Nonmotorised

Nonmotorised refers to transport and recreational activities that do not rely on internal combustion engines or electric motors. It encompasses human-powered modes such as walking and cycling, as well as nonmotorised watercraft like kayaks and canoes, and animal-powered transport such as horse-drawn carriages. In recreational contexts, nonmotorised activities include skating, rollerblading, paddling, and similar pursuits.

In urban planning and policy, nonmotorised transport (NMT) is a category used to describe movements that substitute for motor vehicle trips. Nonmotorised transport is encouraged to improve public health, reduce traffic congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance air quality. Infrastructure priorities include continuous sidewalks, protected bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, traffic calming measures, and multi-use trails that link homes with workplaces and services. Effective NMT planning often requires design standards and policies that ensure safe interaction with motorised traffic, such as speed management and appropriate right-of-way rules.

Safety and accessibility considerations are central to nonmotorised design. High speeds and mixed-traffic environments can raise risks for pedestrians and cyclists, so facilities should provide separation where feasible and be maintained to accommodate users of varying ages and abilities. Weather, terrain, and seasonal changes influence usage, making maintenance and climate-adaptive facilities important for reliable access year-round.

Measurement and scope: policymakers track nonmotorised modal share, safety statistics, and infrastructure coverage to assess progress. The term is used variably in different contexts, with nonmotorised transport or nonmotorised travel as common equivalents.