What infrastructure should…

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?

Priority should be given to separated cycling facilities on high speed/high traffic routes. Including separated bike lanes and improved intersection designs, such as two stage left turns like those found in Holland and Denmark. Safety is the primary barrier to increasing cycling commuting in small/medium cities like Guelph where I live. What we are finding with our painted bike lanes is that they are the most common location for cycling crashes. There have been over 40 reported incidents so far this year and almost all have been on routes with painted bike lanes. Research shows that painted bike lanes have much higher rates of cycling crashes than routes with separated infrastructure. Intersections are the most common place to have collisions with cars. Implementing the Dutch intersection design that includes two stage turns reduces the opportunity for the cyclist to be exposed to conflict and improves safety. Underpasses and other separated road crossing improve the safety and efficiency of cycling networks. Secure bike parking is key for commuters. If your bike isn’t secure while at the office it is a major disincentive to commute.

What evidence can demonstrate the impact of cycling infrastructure investments on
the number of cyclists and on GHG emissions?

Recently Seville Spain was able to see a ten fold increase in commuter cycling after just a couple of years by building a large separated network. Copenhagen Denmark and Groningen Netherlands have large separated cycling networks, snow and cycling modal splits approaching 50%. Oulu Finland is around 190km from the Arctic Circle, has 200,000 people, 800km of separated cycling paths and a 12% cycling modal split in the winter (32% summer). Separated infrastructure sells.

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? see above

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?

Large road shoulders, separated paths and underpasses are the best way to support commuter cycling on highways.

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?

Secure bike parking can be included in parkades. Kitchener has three parkades with video monitored, secured, swipe card access

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

Libraries, hospitals, universities, schools, city halls, legislature, community centre

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

What types of private facilities could potentially be eligible to receive provincial funding
for bicycle parking facilities? Shopping centres, restaurants, beer stores, LCBO, grocery stores, places of worship.

[Original Comment ID: 203427]