Nearly 60% of St. Catharines residents feel that this City is not safe for cycling. This was a concerning finding from a survey conducted by WSP in preparation for the St. Catharines Active Transportation Master Plan (ATMP). It was encouraging to see that the ATMP was recently unanimously approved, as this is an important step towards a city where people of all ages and abilities can safely walk, bike, and use other forms of non-motorized transportation.

The ATMP aims to create an integrated network of multi-use paths, sidewalks, bike lanes, and safe crossings. By enhancing infrastructure, we are not only addressing environmental and congestion concerns but also boosting the overall quality of life. Walkable cities have proven health benefits, reduce vehicle emissions, and foster more vibrant and connected communities.

So many of our roads are built exclusively for cars. Wide multi-lane roads encourage cars to drive faster than posted limits, and without safe pedestrian crossings, sidewalks and separated bike lanes, we are putting people at risk for potentially deadly accidents. Adding signage is simply not enough – we need well-designed infrastructure and political will required to make our roads safer. 

The plan prioritizes safety and accessibility by investing in infrastructure that is both practical and equitable. These enhancements are particularly significant for the downtown core and key transit corridors, as they offer practical alternatives to traditional car commutes, connecting residents to work, school, parks, and local businesses. There are a few key active transportation routes that the plan establishes to reach these goals:

• Spine Routes
• Connector Routes
• Greenways 
• Rural Routes

You can find a breakdown of these routes on our Instagram page in our recent series of Reels.

This forward-thinking approach aligns with broader urban planning trends focused on environmental sustainability, economic vitality, and resident well-being. A future with better active transportation options is a future where St. Catharines becomes a model of a resilient, healthy, and connected community. Our hope for the future is also that these changes will lead to improvements in broader transportation networks, extending pedestrian safety and connectivity beyond St. Catharines.