Ontario can do far more than…

Ontario can do far more than is proposed in the discussion paper.

Firstly, Ontario should adopt a "Route Verte" or "Bicycle Greenway" plan for Ontario, with provincial networks that conform to set engineering standards such as Quebec's.

Secondly, Ontario should advocate the federal government to adopt national bicycleway engineering standards, and adopt a "Trans-Canada Bikeway", since the present Trans-Canada highway is either too dangerous in many cases, or illegal to travel for a bicycle (cf. highway 417).

Any new or reconstructed provincial highways should have consideration of bicycle conveyance as part of the engineering plans, especially if they fit into the proposed "Bicycle Greenway" Masterplan.
This could be legislated, and also put into the Municipal Act for secondary roads.

Adoption of acceptable engineering standards for bikeways and bike routes would of course precede all of this.

Bicycle safety should start with proper engineering standards for all categories of cycle conveyance:
paved shoulders, off-road paths, on-road shared road, and on-road bike lanes.

A wholistic approach to bicycling includes both commuter cycling, cyclotourism, casual cycling, faster bicycling, and transport of goods. Each of these needs are different, and provincial standards of engineering, signage, safety, sight lines, as well as what the Highway Traffic Act requires of cyclists should be constantly reviewed and updated.

[Original Comment ID: 201209]