Thank you for the…

Thank you for the opportunity to provide comment on the planned province-wide cycling network. Comments from the City of Hamilton Public Works Department are as follows: •We support the decision to follow existing higher-profile routes such as the Trans-Canada Trail, Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, and the Greenbelt Route – a combination of on-road and off-road cycling infrastructure. •We agree with the plan to include the Red Hill Valley Trail as part of the network – a critical link. •The City of Hamilton Transportation Master Plan/ Cycling Master Plan/ Recreational Trail Master Plan will compliment this network to provide increased connectivity in the Hamilton area. •Please note that a few segments in the Hamilton area that are identified as “existing off-road” actually are “existing on-road” segments. We agree with the connection; we mention this only to improve the mapping information (eg. Ferguson Ave, Sterling St) •We suggest the short segment of Mineral Spring Rd be removed from the network as it provides no special connectivity. •We suggest that the proposed segment along Hwy 8 be identified as an off-road facility instead of on-road. This Hwy 8 facility would be more popular/desirable as a multi-use facility along one side of the roadway rather than paved shoulders/bike lanes. •We suggest that the connection at the Burlington Lift Bridge be identified as a planned off-road facility as the community has conveyed that comment strongly in the past 10 years (instead of the indicated existing on-road link).

The City of Hamilton Public Health Department has provided some additional notes: •It is positive to see Land Use Planning initiatives that help promote and maintain a physically active lifestyle because of the many health benefits (i.e., addressing the built environment to support cycling for recreational or utilitarian purposes while reducing dependency on motor vehicles). Reduced road vehicle usage reduces GHG emissions and air pollutants. •Inter-community connections are great to see: Hamilton-Guelph, Hamilton-Cambridge/Waterloo, Hamilton-GTA, Hamilton-Brantford, Hamilton-Dunnville, and Hamilton-Niagara. •A demonstrated commitment to healthy and active communities - increased opportunities for physical activity through cycling for both commuting and recreation, cycling as a viable mode of transport. •The plan recognizes and promotes the importance of cycling tourism. •Vehicle emissions exposure is of minimal concern for off-road routes. •Opportunities to create any separation along the Hwy 8 route should help to reduce exposure to vehicle emissions.

[Original Comment ID: 209222]