Across Kitchener, you’ll find different types of bike infrastructure. All projects are guided by our Cycling and Trails Master Plan, which focuses on creating a city-wide network of cycling routes and trails that is comfortable for people of “All Ages and Abilities.”

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On this page:

  1. Current projects
  2. Separated bike lanes
  3. Multi-use trails
  4. Neighbourhood bikeways
  5. Painted bike lanes
  6. Bike boxes
  7. Request a bike rack
  8. E-bike and e-scooter program

Current projects

Downtown cycling grid

The downtown cycling grid has transformed how people move around by making it safe, comfortable and convenient for people of all ages and abilities to bike. The network connects to popular trails like the Iron Horse Trail, Spur Line Trail and the Trans Canada Trail, creating a new way for people to access all that downtown has to offer.

The development of the downtown cycling grid has resulted in a 164 percent increase in ridership, with 54,781 cycling trips in the first seven months of 2023.

Protected bike lanes are now open for cycling on Joseph Street, Water Street, Ontario Street and Cedar Street. Some of the destinations along this cycling corridor include the Tannery, Victoria Park, the Victoria Park LRT station, 44 Gaukel arts and technology workspace, The Centre for Family Medicine, the Kitchener Market and several small businesses.

In the fall of 2023, we opened a new multi-use trail on Margaret Avenue and Otto Street, which provides another connection to the Spur Line Trail and the downtown core. The final stage of construction on Duke Street is planned for 2024.

Separated bike lanes

To add physical separation between vehicles and cyclists, we create separated bike lanes using bollards, curbs, raised medians or parking. This physical separation improves safety and makes cycling more comfortable for all ages and abilities.

Multi-use trails

Pedestrians and cyclists share multi-use trails, whether the trail is fully off-road or in the boulevard next to a street. If you are on a bike, please yield to slower moving pedestrians to keep everyone safe.

Recently upgraded trails include the Henry Sturm Trail, Wilson Park Trail, Traynor Trail, and Shoemaker Greenway Trail. We expect to complete a new trail that will connect the Iron Horse Trail with the future central transit hub at King Street and Victoria Street in 2024.

Neighbourhood bikeways

These quiet streets can be enjoyed in a low-stress environment without designated space, as they have low traffic volume and speeds. You can often find these bikeways by looking for a blue bike route marker or wayfinding signage.

Some neighbourhood bikeways have painted chevron arrows, called sharrows, to remind drivers and cyclists to share the road in single file until it is safe to pass. 

Painted bike lanes

A marked lane on roads for cyclists. These lanes are between the road and sidewalk, marked with:

  • white line
  • bicycle and diamond pavement markings
  • cyclist-only signs pointing to the lane

Bike boxes

You’ll find bike boxes at several intersections with separated or painted bike lanes. These areas help make cyclists more visible to drivers and reduce the risk of a “right hook” collision.

When a traffic light turns green and a cyclist is in a bike box, they can continue through the intersection ahead of drivers.

What cyclists should know

  • when the traffic light is red, enter the bike box from the attached green bike lane
  • stop in the bike box ahead of queued cars and before the crosswalk
  • when the light turns green, continue normally

What drivers should know

  • when the traffic light is yellow or red, stop behind the white stop line and do not enter the green bike box
  • keep the green bike box clear for cyclists
  • when the light turns green, allow cyclists to move first and then continue normally
  • always signal when turning
  • check that the bike box and bike lane are empty before turning right

Request a bike rack

If you think an area needs more bike parking, you can request a city bike rack. Fill out our online form to tell us where you want to see a bike rack in the future. We'll review all requests, but will prioritize locations in high-demand areas like commercial districts, parks, recreation centres and libraries.

Request a bike rack

E-bike and e-scooter program

Neuron Mobility e-bikes and e-scooters are available to rent in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge. The e-bikes and e-scooters are available mostly in the downtown areas of the three cities and near transit stations.

Download the Neuron Mobility app:

Learn more about this program:

Find rules for riding and how-to-ride information on ScootSafe. Choose Waterloo Region to get local information.

Visit our e-scooters page to find rules for e-scooters in Kitchener.