Building healthier, more connected communities starts with making human-powered travel easier. To help local leaders overcome individual roadblocks to walking, cycling, and rolling, the BC Alliance for Healthy Living (BCAHL) offers a free Communities Going Active Toolkit.
Overcoming Barriers to Active Transportation
While infrastructure like bike lanes and sidewalks is crucial, personal barriers—such as a lack of gear, low confidence, or safety concerns—often prevent residents from using them. This guide summarizes proven evidence and real-life BC case studies to help recreation groups and local governments tackle these exact challenges.
"This toolkit provides ways to address barriers that prevent people from using active transportation, which include interventions that aim to improve confidence, competence, motivation, knowledge and awareness." – BCAHL
Key Topic Areas Inside the Toolkit
The toolkit outlines actionable strategies to boost community participation through six core focus areas:
- Social Support & Modelling: Building community networks that encourage active travel.
- Education & Guided Programs: Skills-training and led group activities to build user competence.
- Gamification & Friendly Competition: Using challenges and events to make active transit fun.
- Coaching: Offering direct mentorship to help individuals build travel confidence.
- Equipment Libraries & Bike Shares: Removing financial barriers by providing shared gear access.
- Multiple Interventions: Combining these strategies for long-lasting community impact.
Download the Free Guide
Ready to help your community move safely and actively? Download the full resource directly from the BC Alliance for Healthy Living:
Download the Communities Going Active Toolkit (PDF)
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