ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION

Move More.
Emit Less.

Whether you’re biking to work, jogging through the neighborhood, or just taking a stroll, New Haven is built for it. The city has earned a reputation as one of America’s most walkable and accessible cities, with nearly 400 miles of sidewalks that connect museums, theaters, restaurants, and residential buildings to each other and to the city green.

What is Active Transportation?

Active transportation is human-powered mobility, such as biking or walking. This mode of transport is good for the environment and human health! Biking, scootering, skating, and walking effectively reduce vehicle emissions and bridge the first-mile, last-mile gap (the distance from the start to the end of an individual transit trip).

New Haven’s streets are for everyone. Whether you’re walking to the corner store or biking across town, active transportation keeps our community connected, healthy, and green.

New Haven’s WalkScore

/100

New Haven is one of the most walkable cities in the United States, surpassing the national city average by 20 points. Its walkability is on par with Providence, Rhode Island, a city comparable in size and geography. Neighborhoods like Downtown and Wooster Square are even considered “walkers’ paradises”.

Walking Safely

Lady walking across a New Haven crosswalk

Avoid cutting diagonally between intersections, as it reduces predictability for road users. Instead, use designated crossing phases for pedestrians.

Signal to drivers through eye contact or a hand gesture that you are about to cross the street.

Use press signals and wait for the WALK symbol before stepping into the roadway.

Learn How to Be the Perfect Pedestrian from New Haven Harry!

Pedestrians always have the right of way. New concurrent signal timing gives walkers a 3–5 second head start before entering the crosswalk, allowing them to travel parallel to moving traffic. Drivers and cyclists turning right must always yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk: no exceptions.

Cycling Safely

A man signaling a left hand turn on his bike

Signal your turns with hand signals to communicate with other drivers and cyclists. This creates predictability and shared awareness.

Wear a helmet to protect yourself in the event of a fall or collision.

Ride on the road and with the flow of traffic and obey road rules, such as red lights and stop signs. It is illegal to ride on sidewalks.

Ride in bike lanes whenever possible. New Haven has invested in more than 35 miles of dedicated cycling lanes.

Equip your bike with front and rear lights. In CT, bikes MUST have a white front light and red rear reflector when riding at sunrise/sunset.

Wear reflective clothing at night so that drivers and pedestrians can see you clearly.

Learn More About Cycling Safely from New Haven Harry!

Accessibility for All Road Users

Making city streets safe and accessible for everyone is central to Safe Routes for All. In New Haven, sidewalks, crosswalks, and transit stops are designed with accessibility in mind, helping people with disabilities navigate the city with confidence.

Recent additions to mobility hubs, like the Veo Cosmo seated scooter, expand options even further by providing a comfortable alternative for riders who prefer or require a seated rather than standing e-scooter.