Question 1-What…

Question 1-What infrastructure should be prioritized to make cycling in Ontario safer and more convenient to support commuter cycling between residential communities, major transit stations, employment areas and other destinations travelled to on a frequent basis?

Answer: The Hanlon (Hwy 6) /Wellington Road (Hwy 24) overpass built by the province has isolated the west side of the city from the rest of town; now we need the funds to build a cycling/pedestrian trail under the Hanlon Expressway to connect the two sides of the city. This area has been a top priority for Guelph for several years in order to have a city-wide connection. A major complaint from residents who live west of the Hanlon Expressway is that they would like to walk and cycle into town but are cut off and isolated by the provincially built Hanlon Expressway. The city has done what it can, committing 2016 budget funds to the trail on the west side of the Hanlon, but it has to end at the Hanlon Ramp. More funds were included in the 2017 budget to connect eastern parts of the trail to the future Hanlon underpass. It is evident that the city of Guelph is making a serious commitment to getting this trail connection completed.

There are barriers to completing the trail that the province can help with. One of the barriers is that we need to cross MTO lands to complete our active transportation network from the west side of the city to connect to the rest. MTO has not yet committed to releasing lands for this project. We are hoping to get cooperation from the province to allow a cycling pedestrian trail to come across their property to complete this important network.

Local Cycling Infrastructure
Question:For local cycling networks, what types of cycling infrastructure would best support commuter cycling between residential communities, major transit stations, employment areas and other destinations travelled to on a frequent basis?

Answer:Protected bicycle lanes would encourage more people to bike.

Question: What types of cycling infrastructure on provincial highways would best support commuter cycling between residential communities, major transit stations, employment areas and other destinations travelled to on a frequent basis?

Answer: See first comment, as well as considering an off road cycle track along highway 124 to offer a direct route from Guelph to Cambridge. As well the new Highway 7 between Kitchener and Guelph should include an off road cycling facility.

Bicycle Parking
Question:What types of bike parking facilities (e.g., bike racks, lockers, fee-based enclosures) are needed to support cycling for commuting and other frequent trips?

Answer: Grants should be provided for large employers to install secure parking, showers, lockers and bike to work incentives. As well, enforcing/creating best practices for design standards for all types of bike parking would be very useful.

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