Volunteers wanted for Active Transit Project

Ecology Ottawa is looking for volunteers to get involved in this great local improvement initiative. Through its Active Transit project, Ecology Ottawa’s Community Network will promote safe
streets and vibrant communities, by working to identify areas where sustainable transportation
choices would be enhanced through small upgrades to infrastructure.

Why we need Active Transit

Walking, cycling and other active modes of transportation promote healthy households by
providing exercise and contribute to bustling, complete communities. Transportation choices
have a significant impact on the environment, with fossil fuel engines of cars and trucks
contributing up to 34% of Ottawa’s greenhouse gas emissions.1 However, choosing active
methods of transportation depends on whether the needed infrastructure is in place to ensure
their safety. The City Council has prioritized infrastructure for, and promotion of, alternative
mobility choices2, but the City only has enough resources for small infrastructure upgrades.

What Active Transit Teams will do

To build on the commitment from the City, Ecology Ottawa’s Neighbourhood Teams will identify
small upgrades to infrastructure that would enhance sustainable transportation choices. Ecology
Ottawa will support our Community Organizers to reach out to the community, establish
Neighbourhood Teams and organize trainings about sustainable transportation safety issues.
Teams will conduct a neighbourhood assessment by walking through their community to
identify changes that could improve active transit, including signage, painting, light cycles,
visibility issues, sidewalks, bike lanes, speed bumps, and potholes. Ecology Ottawa’s Active
Transit program will help channel the proposed changes to the City. The Active Transit project
will also coordinate with the Cycling Safety Awareness Program to host safe cycling courses and
will hold Active Transit celebrations to connect with other members of the community.

Project Partners

Ecology Ottawa will work with Walk Ottawa, Citizens for Safe Cycling and other local
organizations, and in coordination with City of Ottawa programs such as the Pedestrian Safety
Evaluation Program and the Cycling Safety Awareness Program.