Walking and Cycling

We are proud of our extensive walking and cycling routes and are excited to share them with you. Peterborough is rated as a silver walk friendly and bike friendly community and 1 in 10 people walk or bike to work. To make walking and cycling more comfortable and enjoyable, we are building more sidewalks, trails and cycling lanes.

During winter, our 42 km of paved trails through greenspaces and alongside roads are plowed and maintained for your enjoyment. Walking and cycling are great winter activities, helping to keep you mobile and moving in all seasons.

Unpaved trails are kept in their natural state in the winter, so be aware of conditions that are variable.  

As always, pedestrians have the right-of-way. Keeping to the right leaves space for faster people to pass with a safe berth. Many trails are not lit, so bring your lights!

Recognized for excellence

The City has received Silver Bicycle Friendly designation from the Share the Road Cycling Coalition. The Active Transportation and Health 2020 Indicators Report outlines the trends in local transportation with a focus on walking, cycling and transit, including a view of how the City and County are doing for walking and biking and the health of our community related to how we get around.

Walking

Our Sidewalk Policy requires that we provide sidewalks on both sides of new and reconstructed streets. 

Where sidewalks are missing along existing streets, new sidewalks are provided according to need as identified in the Sidewalk Strategic Plan. Each year, we build about 2 km of new sidewalks along existing streets. We upgrade and add pedestrian crossings as well to make it easier for you to cross busy streets.

Cycling and trail maps

The Cycling and Trail map shows trails and cycling routes in Peterborough and the surrounding area. The Peterborough Cycling Short Routes map details eight lovely routes of 15 to 40 kilometres in length. You can pick up maps at City Hall and local cycling shops, with more information about local cycling routes and services.

Maintenance and suggestions

Call Public Works at 705-745-1386 if you have a concern about maintenance along a sidewalk, bike lane or paved trail. We plow sidewalks, bike lanes and paved trails in the winter.

Please let us know if you have a suggestion about how we can improve walking, cycling or trails.

Rules and etiquette

To make walking, cycling, skateboarding and E-biking safe and fun for everyone, we have a by-law that says where you can skateboard, bicycle and E-bike in the City of Peterborough. This table shows where you can travel using different types of transportation.

Paths beside roads

There are many paths beside roads where riding a bicycle is allowed. A path is wider than 2 metres and sidewalks are 2 metres wide or less.

Tips for Cyclists and Drivers

The How to Use Bike Lane booklet shows cyclists and drivers how to use bike lanes, including the green pavement markings.

Stay Back, Stay Safe

Share the Road's Stay Back, Stay Safe information shows cyclists how to keep safe when near large vehicles.

Programs and workshops

GreenUP and B!KE have workshops and events related to walking and cycling. Programs include:

• Active School Travel
• Rack 'n Roll (through Shifting Gears)
• Shifting Gears
• Winter Wheels

Definition of bicycle

A vehicle with two wheels tandem, handlebars for steering, a saddle seat, and pedals by which it is propelled.

Identification of your bicycle

You can pick up a sticker anytime; just remember to update your information on the 529 Garage website.

• Peterborough Police Service - 500 Water St., Peterborough
• GreenUp - 378 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough
• B!KE - 293 George St. N., Peterborough