Active Transportation hubs in Waterloo Region
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Transportation
Waterloo Region has a goal of reducing its community greenhouse gas emissions by 80% below 2010 levels by 2050. Cutting emissions from transportation, the largest community source of emissions, will require a shift toward active travel for shorter trips: walking, biking, wheeling, rolling, and others. All local municipalities have invested and continue to invest in active transportation infrastructure.
Currently, only a very small fraction of residents choose to walk or cycle to destinations, but far more are open to the idea: they are “interested but concerned”. Research suggests that the barriers that cause concern include distances, travel times, safety concerns, cargo, physical health limitations, access to bikes, and social norms.
Currently, only a very small fraction of residents choose to walk or cycle to destinations, but far more are open to the idea: they are “interested but concerned”. Research suggests that the barriers that cause concern include distances, travel times, safety concerns, cargo, physical health limitations, access to bikes, and social norms.
Active Transportation Hubs
Active transportation hubs, which are welcoming spaces with programs and supports for active travel, can help those interested overcome many of these barriers and develop new active travel behaviours. These hubs may be available to local residents on a full time or part time basis, offering programs such as DIY bike repair, workshops, buddy programs, educational and awareness campaigns, trip planning and others. In addition, these hubs can promote, expand and enhance existing active transportation programs, ensuring they reach underserved communities and address their unique barriers.
Targets for Active Transportation Hubs
A total of 11 neighbourhoods were identified as targets for active transportation hubs, based on low active transportation mode share, high potential for active travel and a prevalence of our target populations: those who have a low income, are newcomers or immigrants, and belong to minority groups. Several organizations have expressed interest in exploring a potential partnership for delivering active transportation hubs, although there remains a need to find a partner willing to take the lead in developing the hubs and in providing the space for a full time hub.
This research report culminates in 17 recommendations for how to develop active transportation hubs in the Waterloo Region that meet the specific needs of each of the three cities (Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo). If implemented, Waterloo Region could address the concerns of those interested in more active travel thereby encouraging the travel choices that make for healthy people, strong communities, and a stable climate.
This report was prepared for ClimateActionWR.