New OCAF-supported Study finds just 1200 bikes in Ottawa can result in 450,000 trips annually, improve congestion, and reduce traffic pollution
At the Ottawa Climate Action Fund (OCAF), we invest in solutions that cut emissions, strengthen communities, and make everyday life more affordable and resilient. A public bike share system does all three—and that’s why we were proud to contribute funding for the Bike Share Feasibility Study for the National Capital Region.
The feasibility study, led by EnviroCentre, concludes that a well-designed, publicly backed bike share system delivers high ridership, value to local businesses, and meaningful climate benefits while providing an important inter-provincial transit link.
Bike Share in Practice
Bike Share is a proven mobility option that helps people get where they need to go efficiently. In cities across North America, including Ottawa’s big city neighbours, Toronto and Montreal, bike share reduces congestion, connects riders to transit, and replaces short car trips that are costly, polluting, and inefficient. For the National Capital Region, this represents an opportunity to add a flexible, 24/7 transportation option that supports a healthier and more sustainable region.
The Ottawa study estimates that an initial system of 1,200 bikes could support more than 450,000 trips annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 1.2 kilotonnes of CO₂ every year. Importantly, bike share complements the region’s existing transit systems rather than competing with them, helping riders bridge the gap between rapid transit stations and destinations that are just too far to walk.
Investing in bike share is also an investment in equity, affordability, and economic vitality. It creates local jobs, supports downtown and neighbourhood revitalization, and provides transportation choice for residents, workers, and visitors alike.
Bike Share Succeeds with Partnerships
EnviroCentre partnered with OCAF, the City of Ottawa, the City of Gatineau, the NCC and Mobi-O to study how a bike share system could succeed here at home. EnviroCentre collaborated with governmental stakeholders and knowledgeable community partners to examine lessons from peer cities and assessed local needs. We encourage Ottawa residents to learn more, talk with their city councillors, and share how bike share could fit into their daily lives. Climate action works best when it also works for people—and bike share is a powerful example of that intersection.