The National Capital Commission has released the 90% draft of its Capital Pathway Strategic Plan for public review and comment. There are a lot of good things coming, and a few things we think they could do to improve the safety and comfort of the multi-use pathways. The online consultation runs until 17 June 2020, so we encourage you to take a look at the plan and submit your comments.
Advocacy
Updates on our ongoing bike advocacy in Ottawa
Save the Holland Avenue Bike Lanes
The replacement of the Harmer Avenue Bridge over the 417 west of Holland Avenue is nearing completion, with an anticipated end date in late June or early July of this year. When the city proposed sharrows and shared sidewalks for cyclists and declined to provide bike lanes on Holland as part of the cycling detour for this project, Bike Ottawa fought hard to mobilize the community and ensure that the city provided space for cycling as part of the project detour.
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
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
City of Ottawa plans some important improvements for Montreal Road, but parts of its plan fall short
The city plans to build grade-separated cycle tracks along Montreal Road from St. Laurent Boulevard to Vanier Parkway. Bike Ottawa advocates for cycle tracks all the way to North River Road.
Bike Ottawa concerned about Fisher and Baseline area
In November 2018, Bike Ottawa expressed concerns about missing links in the Fisher – Baseline area in a letter to the city. This newly paved stretch north of Baseline ends at Baseline. And then… nothing.
Read moreBike Ottawa concerned about Fisher and Baseline area