Recently, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe expressed his opposition to the National Capital Commission’s Active Use program and the Queen Elizabeth Driveway in particular, citing low usage and added traffic in adjoining streets. Since the mayor didn’t cite any data, we thought we would.
In Defense of the NCC Active Use Program
During an interview with CFRA on July 11, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe challenged the National Capital Commission’s support of people walking, biking, and rolling, and specifically urged returning the Queen Elizabeth Driveway (QED) to cars. This outdated and regressive attitude is something we’re unfortunately used to in “Autowa.”
Long-awaited changes finally coming to Laurier Ave West
Bike Ottawa provided feedback to the City on proposed cycling modifications to Laurier Avenue from Queen Elizabeth Driveway to Elgin Street. The plan includes a protected intersection with Elgin Street, separated cycle tracks on the north side of Laurier, and raised pedestrian and cycling crossings of the Queen Elizabeth Driveway on and off-ramps.
A deep dive into the City of Ottawa 30km/h Design Toolbox
The case for lowering speed limit is one that can’t be argued against, and rightfully so — speed is a factor in the severity of injuries and death on our streets. Cities around the world, and the World Health Organization, supports 30km/hr streets.
