Active Transportation

Active Transportation is any form of transportation that’s powered by human energy. These activities can include: 

• Walking 
• Cycling 
• Rollerblading 
• Skateboarding 
• Scooters 
• Use of mobility aid tools 

Active transportation can be part of an everyday routine. Use it to get to work, school, go shopping or to visit friends and family. Combine active transportation with public transit, such as walking to the bus stop. 

• Health – provides an opportunity to be physically active on a regular basis. 
• Social – is accessible to Canadians and increases social interactions. 
• Transportation – reduces road congestion. 
• Environmental – is environmentally-friendly and can contribute to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. 
• Economic – saves money on gas and parking. 

The Town of Penetanguishene has a Cycling Strategy that promotes active transportation:  

• Cycling Instructor Training fund  
• Hosting Bike Rodeos in partnership with local Biking Groups 
• Identifying Cycle Friendly Businesses in Penetanguishene  
• Bike Month Celebrations in June  
• Purchase of Bike Racks and a fix it station  
• Advocacy for sharing the road with cyclists  
• Preparing and providing trail maps  
• Safety Equipment giveaways  
• Other Cycling challenges and events  

What is a predictive kilometer (km):  A challenge that requires you to predict how long it will take you to complete a kilometer, then complete an actual kilometer. The goal is for your “actual” km time to be as close to your “predicted” km time as possible.

A predictive kilometer can be completed on your own, challenging yourself, or as a race where a group of participants estimate how long it will take them to run a kilometer, and then attempt to complete the kilometer in that predicted time. The winner is not necessarily the fastest, but the one who comes closest to their predicted time. It adds a strategic element as you must pace yourself accurately to win.

If the kilometer is completed as part of a competition or race, the winner is the person who finishes closest to their predicted time.

If the kilometer is completed as a personal challenge, your success is determined by how close you can get to your predicted time.

On the Move is an active school travel initiative to get kids more physically active led by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit in partnership with several local school boards, schools, municipalities, and community partners.  

Active school travel brings many benefits to children, youth, and families as well as the school environment and the overall community: 

• Walking and wheeling gives kids the chance to get to know their neighbourhood and develop confidence and independence.
• Walking and wheeling creates opportunities to learn valuable pedestrian and cycling skills and safety.
• More students and families walking or wheeling to school makes everyone easier to see and puts more eyes on the street for safety.
• Fewer cars around schools reduces traffic congestion, improves safety and decreases harmful air pollution.
• Active school travel is an easy and fun way for families to reduce their carbon footprint, fight against climate change and support a healthy environment.
• Making time for kids to walk and wheel to and from school is a healthy habit that can last a lifetime.
• Parents/caregivers can role model healthy behaviours and benefit from the physical activity too.
• School zones and other community environments that support walking and wheeling are more inviting and accessible to people with different needs.