Cycling facilities

Mississauga’s cycling routes help connect homes, schools, transit, parks and commercial areas to make cycling a safe and convenient option for everyone.

Different streets and neighbourhoods need cycling infrastructure that fits with existing infrastructure and the volume of riders.

Bike lanes

A bike lane is a designated portion of the road meant only for bikes. Bike lanes are marked by painted lines and symbols and provide a dedicated space for cyclists. They’re best suited for roads with moderate traffic and speed.

Protected buffered bike lanes

A protected buffered bike lane adds extra space and physical separation between cyclists and vehicles.

It aims to increase cyclists’ safety and comfort by adding a physical barrier from vehicle traffic, especially on busy streets with higher speeds.

A cyclist using a protected bicycle lane — An example of a cyclist using a protected bicycle lane.

Boulevard cycle tracks

A boulevard cycle track, also called a separated bike lane, is a fully protected cycling path that separates from both vehicle lanes and sidewalks.

It offers the highest level of protection and comfort for cyclists, ideal for people of all ages and abilities and is used on streets with a high volume of vehicles or where separation is needed.

Multi-use trails

A multi-use trail is a shared pathway designed for pedestrians, cyclists and runners.

It provides a safe, scenic route for recreation and commuting, separated from cars. These trails are most suitable for non-motorized users, and cyclists should always ride at safe speeds and yield to pedestrians.

A cyclist uses a bike lane to cross the street followed by a multi-use trail past the intersection.

Types of cycling facilities

	Location	Barrier(s)	Example
Bike lanes	On the road, adjacent to vehicle lanes	Painted lines only	A standard bike lane on a city street
Protected buffered bike lanes	On the road, between the curb and vehicle lanes	Painted buffer zones with barriers like bollards or parked cars	A raised bike lane with curbs and greenery
Boulevard cycle tracks	On the boulevard, between the sidewalk and road	Raised curbs, planters or parked cars	A raised bike lane with curbs and greenery
Multi-use trails	Typically off-road, in parks, along rivers or greenways	Physically separated from roads and vehicle traffic	A paved trail running through a park or greenway

A connected cycling network that encourages active transportation for all ages and abilities is part of our Vision Zero goal to build safer, more inclusive streets for everyone.