Transportation Networks

Active modes of transportation (including walking, wheeling, cycling and public transportation) help build physical activity into daily routines. Transportation networks can also help reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality by promoting a transportation mode shift.

Active transportation networks help support equity by providing transportation options for people who do not drive (including children/youth, seniors, and people without personal vehicles). These networks can also support the local economy by increasing local retail sales, increasing property values, and reducing personal transportation costs (such as car ownership, fuel, and parking).

Municipalities and community groups have accomplished these initiatives by working together:

• Municipalities can include active transportation in their transportation master plans, or create specific active transportation or complete streets plans like St. Albert did.
• The City of Calgary offers an Active and Safe Routes to School program to help fix common transportation issues around schools and increase the number of students getting to school by active modes.
• The Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone in Banff National Park is an example of active transportation supporting the local economy.