November 30, 2016…

November 30, 2016

Arielle Mayer
Senior Policy Advisor
Ministry of Transportation
Policy and Planning Division, Transportation Planning Branch, Environmental Policy Office (Toronto)
777 Bay Street, Suite 3000
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 2J8

Re: MTO Discussion Paper on Cycling Initiatives under the Climate Change Action Plan (EBR Registry Number 012-8772)

Dear Ms. Mayer,

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the MTO Discussion Paper on Cycling Initiatives. The Town of Ajax is known as a leader in cycling initiatives in Durham Region and the Town is pleased to see this new and significant program to support cycling in Ontario. The Town is pleased to present the following comments:

General Comments
The Town is serviced by the Lakeshore East Go Rail line and by the Durham Region Transit Bus Rapid Transit service running in the curb lane of Highway 2/Kingston Rd. Particularly, facilitation of “first and last mile” trips to and from higher order transit is an important focus for the Town in terms of encouraging an increase in cycling mode share. The Town supports the extension of a bike share program throughout the GTA to facilitate trips to and from higher order transit such as the GO Station.

The GO Lakeshore East network has great potential for Ajax residents wishing to travel throughout the Region as well as into Downtown Toronto. Transit infrastructure that facilitates bringing bikes onto GO Trains could also increase ridership and the use of cycling for “first and last mile” trips both at origins and destinations. Consideration could be given to adding a bicycle designated car to each train or converting existing train cars to provide on board bike transport space.

The Town’s new downtown is currently serviced by cycling infrastructure, however there are a few key gaps in the cycling network that have yet to be completed due to various budgetary, utility location and land ownership constraints. Provincial funding to complete small connector sections of the cycling network is supported by the Town.

Traffic calmed streets (using physical traffic calming devices) create comfortable environments for all road users. The Town supports funding initiatives that create traffic calmed streets that could be used by cyclists to foster greater connectivity throughout the cycling network.

Although the Discussion Paper focuses mostly on infrastructure spending, there is also a need for financial supports to complete planning and policy work including the update of Ontario Traffic Manual Book 18: Cycling Facilities which is an invaluable resource for in-house design teams that are tackling the issue of road retrofits.

The Town is bisected by Highway 401. As such, this highway is a connectivity barrier for cycling. Currently, the Town has one cycling connection across Highway 401 which is the Church Street underpass. The Town supports and welcomes the opportunity to work with MTO to facilitate safe cycling routes over Highway 401 at Harwood Avenue and at the Highway 401 interchanges at Westney Road and Salem Road. Navigating these bridges and interchanges can be risky and uncomfortable for cyclists. The Town welcomes funding opportunities to create safe Highway 401 crossings.

Discussion Questions
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?

Consider investing in a bike share system as a connector to transit, particularly within the jurisdiction of the GO transit rail network.

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?

In Ajax, the GO station is located adjacent to Highway 401 on the south side of the highway. The majority of residents that live within a comfortable 10-15 minute biking distance of the GO station live on the north side of Highway 401 and have to cross under the highway to reach the GO station. This is extremely unpleasant. Given the location of the Ajax Go Station the Town supports infrastructure that would enable cyclists to cross this interchange safely, separated from traffic.

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?

Each municipal roadway context is different, and one type of cycling infrastructure will not suit all commuter cyclist needs. However, cycling infrastructure that not only provides the most comfort to a cyclist but also “feels” safest should be provided to encourage more people to switch to cycling. Where the design speed of a road exceeds 50km/hr, physically separated facilities should be considered.

What types of government-owned, publically accessible facilities should have bike parking?

As a policy, cycle parking facilities should be provided at all government-owned facilities. In particular, both elementary and high schools should have safe and secure bicycle parking infrastructure.

What types of transit or transportation stations should have bike parking to support improved cyclist access (eg. GO Stations, LRT stations, bus terminals)?

All Go stations should have covered bike parking. Consider using double stacked bike parking solutions to increase bike parking capacity.

All Pulse BRT stops should have bicycle parking infrastructure.

What types of private facilities could potentially be eligible to receive provincial funding for bicycling parking facilities?

Ontario By Bike businesses and districts should be eligible for bicycle facilities on an ongoing basis. The Town regularly recruits new businesses into the Ontario By Bike program. Additionally identified areas of municipal intensification, areas of high employment, business districts and BIAs should also be eligible.

The Town is strongly supportive of the Province’s Cycling Strategy and MTO’s proposal to provide funding to build out the network and improve cycling infrastructure. Thank you for the opportunity to have input into this project and for considering the Town’s comments.

Yours sincerely,

Elysia Leung
Transportation Demand Management Coordinator
Town of Ajax
65 Harwood Avenue South
Ajax, ON
L1S 2H9
905.619.2529 x3238
elysia.leung@ajax.ca

cc:
Gary Muller, Manager of Planning, Town of Ajax
Hubert Ng, Transportation Supervisor, Town of Ajax
Stev Andis, Senior Policy Planner, Town of Ajax
Rachael Matheson, Senior Communications Specialist

[Original Comment ID: 203014]