Cycling

Experience Whitby's beautiful natural environment by hiking or cycling one of our many trails.

The Waterfront Trail provides 13 km of family-friendly cycling and walking. The trail passes a number of beautiful natural areas, including Lynde Shore Conservation Area, Thickson's Woods, the Rowe House, Port Whitby Marina, Rotary Sunrise Lake Park and Kiwanis Heydenshore Park.

To explore Whitby's cycling network, you can request a copy of the Whitby Active Map by emailing transportation@whitby.ca

As a cyclist in Whitby, you must follow the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA). Bicycles are considered vehicles, granting you the same rights and responsibilities as other road users.

Cycling is permitted on bike lanes, multi-use paths, off-road trails, paved shoulders, and most roadways in Whitby (except provincial 400 series highway and roads prohibited by signage). Sidewalk cycling is prohibited except for children with small bicycles. 

As a Cyclist:

• Wear a Helmet: Always wear a bicycle helmet for your safety.
• Use Lights and Reflectors: Equip your bike with a white or amber front light, a red rear light or reflector, and reflectors on the front and rear forks. These are required at night or in low light.
• Have a Bell or Horn: Your bike must have a bell or horn to alert others, especially on multi-use paths and off-road trails.
• Stay Right: Keep to the right side of multi-use paths and off-road trails. When passing pedestrians, do so on the left and signal your approach.
• Watch for Car Doors: Leave space between parked cars and your bike to avoid being hit by suddenly opened doors.
• Avoid Passing on the Right: Do not pass vehicles on the right, especially at stop signs or signals.
• Use Hand Signals: Indicate turns with proper hand signals. For more guidance, check out Cycling Canada's instructional video.
• Learn Safe Riding Skills: New cyclists can benefit from the CAN_BIKE //Bike Handling Skills 101 video. Young cyclists should refer to the guide available online.
• No Sidewalk Cycling: Cycling is not allowed on sidewalks, except for children on small bicycles (50 cm wheel diameter or less).

As a Driver:

• Be Alert for Cyclists: Always watch for cyclists while driving.
• Check Blind Spots: Look for cyclists in your blind spots, especially when turning.
• Check Mirrors Before Opening Doors: When parked, check mirrors to avoid opening your door into a cyclist's path.
• Be Cautious Around Young Cyclists: Slow down and be prepared to stop for young cyclists who may not be fully aware of traffic rules.
• Maintain Safe Distance: When passing cyclists, keep at least one meter distance between your vehicle and the cyclist when possible.
• Do Not Block Bike Lanes: Never drive in, park in, or obstruct dedicated bike lanes to ensure they remain clear for cyclists. The Whitby Traffic By-law prohibits driving in, parking in or stopping in bicycle lanes. 

For rules of the road, helmet information, and safety tips for cycling, visit Ontario's Guide to Cycling.

View the Ontario Young Cyclist Guide for additional tips. 

Whitby offers various cycling facilities:

Images	Description
	Bicycle Lanes - Bicycle lanes are a portion of a roadway which has been designated for the exclusive use of cyclists and are separated from adjacent motor vehicle lanes by pavement markings that may have a horizontal buffer and separation elements to restrict encroachment of vehicular traffic. Bicycle lanes are designated with signage and pavement markings (diamond and bike symbols). The Whitby Traffic By-law prohibits driving in, parking in or stopping in bicycle lanes.
	Multi-use Paths (MUPs) and Off-Road Trails - Multi-use paths are a two-way path in a roadway boulevard separated from the travelled portion of the roadway by a curb. Off-road trails are located within parks and open spaces. These multi-use facilities are shared by pedestrians and cyclists.
	Paved Shoulders - Paved shoulders may be provided on rural roadways to accommodate stopped and emergency vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Green “Bike Route” signs may be provided along the corridor. In urban areas, paved shoulders are created by edge lines intended to reduce the width of traffic lanes, which helps with traffic calming and provides space for cyclists.
	Sharrow Marked Roads - Roadways without cycling facilities may be marked with shared use symbols (sharrows) and specific signage to indicate a shared environment for bicycles and automobiles. Sharrows may be used to indicate the desired positioning of cyclists on the roadway.

Crossrides are a safe and effective crossing for cyclists. Cyclists can proceed through crossrides without dismounting, which is not permitted at crosswalks.

Crossrides are identified through pavement markings, signage, exclusive signal heads (signalized intersections only) and increased width compared to pedestrian crosswalks. Depending on the approaching cycling route, as well as the crossing control, crossrides may be marked in different ways on the pavement.

Learn more about Durham Region cycling programs, supports and education and the Regional Cycling Plan.

The Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee (ATSRAC) is responsible for advising Town Council on matters related to safe roads, active transportation and trails.

Micromobility devices like e-scooters and e-bikes are sustainable, convenient, and affordable modes of transportation. They use less space and energy than a car, are convenient for short trips and complement public transit. Learn more about the operation of e-scooters and e-bikes within the Town-owned transportation network.