Supporting Active Transportation in Niagara: A practical guide for citizens' groups toolkit provides citizens’ groups in the Niagara region with the information, tips and tools they need to guide their planning and make their efforts to improve opportunities for active transportation more effective.

The toolkit is designed for:
- Individuals interested in forming a citizens’ group and wanting advice on how to get started;
- Groups in the early stages of development and wondering how to build momentum;
- Long-standing groups looking for inspiration.

Read the Full Report

Read Individual Chapters

1. Introduction
∙ A simple definition of "active transportation" and the "built environment"
∙ The story of Niagara region's involvement in active transportation
∙ The purpose of this toolkit and who it's for
∙ How to use the toolkit

2. What You Need to Know
∙ Definitions
∙ Tips on communicating
∙ Important facts and figures to influence decision-makers
∙ The benefits of active transportation to communities and individuals

3. Current Context
∙ Definitions
∙ The legislative and policy landscape in the Niagara Region
∙ The fiscal environment
∙ The planning environment

4. What is an AT Citizen's Group and What Does It Do?
∙ A definition of Active Transportation (AT) Citizens' Groups
∙ A list of active groups in the Niagara Region
∙ Success stories from other groups

5. Forming an AT Citizen's Group
∙ What makes an AT citizens' group effective
∙ Steps you can take to understand the issues and stay focused
∙ How to develop allies and recruit members
∙ Bringing your allies together

6.  Organizing Your AT Citizen's Group
∙ Deciding what your group will look like
∙ Tips for running effective meetings
∙ Addressing stakeholder concerns
∙ Developing a budget
∙ Developing an action plan
∙ Niagara Checklist

7.  Now What: Moving From Planning to Action
∙ How to develop an action plan
∙ Implementing the plan
∙ A Niagara Checklist
∙ Measure its success

8.  Be an Advocate: Influencing Decision Makers
∙ How to get elected officials to listen
∙ Working with regional and local governments
∙ Preparing for elections: making the case for active transportation
∙ Sample deputation

9.  Communications and Media
∙ How to develop an effective media strategy
∙ The five dots of communication you need to connect before people will buy into your message
∙ The benefits of effective communication

10.  List of Citizen's Groups in Niagara Region Participating in the Active Transportation Niagara Network
∙ A list of people and organizations you can contact for help.

Appendix 1 - Sample Terms of Reference for Citizen's Groups

Appendix 2 - Action Plan Template