Creating a more walkable, bikeable Vaughan
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Advancing the City’s network of sidewalks, cycling facilities and multi-use trails
Whether you hike, bike or stroll, Vaughan has a full range of options for you to get around – and more are in the works! The City of Vaughan continues to expand its active transportation network of sidewalks, cycling facilities and multi-use recreational trails so you can get outdoors, tour the community and be active.
Whether you hike, bike or stroll, Vaughan has a full range of options for you to get around – and more are in the works! The City of Vaughan continues to expand its active transportation network of sidewalks, cycling facilities and multi-use recreational trails so you can get outdoors, tour the community and be active.
As outlined in Vaughan’s Active Transportation Programs - Second Annual Update (PDF), efforts are being made towards offering active transportation options and creating an even more interconnected city. In fact, more than 130 kilometres of cycling facilities, multi-use pathways and trails were advanced through municipal, regional and partner projects in 2021.
The report outlines key actions completed under the following four community priorities:
- Awareness and Culture continued to be fostered through ongoing outreach initiatives, including public service announcements, social media campaigns and educational videos.
- Safety continued to be a priority through the creation of separate pedestrian and cycling infrastructure for all ages and abilities, as well as connecting trails with grade-separated crossings.
- Infrastructure was advanced by leveraging larger capital and development projects, connecting gaps with standalone active transportation projects, as well as partnering with regional and provincial partners.
- Connectivity was prioritized through key projects, such as the advancement of the Vaughan Super Trail.
A complete list of initiatives and updates is available in the Active Transportation Programs - Second Annual Update (PDF), which was recently approved by Vaughan Council. The City’s progress in advancing active transportation aligns with the City’s continued commitment to improving transportation and mobility, fostering sustainable communities and creating an active, safe and diverse community – all priorities outlined in the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan.
CYCLING AND MULTI-USE RECREATIONAL TRAILS NETWORKS
The cycling and multi-use trails network in Vaughan consists of the following main types of cycling facilities:
- In-boulevard cycle tracks: designated space for cyclists that are separate from pedestrians and motorists. These areas are marked with a bicycle symbol and diamond.
- On-road bike lanes: designated space for cyclists that are separate from pedestrians but run along the same road as motorists. These areas are made visible with pavement markings.
- In-boulevard multi-use pathways: shared space for pedestrians and cyclists that are separate from motorists. These areas are within the boulevard along a roadway.
- Multi-use recreational trails: shared space for pedestrians and cyclists found within parks and open spaces.
Bike safety protocols apply to all, even experienced riders. As a bicycle is considered a vehicle under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws as other road users. View them at vaughan.ca/cycling.
Be advised scooter-style e-bikes and other motorized vehicles are not permitted on sidewalks, cycle tracks, shared multi-use pathways and trails. For more information about e-bikes in Vaughan, visit vaughan.ca/micromobility. Details are also posted to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s webpage.
VAUGHAN SUPER TRAIL
Once complete, the Vaughan Super Trail will be a 100-kilometre city-wide loop system; 42 per cent of the trail is already complete. The initiative contributes to the ongoing development of an integrated, accessible and sustainable city, placing Vaughan at the forefront in offering residents and visitors an enhanced quality of life while creating a variety of recreational opportunities and visitor experiences. In 2021, significant advancements on this trail were made, including:
- completing Phase 2A of the Riverwalk project at Doctors McLean District Park.
- designing the Bartley Smith Greenway underpass at Langstaff Park.
- initiating a feasibility study to close a three-kilometre gap in the Bartley Smith Greenway Trail.
- constructing trails within Block 55 Hydro Corridor located in the vicinity of Teston Road and Kleinburg Summit Way.
- completing a feasibility study to close a seven-kilometre gap along the Humber Trail.
- continuing work with York Region to complete the South York Greenway Cycling, Pedestrian and Micromobility Corridor feasibility study (this will form the southern segment of the Vaughan Super Trail).
2020 PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE MASTER PLAN UPDATE
Advancing Vaughan’s active transportation network comes as a recommendation from the 2020 Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan. This plan formalizes the City’s ongoing progress towards active transportation with an overall goal to make the community more walkable and bikeable. It outlines a path forward that is flexible, medium-term and citizen-focused. Recommendations from this plan will also be implemented within the City’s Official Plan Review, Vaughan Transportation Plan, secondary plan updates and other ongoing studies. More information is available in the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan Executive Summary (PDF).