First we love the idea of a…

First we love the idea of a Province-wide Cycling network. Similar to the network in Quebec which many cyclists from Ontario go to visit. However the existing Region of Durham cycling network as shown has many errors and omissions.

Many existing, well know and well used cycling routes are not shown, often because they are from areas where no cycling plans have been created yet (Pickering, Uxbridge, Scugog, etc) or where the Region has decided they don't want to spend money on improvements on short sections of Regional Roads (what we call The Regional GAPS). Also the new Regional TMP fails to mention these gaps or the safety problems at regional intersections where municipality cycling networks cross regional roads (no Book 18 improvements noted yet). Plus the very unfortunate legendary the MTO has recently left on our municipal and regional cycling networks over/under the new Hwy # 407/412 and maybe 418? As promised in CycleON Action Plan 1.0 - item 2.3. The local towns/cities are now trying to fix those problems at a huge local cost. As we mentioned to the MTO Minister, the cost of fixing now in 10-100-1000x more than doing it correctly initially when it was being built (like Quebec and BC does)

Many of the "existing" Durham regional networks on this provincial networks map are NOT close to being complete or safe, definitely NOT OTM Book 18. Simple example; Court/Mary/Simcoe St in Oshawa. Also other routes like the TransCanada Trail which has some sections found on an 80 km regional road #31 in N Pickering (without even having any paved shoulder) or our Greenbelt cycling route on a mud/poor gravel road south of Uxbridge. Far from tourism ready or safe.

This provincial network might be seriously flawed from the outset, because the input you may be receiving is poor. (to be clear, we know some local municipalities did provide valuable information). Check Strava Heat map http://labs.strava.com/heatmap and compare to what you received, you will notice a big difference in Durham Region. Compare Simcoe St south of 407 (Oshawa) to similar Anderson S of 407 (Whitby) or Ritson N (Oshawa) or Ashburn Rd N of 407 (Whitby). Or Old Simcoe Street S of Port Perry. Which routes do you think are “existing”?

We really like the idea of Provincial Cycling Network, but are worried the data you are being fed is incomplete or inaccurate. Let us know if we can help or provide more detailed information.

[Original Comment ID: 209455]