The Municipality of Clare is developing an updated Active Transportation Plan (ATP). The plan will expand on the current network and improve connectivity throughout the municipality.
The updated ATP will identify priority projects, policies, and programs to make walking, biking, and rolling safer, easier, and more convenient for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities. The final ATP will act as a road map for active transportation improvements over the next ten to fifteen years.
We want this plan to reflect what matters most to community members. Your input is an important part of the planning process. There will be a variety of online and in-person activities for you to share your experiences with walking, biking, and rolling in Clare and what your vision for the future is.
Together, we can create a plan that celebrates Clare’s unique character and reflects the community’s priorities!
What is active transportation?
Active transportation (AT) is any human-powered mode of transportation. It includes walking and rolling (includes using a wheelchair, walker, or other mobility aid), biking, rollerblading and skateboarding. It includes any active trip, whether you’re travelling to work, school, the store, or enjoying time outdoors with family or friends.
E-bikes and e-scooters can also fit in this category, and they may use the same routes and pathways.
Why is active transportation important?
Active transportation has many benefits, including:
- Improves physical and mental health: walking, biking, and rolling are great forms of physical activity, which plays a part in improving mental well-being.
- Creates a sense of community: Active transportation encourages social interaction and can build stronger relationships between community members.
- Improves safety: Dedicated walking, cycling, and rolling facilities reduce the risk of injury for all road users.
- Supports environmental and sustainability efforts: Completing more trips by walking, biking, and rolling lowers vehicle emissions which improves air quality in communities.
- Supports the local economy: Neighbourhoods and destinations that are inviting and accessible to people walking, biking, and rolling can attract more visitors, who will in turn be patrons of local services and amenities.
What is active transportation infrastructure?
Active transportation infrastructure or facilities refers to the physical elements and environments designed to support various human-powered modes of transportation. This includes sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and multi-use trails, among others. Effective active transportation infrastructure is characterized by a well-integrated network that allows users to navigate their communities safely and seamlessly while having fun!
The active transportation network should connect main streets, key destinations, and residential neighbourhoods, encouraging residents and visitors of all ages and abilities to actively travel within the community.
Engagement
Community input is essential to ensuring the final Active Transportation Plan reflects community member priorities and interests.
In the first round of engagement, we are focused on understanding how you currently walk, bike, and roll in Clare and what improvements are most important to you. You can share your input by completing the online survey and contributing to the interactive map below.
