September is Bike Month across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and Guelph, with Bike Day in Brampton taking place on Monday, September 14. In celebration of Bike Month and the many benefits of cycling like promoting physical and mental wellbeing, reducing traffic congestion and helping reduce air pollution, the City of Brampton is encouraging residents to get on their bikes and explore all the community has to offer.
Brampton cycling trails
There are more than 260 kilometres of trails and pathways in Brampton. As part of the Active Transportation Master Plan, the City has designated a 40 kilometre City Loop featuring:
- Etobicoke Creek Trail on the west edge
- Mayfield Multiuse Path on the north edge
- Heart Lake Conservation Area, Esker Lake Trail, Franceschini bridge and Chinguacousy Trail on the east edge
- Kennedy Valley Trail extension, Westcreek Boulevard, Dixie Road Multi Use Path on the south edge
The Brampton cycling map can be found here.
Cycling safety
The City is building a network of well-connected bike lanes and recreational trails that make travel by bike a safe and desirable option for work, recreation and school trips. Cyclists must do their part to keep Brampton streets, sidewalks and trails safe. Some important safety tips include:
- Wear a helmet – it could save your life.
- Obey all traffic laws, signs and signals
- Use hand signals
- Yield to pedestrians
Cyclists are also reminded that under the City’s Traffic By-law, only bicycles with wheels less than 50 centimetres (20 inches) are permitted on sidewalks. Wheels of this size are typical of children’s bikes.
Interim bike lanes
In April, the City implemented interim bike lanes along the Vodden Street corridor. These interim bike lanes provide an alternative cycling option to recreational trails for residents, and allow cyclists to maintain physical distancing.
Curb lanes on the following sections of road are closed off to vehicular traffic and have been repurposed for bicycle use only:
- Vodden Street – Ken Whillans Drive to Howden Boulevard
- Howden Boulevard – Vodden Street to Central Park Drive
These sections of road are a part of the planned East-West Cycling Corridor connection as proposed in the Active Transportation Master Plan. The City is working to implement permanent protected bike lanes on these streets in line with the Brampton 2040 Vision and the Streets for People Term of Council Priority.
For a map of the interim bike lanes, visit here.
Bike and Ride
Brampton Transit has a bike rack on every bus, making it easier than ever to move around the city. If you are planning on using a bus bike rack, be sure to follow these handy tips:
- Remove any loose items that are not permanently attached to your bicycle (e.g., water bottles or travel bags).
- If there are no other bicycles on the rack, use the space closest to the bus.
- Do not lock your bicycle to the rack. The rack arm is designed to keep your bicycle secure while the bus is in transit.
- Allow passengers to unload their bicycles before loading yours.
- Sit or stand near the front of the bus when your bicycle is on the rack.
- Tricycles, motorized bicycles, and bicycles with child carriers or trailers are not allowed on the bike rack.
For more tips on Bike and Ride visit www.brampton.ca.
For more information on cycling in Brampton visit www.brampton.ca/cycling.
