PeopleForBikes ranks City of Waterloo #1 in Ontario for connected bike networks

The PeopleForBikes 2024 City Ratings ranks the City of Waterloo as #1 in Ontario, and #11 in Canada for bike networks.

PeopleForBikes’ annual City Ratings program ranks thousands of cities across the world on how well their bike networks connect people to the places they want to go. By comparing the best cities for biking, PeopleForBikes aims to encourage local leaders, decision makers and advocates to act on key lessons to build more safe, fun and connected places to ride.

Since the PeopleForBikes City Ratings program began seven years ago, they have benchmarked progress to improve bicycling in cities nationwide. The scores provide an objective baseline to help cities progress. A score of 50 or higher is a significant tipping point to becoming a great place to bike. The City of Waterloo, with a score of 63, is one of the most connected places in Canada, and holds an overall ranking of 154 out of 2579 ranked cities in the program. This is the second year the City of Waterloo has been ranked.

“Cycling is important to Waterloo’s future as a connected, affordable, sustainable community,” said Mayor Dorothy McCabe. “We’re investing in cycling lanes and in safety, because people want to bike, and we want to make sure they can get where they want to go. Our active transportation network provides an affordable, sustainable alternative to vehicle travel for people and families to move throughout our city. We know we need to do more to expand and improve our cycling network, but it’s wonderful to have our connected community recognized as a leader.”

Investing in active transportation is one of the objectives under the City of Waterloo’s Infrastructure and Transportation Systems strategic priority. Under this priority, the City is expanding the active transportation network to increase community connections and mobility for all, connecting residents with major transit routes, employment areas and amenities. The City also continues to explore ways to improve safety of cycling lanes and encourage greater use.

“It takes vision, investment and community support to make real change,” said Regional Chair, Karen Redman. “The Region is proud to work with cities like Waterloo to continue our partnership in developing and investing in active transportation connections that give residents and visitors choices in how they travel as the region continues to grow. Building safe, sustainable and connected corridors builds better communities.”

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Media contact:

Stacey Abbott

Manager, Corporate Communications

Stacey.Abbott@waterloo.ca