Active Transportation in Peterborough County

Active Transportation Master Plan

The County of Peterborough's Active Transportation Master Plan (ATMP) promotes the County as a healthy, prosperous and sustainable community. Active Transportation is a key component of a safe, accessible, integrated transportation system linking where we live, work and play.

The purpose of the plan is to identify policy, programs, and projects that promote safe, non-motorized forms for travel throughout the County of Peterborough.

For more information on the ATMP click on the links below.

Active Transportation Master Plan Report - Part 1

Active Transportation Master Plan Report - Part 2

Active Transportation Master Plan Report - Part 3

Active Transportation Master Plan Report - Part 4

Active Transportation Master Plan Report - Appendix A Study Design

Active Transportation Master Plan Report - Appendix B Analysis & Evaluation Report

Active Transportation Master Plan Report - Appendix C Record of Consultation

Active Transportation Master Plan Report - Appendix D Programs & Policies

Active Transportation Master Plan Report - Appendix E Projects

Active Transportation Events and Activities

Peterborough County supports GreenUP through the ATMP to provide active transportation programming in Peterborough County.

Some of the programs provided to Peterborough County residents by GreenUp include:

Active School Travel (AST)

Active School Travel Peterborough promotes the use of active and sustainable transportation for the daily trip to school, addressing health and traffic safety issues while taking action on air pollution and climate change. Each year, GreenUP works with schools in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County to implement programs that encourage students to walk, cycle, and bus to school.
Let's Bike Events

Let’s Bike is a community bike event for children and their families. Let’s Bike is staged as an outdoor fair, with stations that kids progressively work through to learn about bike equipment, safety, and handling skills. These events can be held in parks, at schools, or at community centers. Let’s Bike fosters excitement around bike skills need to ride safely and helps young riders become safe and confident. Let’s Bike also gives families an opportunity to connect with their communities, engage with others, and have fun - all while learning important road safety skills. 
Student Travel Surveys

Student Travel Surveys are a yearly hands-up survey conducted for students, grades K to 8, in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County. Student Travel surveys are held each November and help us understand travel habits of students year over year. Reports are generated to compare reported travel habits to STSCO catchment data, to determine areas where AST Ptbo, project partners and community stakeholders can help the school improve active travel and associated health outcomes. 
Shifting Gears Program Supports for County Businesses & Community Members

Shifting Gears is a program designed to support Peterborough County residents adopt active and efficient transportation habits. Whether it’s walking, cycling, taking transit, carpooling, or remote working, Shifting Gears can help to make transportation shifts for health and wellbeing, for our community, and for the environment.

Additional details can be found on GreenUp’s website: Programs - GreenUP

Cycling Safety Tips

To ensure your safety and the safety of others, it’s important to follow these key practices when cycling on rural roads:

1.      Wear Proper Gear: Always wear a helmet, bright clothing, and reflective gear to enhance your visibility to other road users, especially in low-light conditions.
2.      Be Visible: It is recommended to equip your bike with front and rear lights, as well as reflective tape or accessories to ensure visibility to other road users.
3.      Ride Single File: When cycling in groups, ride in single file to allow vehicles to pass safely and avoid blocking traffic.
4.      Obey Traffic Laws: Follow all road signs, signals, and traffic rules. Always signal your intentions when turning.
5.      Use the Right Lane: Ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic. Stay as far to the right as possible without going off the shoulder.
6.      Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
7.      Avoid Distracted Riding: Keep both hands on the handlebars, avoid using headphones, and stay focused on the road.
8.      Maintain Your Bike: Regularly check your bike's brakes, tires, and overall condition to ensure it’s in safe working order.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

Pedestrians using rural roadways face unique challenges due to factors such as limited infrastructure, high vehicle speeds, and lower visibility. Peterborough County would like to remind pedestrians of some essential safety tips to follow while walking along rural roads:

1. Be Visible 

  • Wear Bright or Reflective Clothing: Choose clothing in bright colors (such as neon or white) or wear reflective gear, especially if walking during low-light conditions (dawn, dusk, or night) or inclement weather conditions.
  • Carry a Flashlight or Headlamp: If walking in the dark, use a flashlight or headlamp to help you see and be seen by drivers. 
  • Use Reflective Accessories: Consider adding reflective tape or vests to your clothing or gear, making you more visible from a distance. 

2. Walk Facing Traffic 

  • Face Oncoming Vehicles: Always walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic so you can see approaching vehicles and take action if necessary. 
  • Stay Alert: Avoid distractions like using headphones or texting while walking. Keep your focus on the road and your surroundings. 

3. Stay on the Shoulder 

  • Use the Shoulder: Walk on the shoulder of the road, as far away from moving vehicles as possible. 
  • Give Passing Vehicles Space:  When cars or trucks pass by, stay as far off the roadway as possible to give them plenty of space. 

5. Cross Roads Safely 

  • Use Marked Crossings When Available: If there’s a pedestrian crossing, use it. If no designated crossings are present, choose the safest location to cross with good visibility for both pedestrians and drivers. 
  • Look Both Ways Before Crossing: Always check for oncoming traffic in both directions, even if the road seems clear. Don’t assume vehicles will stop for you. 

6. Be Mindful of Weather Conditions 

  • Adapt to Weather Changes: In poor weather (rain, fog, snow), visibility is reduced. Wear more reflective gear, and if conditions are severe, consider postponing walking until it improves. 

7. Avoid Walking at Night 

  • Limit Nighttime Walking: If possible, avoid walking on rural roads after dark, as visibility is low, and drivers may not expect pedestrians. If walking is unavoidable, ensure you have sufficient lighting and reflective gear.