Active Mobility in Whistler
Whether you are a resident or a visitor to Whistler, the Whistler Way offers a variety of active mobility options. These include any form of human-powered transportation - walking, cycling, using a wheelchair, in-line skating, or skateboarding. Whistler supports active mobility with its pedestrian-oriented Village Stroll, extensive multi-use paved Valley Trail network, cross-country ski trails, and ongoing community accessibility improvements.
Active mobility includes many modes, routes and methods of travel such as:
and using Whistler's
Benefits of Active Mobility:
- Transportation - efficient transportation; decreased road congestion
- Environmental - reductions in greenhouse gas emissions
- Economic - opportunities to save money on gas, car insurance, and parking
- Social - affordable and accessible travel options with opportunities for social interaction
- Health - opportunities for regular physical activity and stress-relief
Cutting Emissions in Whistler
As a mountain town, Whistler has long been concerned with the issue of climate change. Our community has a special dependence on stable snow and weather patterns, making us very aware of our shared responsibility to manage greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and even more sensitive to the potential impacts if we do not. The integrity of our natural systems is fundamental to the well being of our community and Whistler’s economic viability.
In 2007, Whistler Council, along with 61 other communities in BC, became the first signatories to the newly introduced BC Climate Action Charter. The charter committed the signatories – now 175 local governments strong – to:
- Become carbon neutral in respect of municipal operations,
- Measure and report on their community’s greenhouse gas emissions, and
- Work to create compact, more energy efficient communities.
Moreover, as of May 31, 2010, all local governments in BC must - by law - integrate targets, policies, and actions for the reduction of GHGs in their official community plans. Shifting our commuting patterns to less GHG-intense options is an important way to work towards these commitments.
Carbon Emissions: How Cars Contribute
In Whistler, even a daily commute of just 10 km each way using your car contributes over 1 ton of C02 emissions.
Making a few small changes (using transit, sharing rides, cycling) can substantially reduce your personal footprint. Choosing to walk/ride/run reduces your tailpipe emissions to zero, plus you gain significant fitness & health benefits. An example, shown below, shows the various levels of emissions for a daily commute to Whistler Village from different destinations.
