you, please let us know by calling 519-747-8731 or by e-mailing us at communications@waterloo.ca .