I am pleased the provincial…

I am pleased the provincial government has come up with a proposed provincial cycling network initiative. I would like to pass on two comments in support of your goals of increasing connectivity and accommodating cycling within existing provincial infrastructure. Firstly, I would like to add my voice of support for dedicating as many former rail corridors as possible cycling routes. Many of these corridors are currently multi use trails dominated by ATV usage in the summer. This situation is a major deterrent to the majority of cyclists and is counter to the philosophy of the Petit Train du Nord in Quebec where motorized summer vehicles are banned. If the cycling network is to be successful in promoting the province as a cycling destination the elimination of summer motorized vehicles is essential to create a more viable and cycle friendly cycling network . Unfortunately the entire route of the Haliburton County Rail Trail is not included in the cycling network. This oversight should be corrected. This would provide a wonderful addition to the cycling network and a draw for tourists and residents alike. Secondly, regarding paved shoulders to enhance cycling along major roadways. Paved shoulders reduce road maintenance costs since there is much less "edge" maintenance by road crews who continuously have to patch asphalt where vehicles and plows cause deterioration and wear on the asphalt edge of a roadway with no paved shoulders. In addition, a broader paved shoulder is a good investment for safety since it provides a more consistent surface for vehicles whose wheels stray from the designated lane. The paved shoulder provides a reduction in “run off the road collisions” and a safer space to make emergency pull overs. For cyclists the safety advantage is major as paved shoulders provide a safe 1.5 m. space to cycle so you are not competing with vehicles for lane space inside the white paint of the lane designation. Paved shoulders increase road safety, reduce maintenance costs and are are a win-win situation for the motorist and cyclist.

[Original Comment ID: 209100]