Another way to get information is through friends and associates with similar circumstances. For that join one of the many seniors activity centres, most of whom have not only peers to share experiences with, but staff to assist or at least guide you to finding what you need.

Walking

Fewer and fewer people think of walking for transportation, for more than getting from a car or bus to a building entrance. And in the suburbs or the rural area, distances are very un-walkable. However, as a senior, you have more time available, and a speed of 5 km/h (brisk walk) is possible, allowing many place to be reached and returned from in a morning or an afternoon: shops, an appointment, or an event.

• Know your capabilities and use maps to judge distances.
• Dress appropriately for the season and the specific weather.
• Keep in mind public and semi-public facilities, their location and hours of access.
• Know the rules of the road (observe WALK signals at almost all intersections) and carefully watch approaching traffic when crossing or when walking on roads without sidewalks (always walk on the left, facing traffic, on roads; but on pathways, keep to the right).
• If you want to carry anything more than a couple pounds, consider getting a shoulder bag (the traditional two-strap knapsack, or the newer ‘cross-body bag”) or a shopping cart that is light and can be folded (and stowed in a shopping cart or closet until it is needed).
• In winter in Ottawa, walking is still possible (which is good, since our bodies need exercise and exposure to the sun year-round); consider getting rubber cleats that stretch over boots (call the health department, 613-580-6744, for a list of vendors selling these) and also carrying a ziplock bag with salt or sand to throw ahead of you when approaching a slippery stretch of sidewalk. The City Yellow Box program provides ‘grit’ for this purpose.

If you are thinking of moving and you want to keep distances to a minimum (either to ensure walking is possible or to keep other travel costs in check), go to www.walkscore.com to get a walkability rating of any address, vis-a-vis proximity to practical destinations (food, pharmacy, hardware, bank, medical offices).

If you have a need to overcome walking difficulties, there are many foot clinics as part of the seniors centres. Also, the Ottawa Health Department has a Gottawalk program with a brochure on walking clubs and activities that can be sent to you, by phoning: 613-580-6744, ext 23444.

Cycling

Riding a bicycle – or a tricycle – is a significant transportation option, although limited for practical purposes to the April through November period when snow and ice are not a factor. Like walking, it provides exercise while allowing distances to be covered, in this case, longer distances. Unless you have cycled continuously since your younger days, consider taking a CAN-BIKE course: 613-580-2582 (or http://www.envirocentre.ca). They have one for seniors.

Everyone’s favourite location to cycle is the recreation pathways (incorrectly referred to as “bike paths,” since they also accommodate walkers and runners.) Most of these are managed by the National Capital Commission and they have rules to follow, such as keeping to the right, making a noise when overtaking (to avoid the party in front from doing something unpredictable), and keeping speeds to 20 km/h.

However, there aren’t that many pathways , so city streets have to be used. Riding on sidewalks is not legal, and it is actually more dangerous for you, since you are harder for motorists and pedestrians to see. The CAN-BIKE course teaches you how to use the road legally and safely, which the Highway Traffic Act provides for.

A bike – and especially a trike – is better for carrying heavier loads, since the wheels take the weight. But don’t try to carry things in one hand, both of which must be on the handlebars, or hanging from the handlebars, which will upset steering and balance, and could get caught in the front spokes. Either carry items in a knapsack or have a rear carrier installed, on which the load can be mounted and tied down (to avoid cargo getting loose or bouncing out). Get advice from a bicycle shop.

Transit

Ottawa has a full bus system which in recent years extends out to some of the rural villages and towns, and now has the O Train running southward from Lebreton Flats to South Keys. As of July 1, 2008, fares will be $3.00 cash; $2.00 in tickets for all adults. Seniors (65+) get a break only on monthly passes, paying $30.40 rather than $81 (and they are good for all trips, avoiding higher prices for adult passes for express and for rural routes). The passes can be bought at many grocery and convenience stores, but require a photo identification card with photo, that must be obtained (including paying a $7.75 fee) from one of OC Transpo’s centres at transitway stations: Mackenzie King, St-Laurent.

For those who have not used the system in a long time, OCTranspo has a Seniors Travel Training program. And for those who would just like to try the system out might want to take advantage of the Ride With Us program allows seniors to ride free on Wednesdays during June, July, and August (be prepared to show some proof-of-age ID). After dark, OC Transpo drivers will stop at any address along their route, on request, to allow a disembarking rider to reduce the length of their walk.

In recent years, the vast majority of buses on major routes “kneel,” which means that they have low floors and the front of the bus can be lowered further by the driver to allow entry by those in scooters or wheelchairs, or whose walking is limited. Those with vision problems can get a hailing kit that displays the number of the route desired to the driver will stop and call to the person; and once on board, a destination card can be used to give notice to the driver to call out the stop where the person desires to diseembark.

For those with disabilities that make it difficult to use regular service, OC Transpo also has a paratransit service, using special buses and specially designed taxis. Call 613-824-3625 or http://www.octranspo.com/acc_menue.htm.] It usually charges the same for door-to-door service, but requires reservations 24 hours ahead, although regular uses can use “standing orders.” In cases of high demand, some trips and users have priority. OC Transpo also has a Taxi Coupon program, for those who qualify for paratransit; $40 worth of coupons are available for $24. Those who must travel with an attendant can obtain an ID card that allows the attendant to ride free when they pay the required fare.

For those who have cars, but want to avoid driving downtown or paying a lot for parking, OC Transpo also has park-and-ride lots (see the website for locations and charges).

Those living outside the City of Ottawa boundary in the rural area might be able to use a private commuter bus to get in and out of the city during rush hour. See the yellow pages, or phone your municipality. Across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, there is the Société du transport de l‘Outaouais (STO), and the two systems honour each other’s transfers, although a ‘top-up’ fee is charged.

Rides

When one cannot drive, walk, bicycle, or use transit or paratransit, getting a ride is the only option, short of doing without or having a service provide your needs by coming to you.

• Getting a friend, neighbour, or family member to drive. These usually consist of riding along when the car owner is doing their own errands, and doing yours at the same time. But sometimes, a special request might need to be made. You might want to offer to pay for gas and for any parking charges. Those who want more autonomy, might retain a car (or even pay for a carshare or rental vehicle) and ask only for driving assistance, rather than having the driver provide his or her own vehicle.
• Taxis are the most common choice, when someone you know can’t share their car and drive you. Ottawa has several taxi firms, although most are now owned by the same company. All are licensed and overseen by the City, which has recently increased the number of licenses for handicapped vehicles. Here is a list of firms, and their phone number and geographical emphasis. Taxi users with limited income are invited to buy coupons that are worth extra when used to pay for all or part of a fare.
• Private driver services. Ottawa has a few limousine services, but many people volunteer to give rides to seniors, using their own vehicles, or an agency vehicle. They are compensated for their car costs, not paid for their driving. Many of these are listed at www.communitysupportottawa.ca. The Canadian Cancer Society [613-723-1744] has a driver service for patients receiving treatment. Finally, some seniors’ activity centres have a van for pick-up of participants before and after specific events.
• Delivery services. Consider avoiding travel altogether by arranging for a company to delivery things to you. First ask the store if they provide a service, and if not, arrange for a courier company or moving company to pick it up and bring it to you.

Driving a Car

• If you have disabilities, you can apply for a special parking permit, allowing you to park in the specially marked spaces located near entrances. 613-731-6451.
• If you find the on-going costs and responsibilities of car-ownership to be too high for the amount of use you make of a car, consider renting cars. Many firms will pick you up and drop you off afterwards. If you live in an older neighbourhood, you can get access to cars by the hour, after joining. You may have to walk a few blocks to pick up the car (613-2798-1900, www.vrtucar.com).
• Keeping your driver’s license is important. First, keep your address up-to-date with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, so that you will benefit from being reminded when your license is about to expire (every five years up to age 80; every two years thereafter). The renewals up to age 80 involve no tests, only the payment of the fee (however, if you let it lapse, some testing may be required to get it active again). At age 80, a vision test and written test are mandatory, and a driving test might be required if you have demerit points or if your doctor has reported a driving-related issue.

  Eventually, you should plan for the day when driving is not desirable or possible. Talk it over in advance with family, and consider moving to a new location that is closer to services and to good transit.

• The Canadian Automobile Association (www.caa.ca) assists members maintain their driving skills, provides roadside assistance, and helps plan trips.

Mixed Mode

• Most OC Transpo transitway stations have taxi pick-up areas.
• Bicycles can be carried on OC Transpo. Racks are on buses on Route 2 and Routes 95, 96, & 97 from May through October. Folding bikes are allowed inside buses at any time, except when the bus is packed tightly.
• OC Transpo has an automated trip planner, at http://www.octranspo.com/tps/jnot/startEN.oci, into which an address for each end of a trip can be entered, and for which it will issue detailed instructions for using transit.

Political Advocacy

The City has a Seniors Advisory Committee. Phone Julie Tremblay, 613-580-2424, ext. 28719 for information about meetings and agendas. It also has advisory committees for transit and walking and for roads and cycling.

Cyclists are represented by Citizens for Safe Cycling: www.safecycling.ca.

Seniors have their own association: Senior Citizens Council, www.seniorcouncil.org, or 613-234-8044.

This site has been constructed by another advocacy organization: the Ottawa Seniors Transportation Committee