Bike Ottawa’s Advocacy Working Group has recently created a subgroup dedicated to safe cycling issues in the east end of the city. As one of their first projects, they have been looking at cycling connections to future Stage 2 LRT stations. Read on for the letter prepared by volunteer Daniel Domen providing our recommendations for the Montreal Rd station and the response from the Stage 2 Project Team at the city. AWG continues to work with city staff and Councillors Tierney, Dudas, and Luloff to improve cycling and pedestrian safety.
Bike Ottawa
Our letter calling for temporary infrastructure in response to COVID-19
Cities across Canada and the world have been implementing temporary measures to enable safe cycling in order to take pressure off of transit systems trying to ensure physical distancing, and to encourage people to visit local businesses. Bike Ottawa wrote to city council to encourage Ottawa to do the same, however the city has decided not to pursue any city-wide measures to enhance active transportation. Read our letter and the response from city staff.
Read moreOur letter calling for temporary infrastructure in response to COVID-19
Our letter in support of safe streets for distancing
At a recent council meeting, Mayor Jim Watson introduced a motion which as passed requires 2/3 of businesses to approve temporarily converting street parking space into wider sidewalks. However, people are already walking in the street to avoid crowding. This is an unsafe situation, and Bike Ottawa has written to the mayor to ask that this policy be reversed and that priority be put on the safety of vulnerable road users.
Read moreOur letter in support of safe streets for distancing
Bike Ottawa delegation on urban expansion
The update to Ottawa’s official plan aims to reduce car dependency and promote active transportation, but increasing residential development at the edge of the city will make those goals more difficult to achieve. On May 12, Bike Ottawa board member Barbara Greenberg presented a delegation to a joint sitting of the Planning Committee and Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee to oppose expansion of the urban boundary.
Trillium crossrides: When is an intersection not an intersection?
Here’s a riddle for you: what place in Ottawa has vehicles travelling in criss-crossing directions, but isn’t an intersection? The answer: any places where paths cross roads!
Read moreTrillium crossrides: When is an intersection not an intersection?
Lives lost. Roads re-designed. Lessons learned?
While the number of people using bikes in Ottawa continues to increase at a healthy pace, there are still growing pains that have left a mark on the city. Four cyclists lost their lives on Ottawa’s roads since May 2019, a toll not seen since 2012.
City of Ottawa should adopt a strong Vision Zero policy
This is a critical moment for safe cycling in Ottawa. On May 16th, a person was killed in front of city hall while cycling along the Laurier Avenue bike lane.
Read moreCity of Ottawa should adopt a strong Vision Zero policy
529 Garage: End bike theft
“Impossible! You can’t end bike theft!”
That’s an antiquated way of thinking.
Montreal Road revitalization moves into construction phase
The City of Ottawa has mostly completed the design for the Montreal Road revitalization from Vanier Parkway to St Laurent Boulevard and will soon begin construction.
Read moreMontreal Road revitalization moves into construction phase
Carling Ave cycling safety update: A fistful of sharrows and walk your bike signs
Bike Ottawa’s Advocacy Working Group (AWG) sent a letter to Stantec this week. We are concerned about the lack of safe cycling infrastructure in the design for temporary modifications on Carling Ave, west of Bronson.
Read moreCarling Ave cycling safety update: A fistful of sharrows and walk your bike signs