The City of London has…

The City of London has reviewed the updated Provincial Cycling Network recently posted for comment on the MTO website between April 12 and May 26, 2017. The recommended routes through London have been greatly improved from earlier versions. That said, the City still feels that the proposed route through north/west London should be adjusted.

PROVINCIAL CYCLING ROUTE THROUGH NORTH/WEST LONDON: •Current Provincial Route Proposal: In N/W London, the Province has recommended utilizing Wonderland Road between the Thames Valley Corridor and Fanshawe Park Road West and Fanshawe Park Road between Hyde Park and Wonderland Road and then north on Hyde Park Road to Ilderton.

City of London Concerns: oFanshawe Park Road West and Wonderland Road are the two busiest arterial roads in north/west London. The provincial route should avoid these busy arterial roads. oThe current proposal also conflicts with a proposed future rapid transit village/hub at the intersection of Oxford and Wonderland. The provincial route should avoid these very constrained locations.

•City Recommendations to Improve Provincial Routes in North/West London: oConsistent with previous comments, the City of London recommends that the Provincial Route in North/West London utilize the Thames Valley Parkway and the pedestrian bridge over the Thames River in Springbank Park. From the bridge, the route would link to and head west on Riverside Drive, north on Hyde Park Road (to Sarnia) and connect to the Hyde Park Rotary Trail park corridor which runs north to the City limits.

oAn alternative to utilizing the Hyde Park Rotary Trail park corridor (as described above) would be to remain on Hyde Park Road between Riverside Drive and the City’s northern limit. This alternative would still utilize the Thames Valley Parkway and the pedestrian bridge over the Thames River in Springbank Park, linking with Riverside Drive as described above.

oBenefits: Options N-1 and N-2 are safer and more enjoyable cycling routes than Wonderland Road and Fanshawe Park Road West. These routes also provide cyclists with a much more interesting route that links to London’s oldest and most historic park (Springbank Park), while providing enhanced views of the Thames River, a designated Canadian Heritage River.

The City of London appreciates the opportunity to provide this input on the Proncial Cycling Network. If there are any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the undersigned staff City of London:

Jeff Bruin, OALA, CSLA
Doug MacRae, P. Eng Manager Park & Open Space Design
Manager Transportation Planning & Design Planning Services
Engineering Services City of London
City of London 519.661.CITY (2489) x5067
519.661.CITY (2489) x4637
jbruin@london.ca
dmacrae@london.ca

[Original Comment ID: 209278]