Active Transportation
Active transportation is any form of human-powered transportation that promotes physical activity including walking, biking, skating, using a wheelchair, and accessing public transportation. OCTA continues to improve safety and accessibility to a growing network of more than 1,000 miles of Orange County bikeways. Cyclists can ride to any bus stop or Metrolink station and continue their journeys with ease.
Environmental Benefits
Choosing walking and cycling instead of traveling by motor vehicle reduces air pollution, noise pollution and congestion. Widespread usage can also reduce the need for new parking lots and roadways.
OCTA's commitment to active transportation has resulted in:
- An average increase in bicycle traffic of 48% across 120 Orange County locations between 2018 to 2020
- Making it easier for cyclists to ride to an OCTA bus stop and take a bus to their final destination by equipping each bus with three bicycle racks in the front of the vehicle
- Supporting the administration of approximately $25 million in state Active Transportation Program (ATP) funds awarded to Orange County local agencies biennially to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety
- Helping to complete about 88% of the OC Loop, with 58 miles of off-street trails existing along the San Gabriel River, Coyote Creek, Santa Ana River, and the Coastal/Beach trail
To learn more, visit our Active Transportation webpage.
Additional Resources
With more than 1,000 miles of bikeways and scenic trails, Orange County is a great place to ride a bike. Between May 2018 and May 2020, weekday cycling increased by an average of 48 percent across all facility types in Orange County, according to OCTA figures. While some of that increase may be attributed to changed patterns brought on by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, that’s only part of the story.
As the regional coordinator of active transportation efforts in Orange County, OCTA provides information and programs that help residents stay active by walking and cycling in support of a multimodal transportation system. In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), OCTA has adapted projects and programs to fit the current situation, creatively undertaking public involvement, and evaluating the effects the pandemic is having on active transportation in Orange County.
With its year-round good weather and range of roadways, Orange County is a great place to ride a bike. To help keep riders safe and informed, OCTA recently updated its comprehensive OC Bikeways Map.