Katerina Minaeva…

Katerina Minaeva

Senior Policy Analyst

Ministry of Transportati

777 Bay Street

Suite 700

Toronto Ontario

M7A 2J8

27 February 2018

Dear Katerina Minaeva,         RE: EBR 013-1837

I am writing on behalf of MICA, Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates, and would like to comment specifically on items 2, 3 and 5 in Action Plan 2.0.

With respect to 2) Improve Cycling Infrastructure:

Often the MTO highways are the only paved link between Northern Ontario centers, they are used by car traffic, truck traffic, and cyclists.  Consequently paved shoulders are a must and should be included on all MTO Highway resurfacings and any future MTO Highway's being built in Northern Ontario.

Paved shoulders are imperative for cyclist and driver safety. The one meter passing law has brought a little more awareness; however without paved shoulders the sudden decelerations to obey this law when faced with oncoming traffic has its own set of issues. Studies have shown that roads with paved shoulders last a minimum of 5 years longer, are cheaper in the long run and that there are 41% fewer accidents on roads with paved shoulders.

With respect to 3) Make Safer Highways and Streets:

Please see the above paragraph to reiterate the absolutely necessity of paved shoulders to improve Cycling Safety, especially in Northern Ontario.

With respect to 5) Increase Cycling Tourism Opportunities:

Please see the first paragraph again. The increased road safety due to paved shoulders on Hwy 6, Hwy 551 and Hwy 540 have greatly encouraged cyclists to holiday on Manitoulin. We have seen  Cycle Tourism  increase by 500% in the last 5 years to almost 6000 cycles counted annually on the ferry alone. In addition, our local population is increasingly commuting to work and school by cycle due to the cycling infrastructure found on Manitoulin Island.

There is a paucity of cycling rental businesses and cycling mechanics in Northern Ontario.  When building partnerships with the hospitality industry to be more bike friendly, perhaps encouraging the development of these two niches could be included.  Alternatively, including these two niche businesses in the Infrastructure Fund might encourage their growth.  Also to be included with the Infrastructure Fund should be e-bike charging stations.

Sandy Cook

MICA Board member

[Original Comment ID: 213000]