Dear Ms Russell,…

Dear Ms Russell,

The Tri-Cities Transport Action Group (TriTAG) is pleased to review and comment on the proposed provincial cycling network. TriTAG is a group of Waterloo Region residents, who since 2009, have advocated for the ability of anyone to walk, bike, or take transit with dignity for their everyday transportation needs. We recognize that to move towards this objective of enabling a wider array of transportation choices, Ontario and its municipalities must build high-quality, protective infrastructure and implement policies that encourage active and transit modes. We observe that within the Region of Waterloo, the proposed routes largely consist of existing routes, namely the Trans Canada Trail and the Guelph to Goderich trail (Kissing Bridge Trail), with additional links from Cambridge to London, via Woodstock, and Cambridge to Hamilton via Highway 8. While this proposal would strengthen a clear north-south corridor through the Region via the Trans Canada Trail, the network omits direct links to communities west and east of the Region. We would urge the consideration of the “connecting route” between Stratford, New Hamburg, Kitchener, Hespeler, and Guelph as part of the province-wide network. While our analysis of potential cycling travel demand within the Region (goo.gl/CkWosR) does show the Trans Canada Trail as central to much of the bicycle travel demand in Kitchener and Waterloo, this trail through Cambridge does not carry the same amount of potential demand, due to lack of population and employment density along its route. While the trail along the Grand River through Cambridge is scenic and a worthwhile tourism destination route, the Ministry of Transportation may also wish to consider additional routes through Cambridge that are more central to travel demand and bring people cycling into proximity with amenities. Our model suggests that a route along Elgin Street and Conestoga Boulevard, completed by a safe crossing of Highway 401 into Hespeler, would see the highest rates of cycling within this city. The proposed “connecting route” through Cambridge appears to follow Elgin Street until Can Amera Parkway, where it follows that road until Townline Road, along which it would cross Highway 401. We would instead recommend this route follow the new multi-use trail along Conestoga Boulevard, crossing the highway at either Franklin Boulevard or a proposed crossing near Hespeler Road. With respect to infrastructure for the route, we believe following step 2 of Ontario Traffic Manual Book 18 is an important first step for identifying preferred facility types. However, we would urge that for portions of the province-wide cycling network within urban areas where space in the right of way is limited, greater priority be given to cycling over private automobile use. Without this priority in many locations, the quality of cycling infrastructure could be compromised, or the high expense of roadway widening could limit the rate of the network’s implementation. We further urge that “existing” portions of the network be analyzed to see if they conform to acceptable facility types within urban environments. For instance, part of the proposed network in Kitchener passes along Courtland Avenue, a busy, hilly arterial road that lacks any cycling infrastructure whatsoever between Hayward and Manitou. This is an extreme example, but there are other locations where the appropriateness of the facilities may also need to be reconsidered (i.e. narrow, unprotected bike lanes along busy arterials). We recommend that the province invest sufficient funds to implement the network within the next five years. Where network facilities fall within municipal jurisdiction, we recommend the province give municipalities strong policy guidance for implementation, along with the the financial means to complete their share of the work. Where the network crosses divided highways, the province should be prepared to shoulder the full cost of crossing facilities for cycling to reverse the barriers these highways have imposed in the past. In addition, we would suggest that the province assist municipalities in linking nearby trails and cycling facilities so that the province-wide cycling network integrates seamlessly with local routes. Thank you for this opportunity to comment on the draft province-wide cycling network. We look forward to seeing its implementation and the continued progress of the #CycleON strategy.

Sincerely,

Mike Boos
Executive Committee Member
Tri-Cities Transport Action Group

[Original Comment ID: 209434]