Waterloo Region Bikeshare Expansion Study

The City of Kitchener, in partnership with the City of Waterloo, the City of Cambridge and the Region of Waterloo will be carrying out a climate mitigation study to assess the feasibility of developing a bike station network integrated with the public transit network and also connected to active transportation infrastructure. The objective of the initiative is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by enhancing bikesharing in the region. The feasibility study will determine the operating and capital cost requirements and will develop an implementation plan for an expanded bikeshare system.A wide bikesharing network integrated with transit and connected to active transportation infrastructure will allow more people to choose zero-emission transportation options, also well as low-carbon options such as public transit. By bikesharing could connect transit users from their stop to their final destination. In addition, the use of multiple shared modes among residents is associated with a greater likelihood that they will use transit frequently, own fewer cars, and have reduced transportation spending.Bikesharing not only helps to lessen the negative impacts of climate change through reduced GHG emissions, but presents many opportunities for improving overall community wellbeing. Having access to a bikeshare can increase rates of cycling through enhanced convenience and result in personal and community-wide health and economic benefits.There are many benefits to using an active form of transportation, such as helping individuals meet the daily physical activity requirements; reducing the risk for chronic health conditions, and improving mental health. Having easily accessible bikeshare stations that would provide convenient access to transit stops could likely have a similar effect in increasing both the number of individuals cycling as well as the number using public transit. Cycling to and from a transit stop is an excellent example of using active transportation. People have been shown to use active transportation more often when transit stops and stations are closer to where they live and work. Bikeshare systems can provide an affordable travel options to who choose to not own a car, but also for those living in lower income communities who cannot afford a car.