The City of Whitehorse aims to be a leader in active transportation and reduce our reliance on motor vehicles. The City is increasingly planning for compact, self-contained neighbourhoods that minimize commuting. Improvements to infrastructure and the transit network are making walking and cycling safer and more viable for Whitehorse residents.
Transit
Combining active transportation with a ride on Whitehorse Transit is a great way of making car-free transportation a reality. The City’s new bus schedule, launched in 2011, takes advantage of some of the often-used pedestrian routes to offer more frequent service.
Whitehorse Transit’s bus fleet is equipped with bike racks on all buses. Go to the Bikes on buses page for more information.
Pedestrian network
Whitehorse has a compact, walkable downtown core. Getting to and from downtown on foot year round is realistic for residents of many neighbourhoods. Using the large network of neighbourhood trails in addition to sidewalks and multi-use trails can make your commute quicker and more pleasant. Some of these trails are signed.
Cycling network
Whitehorse has dedicated bike lanes throughout the City. The multi-use trails along the Yukon River, Two Mile Hill, and Hamilton Boulevard are key to many bike commuters’ routes. The Two-Mile Hill multi-use trail (north side) is cleared by the City on a priority basis and is suitable for commuting year-round.
Click here for the Commuter Cycling Map.
Wilderness Trails
For more information on the wilderness trail network, consult A Guide to the Popular Trails of Whitehorse, or click here for more information on Trails
Bike Parking
Bike Lockers
Colourful bike lockers are located at the Canada Games Centre and at several locations near Main Street. The lockers protect bicycles and panniers from vandalism, theft, and poor weather. All bike lockers are for day use only and cyclists must provide their own padlocks or combination locks.
Downtown bike locker locations are:
2nd and Steele Street, 3rd and Steele Street, 3rd and Elliot Street, and 4th and Main Street.
Bike Racks
Bike racks are located throughout town. Some are so elaborate, you might not know they are bike racks.
The Zoning Bylaw requires that most new developments considered commercial, multiple housing, or institutional provide bike racks.
The Environmental Fund has supported several organizations and workplaces to install artistic bike racks.
Cycling Safety
The City of Whitehorse welcomes and encourages use of its cycling routes and trails. Here are a few reminders for safe cycling:
• Ensure your bike is in good working order and fits correctly.
• Ensure your brakes work well and maintain them regularly. You should be able to fully engage the brakes without the levers touching the handlebars.
• Shoulder check regularly, and use a mirror to monitor traffic.
• Watch for doors opening on parked cars, pedestrians darting into your path, or other dangerous situations.
• Use a white cycling light or headlamp in the front and a red rear light. Wear bright reflective clothing.
• Carry tools and a cell phone.
• Lock your bike when unattended.
• Wear a helmet. Bicycle helmets are required under the Bicycle Bylaw.
• Obey all traffic devices and signs.
• Use proper hand signals.
• Ride single file when riding with other cyclists.
• When using multi-use trails, keep right. Before passing, ring your bell and say “passing on your left.”
• Do not use the roadway on Two Mile Hill. Please use the multi-use trails on either side.
• Except where bicycles are designed for more than one rider, it is illegal to carry more than one person on a bicycle.
• Tell someone of your route and time of return, especially when using wilderness trails. Be bear aware.
Cycling and the Law
Cyclists are treated the same as vehicles under the Yukon Motor Vehicles Act. This means that when riding on Yukon roadways, cyclists have the same rights, duties, and obligations as motorists. The City of Whitehorse also has a Bicycle Bylaw. Cyclists committing an infraction can be charged, fined, and have their bicycle seized.
Winter Biking Safety
Check out our dedicated page here.