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Policy No. 73 "Active Transportation Policy November 27, 2017
POLICY NO. 73
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION POLICY
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1. Purpose
The Municipality of the District of Barrington believes that Active Transportation includes any
form of human powered movement. The most common modes are walking and biking but can also
include jogging, skateboarding, and the use of motorized personal mobility devices, such as
powered wheelchairs or medical scooters. An Active Transportation Policy would help ensure the
safety, inclusivity and diversity of our communities.
2. Guiding Principles
The following guiding principles form the foundation of this policy:
a) When real or perceived safety barriers are removed, people can make an easy and safe
choice to be active.
b) People will embrace the social and health benefits of AT. We recognize walking and
cycling are social pursuits that enable people to interact. We recognize that AT builds
stronger bodies and healthy minds.
c) Our citizens will benefit economically from AT. We will create new opportunities to
enhance and build infrastructure, and host visitors. Building healthier communities will
decrease healthcare costs.
d) Parents and children of school communities are particularly vital in re-building a culture
that embraces AT.
3. Goals
The goals of an active transportation network: 1) Is to improve citizen's accessibility and mobility
regardless of age, ability, or socio-economic status; 2) To enhance the safety of our communities;
3) and to minimize the impact of transportation activities on our natural environment.
Achieving a well connected and comprehensive active transportation network/policy will enhance
the promotion of physical activity as a means to improve the health of residents, and will improve
social and environmental conditions in ways that invite families, businesses and workers to access
this network to promote physical activity as well contribute to economic and tourism development.
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Policy No. 73 "Active Transportation Policy November 27, 2017
Walking and biking amenities are a critical component of the success and vitality of communities
which include our residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, schools, and recreation areas.
In addition, the Municipality recognizes that streets are an important part of public space and play a
major role in establishing the image and identity of our communities. They provide a key
framework for current and future development.
4. Policy Statements
1. The Municipality recognizes that active transportation infrastructure includes, but is not
limited to: sidewalks, gravel shoulders, paved shoulders, bike lanes, safe crossings, multi-
use trails, non-motorized trails, and end of trip facilities (e.g. bike racks).
2. The Municipality recognizes that active transportation programs, promotion, and facility
investments are an integral component to integrating AT into our lifestyle, which can have a
profound impact on our mental and physical health (e.g. reduction in rates of anxiety and
impacts of heart disease, diabetes, obesity).
3. The Municipality should consider the specific active transportation needs of people of all
ages, and abilities (children, youth, seniors, and disabled populations) in all street design,
trail, public space, and bikeway projects.
4. Active transportation infrastructure should be incorporated into existing roads, as
opportunities arise, or needs dictate.
5. Active transportation solutions should be considered in the initial phases of all new projects.
The Municipality recognizes that integrating appropriate infrastructure into the initial design
of street projects and public spaces avoids the expense of retrofits later.
6. The Municipality should annually review active transportation improvement opportunities
as part of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and/or operations budgeting process.
7. The Municipality should establish an infrastructure maintenance program to ensure AT
infrastructure will be kept in good repair, remain accessible, provide safe passage, improve
visibility, and be upgraded as warranted.
8. The Municipality should encourage and support provincial and regional programs and
initiatives that: 1) advance the promotion, 2) support for active transportation and 3) the
impact it has on citizen's lifestyles.
9. The Municipality should continue to communicate and champion the benefits of active
transportation to it's citizens, developers, planners and schools.
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Policy No. 73 "Active Transportation Policy November 27, 2017
Approved by Council November 27, 2017