Identifying a Province-wide Cycling Network

Overall, respondents expressed support for the concept of a province-wide cycling network. Comments focused on routes that should be included in such a network and on considerations for future implementation of the network.

All comments were carefully considered in confirming the final network presented in the report. Summaries of the comments received and the ministry’s responses are provided below.

Routes included in the network

Comment

The majority of comments received were route recommendations. A small number of these comments affirmed routes presented in the draft but most asked the ministry to consider including an additional or alternative route. Common themes evident in these requests were:

• Communities or destinations that need to be connected
• The number and distribution of cycling routes within some areas of the province versus others
• Alignment with municipal active transportation and trails plans
• Whether the routes should be considered as part of a primary province-wide cycling network or as connecting routes that would connect to the network
• Relative safety of routes and user experience

Response

The ministry worked with a consultant study team to review each request for a route addition or change. Where needed, additional mapping and alignment information was collected from respondents and analyzed.

Where the ministry agreed that the addition or change was warranted, routes were added or changed. The final network length grew about 17% compared to the draft.

The majority of the routes added had previously been suggested as connecting routes that could link to the province-wide network and to additional attractions and communities.  The length of all connecting routes identified through this study shrank by about 12% compared to the draft.

Key considerations in evaluating the additional or alternative route recommendations were network density and alignment with existing plans.

• Network density – The province-wide network is intended to provide primary routes at the provincial scale; it is not meant to be a comprehensive inventory of all cycling routes. The ministry acknowledges that there are numerous options and alternatives available. In some cases several routes were recommended between the same destinations. Proximity of the routing and the total number of routes in one area relative to another was considered. In more densely populated areas, more linkages were included to access the greater number of destinations and provide options to the potential network users. The ministry encourages municipalities and local organizations to continue pursuing locally significant routes as identified in their plans and also encourages connections to the province-wide cycling network.
• Alignment with existing plans - The ministry chose to keep the network aligned with existing and proposed cycling routes that already have the support of relevant municipalities.

Improvements needed on network routes

Comment

Respondents made comments about the safety of the routes included and improvements that may be needed. Some pointed out existing facilities on particular routes that they feel may not be appropriate, or which may need future improvements.

Response

Where respondents were able to provide reliable new information about existing conditions on specific routes, this was incorporated into the study database for consideration.

It is important to note that the routes identified in the province-wide cycling network have not been verified in the field and that all the routes identified, whether existing or proposed, are subject to further investigation. The study report recommends that detailed field investigations and feasibility assessments are needed to confirm the existing context and conditions, facility type(s) and estimated cost to implement specific on- and off-road routes identified in the network.

The routes included in the network were selected for consistency with municipal plans and with existing trails at the regional and provincial scale. They may or may not require additional improvements to accommodate cyclists. The network study includes a preliminary set of recommendations regarding potential facility types or facility improvements. These facility types are a starting point for planning and would need to be confirmed at the time of implementation.

Consideration for network users

Comment

Some respondents asked the ministry to consider the various types of cyclists who may be using the network and the design of routes and facilities to address them. Many noted their preference for low-volume roads and for off-road or separated cycling facilities where possible.

Response

The province-wide cycling network is not designed to be one-size fits all. It reflects the diversity of cycling opportunities in Ontario and aims to incorporate a range of cycling experiences. The study report includes a recommended approach to addressing design for different types of users.

The ministry promotes safety through the use of context-appropriate design. As per the guidance outlined in Ontario Traffic Manual: Book 18 and the ministry’s Bikeways Design Manual, the level of separation between cyclists and motor vehicles is recommended to increase as traffic speed and volume increase. The consultant study team considered safety in the route evaluation process by looking at available information on traffic speed, traffic volume and existing facilities. This gave a preliminary idea of whether the existing infrastructure is appropriate and was a factor in the comparisons of alternative route options. At the implementation phase, conditions will need to be investigated further to understand the context and determine the appropriate facility type. This is true for both proposed routes and existing routes, which may need improvement to be consistent with current provincial design guidelines.

Funding

Comment

Respondents noted that funding would be required to implement a province-wide cycling network. The costs of building new cycling infrastructure, making improvements to meet design standards, installing signage, and performing ongoing maintenance were all noted. Some respondents requested that funding go toward connecting routes in addition to the primary network.

Response

The network is a long-term aspirational plan that will help inform and guide future cycling infrastructure decisions. High-level unit costs were established as part of the network study. These estimates can help to establish a common understanding around some of the anticipated costs of implementation. The study report recommends that the province and its partners will be able to use the estimates as an input to plan, design and implement the network.

The study report acknowledges that continued commitment to work with municipalities to identify funding opportunities for cycling would support ongoing implementation and coordination of the network.

Future consultation and engagement

Comment

A number of respondents suggested that the province consult further with communities and stakeholders to determine the feasibility of routes and discuss other aspects of implementation.

Response

The network is intended to inform and guide future cycling infrastructure decisions. The ministry acknowledges that development of the specific routes will require further investigation and future discussions among the jurisdictions involved. The next step will be to develop a long-term implementation plan for the network in consultation with stakeholders.