Ottawa Cycling Plan

For additional information, or to obtain a copy of the Technical Appendix of the Ottawa Cycling Plan (Bikeways Planning and Design Guidelines, English only), please send an e-mail to the Cycling Facilities Coordinator, at: Robin.Bennett@ottawa.ca

The Ottawa Cycling Plan (OCP) is a long-term (20-year) strategy that consists of two phases. The first, is a 10-year implementation plan that includes network infrastructure, program initiatives and associated costs. The 10-year plan is intended to complement the City’s Capital Works Plan, Transportation Master Plan and Official Plan.

The second phase, which forms the longer-term strategy (years 10 through 20) is presented as input to long-term planning initiatives.When the OCP is next updated (recommended every five years), elements of the long-term strategy will be reviewed and, if confirmed, would be incorporated into an updated 10-year implementation plan. It is possible, however, that opportunities may occur in the shorter term to implement specific projects identified in the longer term.

The recommendations set out in the OCP support and are consistent with City Council’s Strategic Directions Report (2007 – 2010) approved by Council in August 2007. The OCP responds directly to a number of Council’s priorities and objectives from this report, including:

  • Identify transportation gaps in the Transportation Master Plan and develop a plan to fill them
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20 per cent by 2012
  • Require walking-, transit- and cycling-oriented communities and employment centres
  • Ensure public health programs that work to promote health and prevent disease are maintained in concert with the growing population of the city
  • Develop a 10-year plan for new sidewalks, traffic lights, street lights and bicycle lanes infrastructure that have been warranted and unfunded, and close the gap by 2017

The plan builds upon the existing network of on- and off-road cycling facilities and programs in the City. It also support efforts and initiatives of several area cycling groups to help improve cycling conditions in Ottawa and encourage more people to cycle more often.

Download a copy of the Ottawa Cycling Plan [ PDF – 11 MB ].

What do you think makes a liveable Ottawa? The City is asking residents this question in Building a Liveable Ottawa 2031, a city-wide review of land use, transportation and infrastructure policies that make up the Official Plan, Transportation Master Plan, Infrastructure Master Plan, Cycling Plan and Pedestrian Plan.