The Bike Ottawa Advocacy Working Group (AWG) has reviewed the Rideau Canal Draft Management Plan and submitted comments to the Ontario Waterways and Parks Canada. We find the plan is quite high level, but does not adequately consider accessibility or active transportation.
We have proposed more specific enhancements to the plan, with a focus on cycling infrastructure, as well as making the crossings more accessible for all users.
The crossings for the Rideau Canal should be viewed as mini-bridges which should be accessible to all people, regardless of age or abilities. Building crossings in this way will enhance the connections across the Canal and help build connections between communities.
To: David Britton, Director, Ontario Waterways, Parks Canada
Susan Millar, Planner, Ontario Waterways, Parks Canada
Via email: pc.rideau.pc@canada.ca
Date: April 30, 2021
Subject: Rideau Canal Draft Management Plan
Dear Mr. Britton and Ms. Millar,
I am writing concerning the Rideau Canal Management Plan, on behalf of the Bike Ottawa Advocacy Working Group.
Our organization finds that the Plan offers a good high-level overview. Nevertheless, we believe that more attention should be given to making the sites more accessible to cycling and other forms of active transportation.
Here are following are a few cycling specific considerations that we’d like to highlight:
● Accessibility considerations such as ramps over locks, including the width of the ramps and crossways. Ramps and crossways should be accessible to wheeled devices, bikes, and e-bikes, including bicycles set up for cycle-touring and cargo bikes, etc.
● Access to good-quality racks for all types of bikes at each lock site. Racks used at Landsdowne are a good example of this, as all types of bikes can be locked at the frame.
● Provision of repair maintenance stands with bike pumps alongside racks. These would greatly support bike tourists as well as the everyday person on a bike.
● Consideration of pathway widths and connections, especially for the portions of the Canal in busy urban environments like Ottawa. The Transportation Association of Canada suggestees widths of 2.1m and segregation between walking and cycling for urban environments. This is a lower-stress environment for pedestrians who walk at 5kph, compared with cyclists at 20kph.
● Pathways should connect to National Capital Commission and City of Ottawa cycleways. info@BikeOawa.ca P.O.Box 248, Staon B, Oawa, ON, K1P 6C4 Bike Oawa.ca 1
● Winter maintenance of pathways, especially in busy urban environments like Hartwell Locks (locks 9-10) and the Trans-Canada Trail (locks 1-8) at the Ottawa River, is crucial. Particular consideration should be given that pathway design be amenable to winter maintenance so as to encourage year-round access. Also, a plan detailing this maintenance should be developed as part of the infrastructure-planning process, as accommodations may need to be made for maintenance equipment.
● Pathways should be designed to minimize water and ice accumulation and to accommodate all maintenance equipment. Less environmentally harmful deicing products like potassium formate and or mechanical methods like sweeping should also be considered. Another option is packed-snow standard that does require levelling, gritting and removal of snow, if the surface becomes soft.
Thank you in advance for your consideration of our comments and concerns. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Ottawa resident sails along on her cargo bike with her son at the helm. Photo credit: GabeImages
“The Moving Ontarians More Safely (MOMS) Act”, is touted by the Ontario government as new legislation that “will help protect people and families by targeting those who engage in stunt driving and unsafe, high-risk driving.” Digging into the Bill, we find it also includes new regulations for e-bikes and cargo bike usage across Ontario.
Bike Ottawa has submitted the following letter in response to the proposed Bill, as we have concerns about many of the details in the Bill. You can read our letter below, further discussion on the topic of cargo bike/e-bike use and the MOMS Act is forthcoming.
Stay tuned…
To: Honorable Caroline Mulroney, Ontario Minister of Transportation; MPP Jennifer French, Transport Critic; MPP Joel Harden, Ottawa Centre CC: info@sharetheroad.ca, info@canadabikes.org, advocacy@bikeottawa.ca Via email: minister.mto@ontario.ca, jfrench-qp@ndp.on.ca, jharden-co@ndp.on.ca
Date: May 6, 2021
Subject: Bill 282, Moving Ontarians More Safely Act, 2021
Dear Hon. Caroline Mulroney, MPP Jennifer French, MPP Joel Harden:
We are encouraged to see this government reviewing legislation to make our communities safer concerning the dangerous operation of motor vehicles. We are also encouraged to see a requirement to report injuries of cyclists hit by car doors (“dooring”). However, we suggest that this reporting not be restricted to one part of a vehicle only, but encompass injuries to a cyclist resulting from contact with any part of the car. We urge that agencies across the province be provided with the directions and information to properly document these “collisions” (not “accidents” per language used in this Act) from the perspective of someone riding a bicycle.
We would also like to highlight other language in this Act that, if left unchanged, will have negative impacts on Ontarians, families and companies currently using electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) now and in the future. Namely, Bike Ottawa is concerned with:
● Restricting e-bikes to “conventional exposed fork-and-frame bicycle design”, makes certain types of bicycles already being used by Ontarians illegal (such as recumbents and tricycles). We are concerned this may stifle future e-bike development and accessible designs. Instead, we suggest differentiaing between pedal-driven cycles and those that resemble motor scooters or motorcycles; ● Not permitting quad-cycles, which are often used to move cargo safely in the EU; ● Language around pedals will make some types of bicycles already used in Ontario, such as hand-rowed bicycles and walking bicycles, illegal if electrified. We recommend adopting the North American standard Three Class System, already used in many US states, to better differentiate between pedal and throttle driven cycles; ● Wheel-size restrictions making many bicycles already in Ontario illegal to electrify; ● Weight restrictions off 55 kilograms, which diminish the practicality of these e-bikes already in use by families, restrict “Cycling Without Age” cycles, as well as the implementation of cargo bikes by businesses to move goods in Ottawa more sustainably and efficiently;
We strongly encourage your government to consult with industry groups and other concerned organizations with respect to this Act to ensure that any e-bike legislation is well-researched, focusing on promoting their use while making Ontario safer for people on bikes. Relevant examples of documentation you may want to consult includes: 1) European Union REGULATION (EU) No 168/2013: the approval and market surveillance of two- or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles 2) People for Bikes: Model Electric Bicycle Law with Classes
We thank you for your time and consideration of our concerns and recommendations.
Sincerely, Dave Robertson Board of Directors Bike Ottawa
Bike Ottawa recently learned that the plans for the Strandherd Drive Widening project were altered to include a slip lane. This modification came as a surprise to many, as this slip lane was not in the plans shown at the last public meeting on the project. We are also concerned with the modification itself, since it unnecessarily endangers vulnerable road users; we therefore wrote a letter to the City of Ottawa to object to this modification.
Please find this letter below:
To: Josée Vallée, P.Eng, Design and Construction – Municipal, City of Ottawa CC: Jan.Harder@ottawa.ca, Carolanne.Meehan@ottawa.ca, nellyleonidis@gmail.com, advocacy@bikeottawa.ca Via email: Josee.Vallee@ottawa.ca Date: April 15, 2021
Subject: Strandherd Drive Widening Project
Dear Mme Vallée: We write to express our concern with the Strandherd Drive widening project, and specifically with the “slip lane” in the most current plans for the intersection of Strandherd Drive and Borrisokane Road.
First of all, Bike Ottawa objects to the process by which the slip lane was added to the plans for the Strandherd Widening. This slip lane was not included in the plans presented during the last public consultations earlier held on this project, but found its way into the plans at some point afterward. We believe that the City’s planning process should be transparent and the plans for projects not be modified in such a drastic fashion after consultation is finished. Changing plans without the knowledge of residents erodes their trust.
Secondly, Bike Ottawa is concerned with the inclusion of a slip lane at all. The basic principle of slip lanes is to facilitate automobile movement through an intersection at speed. However, the marginal increase in convenience for drivers that slip lanes afford comes directly at the cost of the safety of the most vulnerable road users. Specifically, slip lanes encourage drivers to direct their attention to oncoming car traffic from the left, ignoring all other road users approaching from the right, including those walking, using mobility assistive devices, or riding bicycles.
The basic principle of protected intersections, by contrast, is to protect these vulnerable road users. One way they do this is by encouraging vehicles turning right at an intersection to reduce their speed. The correlation of automobile speed with pedestrian safety is well-known: the U. S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, for example, cites data that “about 5 percent of pedestrians would die when struck by a vehicle traveling 20 mph, about 40 percent for vehicles traveling 30 mph, about 80 percent for vehicles traveling 40 mph, and nearly 100 percent for speeds over 50 mph.” In brief, the danger to pedestrians of automobiles increases exponentially relative to automobile speed. Another way protected intersections protect vulnerable road users is by directing drivers’ attention to these road users as they cross the intersection. The slip lane added to these plans removes both of these safety features.
Prioritization of vehicle speed over the safety of vulnerable road users also runs counter to the City of Ottawa’s own guiding documents. The Transportation Master Plan (2013), for example, describes both pedestrians and cyclists as “group[s] of vulnerable road users that warrants special action” (40, 50) and specifically mentions intersections as a location where the City seeks to “reduc[e] the frequency and severity of preventable collisions involving pedestrians” (40). This Plan also states that “[m]aximizing the safety and security of all road users is a fundamental objective of the City” (77). Similarly, one of the goals listed in the Ottawa Pedestrian Plan (2013) is “a safe city,” which is described as an “environment in which people feel safe and comfortable walking” (3). This plan therefore opposes some of the City’s most fundamental transportation-planning principles.
In light of the above, Bike Ottawa urges the removal of this slip lane from the plans for the intersection of Strandherd Drive and Borrisokane Road. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions.
Sincerely, William van Geest Nelly Leonidis Advocacy Working Group, Bike Ottawa
In April 2020, after the start of the pandemic, the office of Councillor Shawn Menard purchased a number of large barrel pylons to be placed on the Bank Street Bridge near Lansdowne in order to provide more space for active transportation and physical distancing. This created a safer environment for people walking and rolling, with limited impacts on motor vehicle traffic. It also gave people on bikes the opportunity to actually experience how travel over the Bridge could be much safer. Around the same time, the City of Ottawa retained the consulting firm WSP to complete the design of repairs to the Bank Street Bridge. Construction of these repairs began in summer 2020, but after the start of the project, the City asked WSP to develop a revised design to improve active transportation facilities. The key change to the new design is that it will include two northbound vehicle lanes and one southbound vehicle lane over the Bridge which will create space for active transportation facilities. In March 2021, Bike Ottawa attended a meeting organized by the City and provided comments on the new design. In a follow up letter to the City, several key points were made by Bike Ottawa.
Grade Separation The proposed solution includes a difference in height between the cycle track side and pedestrian walkway side which we see as having pros and cons. It is better to have height separation to encourage the separation of users, but this also places a cyclist at increased risk if an evasive maneuver is needed, for example to avoid a small child or dog jumping into the cycle track. Nevertheless, Bike Ottawa endorses grade separation on the multiuse path (between users) because of the benefits it provides to other users.
Staff recommended Bridge design
Protection from Vehicles There is a risk that a cyclist could fall from the raised cycle track into traffic. This risk could be mitigated with the installation a solid barrier of some kind. During the meeting, we shared images of narrow barriers that rely on tension wires. This would allow some snow to move to the street and would keep the people on bikes from falling into traffic. After further discussion as a group, we feel extremely uncomfortable with not having a physical barrier as part of the design options. Bike Ottawa has indicated that the City and its planners must find a way to install a barrier within the space designated as a painted buffer (30 cm in each side), in order to prevent a tragedy from occurring along this cycle track.
An example of possible physical barrier that could be used to keep people on bikes safer and separated from motor vehicle traffic
Signage to Help Northbound People on Bikes Bike Ottawa has also suggested the installation of signage at the bottom of the Bridge at the end of the northbound section to direct people on bikes and walkers to watch for each other, and encourage people on bikes to do a loop southbound on to the MUP just east of the Bridge, and then turn under if they wish to travel west.
Approaching the Bridge We provided our support for extending the cycle track to Aylmer to reduce conflicts southbound when exiting the Bridge and start at Aylmer to go approach the Bridge going northbound. We also feel that the southbound transition for people on bikes onto the Bridge is not ideal. Placing an advanced bicycle light at Exhibition Way (for people traveling from Lansdowne) would be really important for the people on bikes that are in the area right now, since we see few headed South from Holmwood Ave. down Bank. We indicated our preference to have the bike lane begin further back. There is a speed board on the bridge that shows that motorists regularly drive faster than the speed limit, and with the new configuration, it may encourage them to try to “get ahead” of the line where two lanes move down to one. As a result, having the bike lane begin sooner will allow people on bikes a safer ride, giving them their own space from motor vehicles traveling at speed. We also indicated the need for a physical barrier at Wilton Street to protect people on bikes in the bike lane by ensuring that vehicles slow down and make a proper 90 degree turn, rather than using the bike lane as a right turn lane.
Construction Start and End Dates The City indicated that construction for the improved active transportation facilities is expected to begin in the Summer of 2021 and last until Fall 2021.
Written by Sarah Sullivan Partridge and William van Geest
Bike Ottawa sent a letter to the City of Ottawa regarding a plan to add pedestrian infrastructure on Connaught Avenue.
In general, Bike Ottawa supports this project: a continuous sidewalk the length of Connaught will provide a safer space for residents of all ages and abilities to access local amenities, whether Connaught Park, Pinecrest Creek MUP, Elmhurst Park, Lincoln Fields LRT Station, Queensview LRT Station, Severn Avenue Public School, or Woodroffe High School, among others.
Nevertheless, Bike Ottawa also had some suggestions for these plans. Connaught-Pinecrest Creek Pathway Connection This proposal also has provisions for the connections from the Pinecrest Creek Multi-Use Pathway to Connaught Ave in four places: at Sackville St., Elmhurst St., Henley St., and Hanlon Ave. The Pinecrest Creek Pathway is heavily used by both pedestrians and cyclists. (See Figure 1. For more Strava heat maps in Ottawa, see Bike Ottawa’s map page.)
Strava heat map of the area.
Bike Ottawa is concerned about the proposed bollard in the middle of the Pinecrest Creek MUP, at the junction of that MUP and Connaught Ave. This bollard would make navigating the path difficult for non-standard bicycles, such as cargo bikes, tandem bikes, bike trailers, and other modified bicycles. Bollards also pose a danger to children learning to ride and cause a friction point between varied traffic, such as groups of pedestrians and groups of cyclists, because the space to travel is limited. There are many MUPs in Ottawa that do not have bollards, and we recommended that the bollard be omitted from these plans.
The plans also propose a fence to be installed on either side of the pathway, anywhere from 0.5 m to 1 m from the MUP. Bike Ottawa recommended that a wider spacing be chosen. Given that the Pinecrest Creek MUP is an artery for cyclists and pedestrians, a wider space is necessary to ensure there is no crowding.
Lastly, to avoid conflict between the many users of the Pinecrest Creek MUP, Bike Ottawa recommended that the link to Connaught Ave allow for both pedestrian and cyclist access. Since according to provincial guidelines, a cyclist must dismount on a pedestrian cross-over (“PXO”), it is preferable to have a devoted space where cyclists can ride without having to dismount. This type of facility already exists where the Trillium MUP meets Carling Ave.
Carling Avenue and Connaught Avenue Bike Ottawa also noted that the intersection at Carling Ave and Connaught Ave is also part of this plan. This intersection would benefit from cycling infrastructure, to ensure connectivity from the Queensway Terrace North neighbourhood to other existing or future cycling infrastructure. For example, through the development of the Lincoln Fields commercial area, QTN could be linked to the Richmond Rd. cycle track by way of a multi-use pathway through the commercial area. This could also be connected to the cycle track proposed for Carling Ave in front of the Lincoln Fields LRT station.
Carling & Connaught current configuration looking north
Carling & Connaught current configuration looking south
Bike Ottawa would like to see cycling infrastructure at the intersection of Carling Ave and Connaught Ave, to allow for cyclists to cross Carling Ave. This would include a bike box for eastbound cyclists turning northbound, with a bike sensor a “bicycles excepted” sign for cyclists to cross Carling to or from Connaught green paint or a dashed line to guide cyclists along this crossing
Bike Ottawa is looking forward to the benefits of improved active transportation options in this area.
By 2046 it’s expected that Ottawa’s population will hit 1.4 million, and the new Official Plan is the legal document that will contain the City’s goals, objectives, and policies that will manage and guide this growth. The Official Plan implements the City’s Strategic Plan in relations to land use, which impacts the economy, environment, and communities. The Official Plan also provides direction for many city plans, including the Infrastructure Master Plan, the Transportation Master Plan, and the Parks and Greenspace Master Plan.
The “5 Big Moves” from the Draft Official Plan
The Official Plan is centred around the “5 Big Moves” which includes Growth Management (“more growth by “regeneration” than by greenfield development); Mobility (“By 2046, the majority of trips in the City of Ottawa will be made by sustainable transportation”); Urban and Community Design (improve urban and community design, including priority areas, and policies that tailor to distinct neighbourhoods); Climate, Energy and Public Health (environmental, climate and health resiliency will be built into the framework of planning policy); Economic Development (“Embed economic development into the framework of planning policies”).
Bike Ottawa is encouraged to see the goal of having most trips be taken by sustainable transportation by 2046, and that discussions of mobility are at the core of the Official Plan. We believe that with some thoughtful consideration of how to make active transportation a more attractive option for people to move around all parts of the city, Ottawa can combat the climate crisis and develop in a way that makes it more of a space for people. We have studied the Official Plan Draft and submitted the following letter and addendum for consideration.
To: Alain Miguelez, Manager, Policy Planning, City of Ottawa
March 12, 2021
Dear Mr. Miguelez,
On behalf of Bike Ottawa, a safe cycling advocacy group, we would like to provide the following feedback on the draft Official Plan for the City of Ottawa.
We are encouraged to see that the Official Plan recognizes that the foundations for a livable city is encouraging sustainable transportation as a means for navigating 15-minute neighbourhoods, and sets the goal of the overwhelming majority of trips to be carried out in this way. Nonetheless, the ambitions of the Official Plan must be matched by concrete policies that will drive this transition through the Transportation Master Plan, including:
Ensuring that all major infrastructure is built to prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable people on our streets year-round, namely people, walking, biking, and using mobility devices;
Building active transportation infrastructure that links to rapid transit facilities within a 5km radius;
Committing a portion of the annual budget to build and maintain active transportation infrastructure commensurate to the modal share the Official Plan envisions;
Prioritizing ease of movement by active transportation, while discouraging motorized traffic through measures such as, eliminating parking minimums, filtered permeability, and congestion pricing; and,
Enabling a shift towards cargo movement using cargo e-bikes and transshipment hubs to allow for safer, less-congested streetscapes in our city.
Bike Ottawa remains concerned that the City of Ottawa continues to encourage suburban sprawl that requires the expansion of the urban boundary. This type of development is uneconomical, wasteful and does not mesh with a strategy of prioritizing sustainable transportation, as it will inevitably lead to an increase in vehicle kilometres travelled. Given the City’s own declaration of a climate emergency, we believe there is a fundamental disconnect with the needless consumption of undeveloped land and addressing climate change.
While we applaud an increased focus on developing within the existing urban area, we would caution against the concept of urban regeneration, vs. intensification. Ottawa contains many successful neighbourhoods that do not require “regeneration” but instead require nurturing in order to thrive. While many auto-oriented parts of the city will require significant investment and intervention to shift them towards being places for people, we must also be mindful that for many, “urban regeneration” evokes the history of urban renewal that has also damaged, or even erased many successful neighbourhoods in our city, disproportionately impacting lower-income neighbourhoods where many Black, Indigenous and People of Colour communities can be found.
Bike Ottawa believes the draft Official Plan reflects a strong start from an aspirational stance, and looks forward to seeing more detailed implementation. Without the proper policies and ultimately, funding to implement the goals of the Official Plan, Ottawa will continue to develop in an unsustainable pattern that will squander the human, ecological and monetary capital we require to build a livable and sustainable city.
Sincerely,
Érinn Cunningham
President, Bike Ottawa
Cc: Mayor Watson, City Council
Bike Ottawa Feedback on the Official Plan Document
P.23 4) “viable transportation options” for small business growth should include cargo bikes, mobility lanes sufficiently wide for commercial cargo bikes, and passing.
P.27 1) “Compact and Connected City.” Walking and transit mentioned. Bicycles and other mobility devices have not. Use the term “Active Transportation.”
P.31 Policy Intent – “encourage development of healthy walkable 15-minute neighbourhoods”. Define “car-light” (means low speeds through design, traffic evaporation). Include bike parking and the city’s new bike parking strategy. Discourage car parking to better use street space.
P.35 Prioritizing winter maintenance for active transportation over cars is gender equity.
P.36 2) “improve mobility options for women” should not just include transit, but walking, cycling and other wheeled devices (use term “Active Transportation”). Discuss multi-modal trips.
P.37 “More” separated cycling facilities built? Language needs to be more concrete such as, “extensive network that consists of mobility highways to connect communities, main network, and then local slow streets. Wide, flat sidewalks. Pedestrian priority crossings everywhere. All well maintained year-round.
P.44 “the City shall prioritize sustainable transportation modes (notably transit, and access to stations or stops by cycling and walking) over the use of private vehicles.” Most trips are very short in distance. With 15-minute communities, active transportation networks need to be prioritized #1, not transit. This active transportation network will then link to transit for people to move in between nodes.
“To provide a transportation network that prioritizes sustainable modes over private vehicles, based on the opportunities for mode shifts presented by each Transect area context.” Should also include: prioritize sustainable modes over private vehicles through best practice safe road design for vulnerable road users.
P.48 No mention of cycling. Active transportation needs to be number #1, transit #2. Active transport is the cheapest form of infrastructure, healthiest for the community, and how people reach transit. It is the foundation of a transportation system.
P.49 “Increased access to sustainable modes of travel as well as the necessary infrastructure to support the electrification of private and public vehicles.” Change wording from “increased” to “prioritize.” “Increase” can mean a very slight increase. “Prioritize” has a very different meaning. Recognize that private vehicles, electric or not, still negatively impact our urban landscape. By not changing this wording, the City is contradicting gender equity priorities.
P.53 8) f) should not only read walking but year-round mobility network that includes bikes. Use the term “active transportation.”
P.53 3.5 5) “Industrial and logistic areas that are land extensive and need greater separation from neighbourhoods and requires access to a highway interchange.” Not entirely true. There should be logistic nodes closer to neighbourhoods to facilitate transfer to cargo bikes for more local deliveries (based on plans from courier companies and local businesses).
P.53 3.5 Does not mention how year-round mobility networks are essential for gender equity in terms of access to places of employment. Transit is mentioned, but people need to get to transit, and so an active transportation network needs to be prioritized.
P. 58 4.1 1) “Provide mobility options to safely and equitably navigate the city” Prioritize these mobility options.
4) “Support the shift towards sustainable modes of transportation” should instead read “prioritize sustainable modes of transportation in all planning.” The wording “shift” is non-commital.
P.58 “As a result, the City will take a more deliberate approach to the allocation of space for automobiles and prioritize the role of public transit and active transportation. The City is also committed to a Safe Systems Approach that reduces the frequency and severity of collisions for all road users” The City should be prioritizing active transportation, then public transport, then cars. Set a goal to eliminate road deaths and reduce injuries through design.
P.59 4.1.1 Should focus on the liveability of each street like Sweden’s 1-minute community.
P. 60 4.1.2 3) Priority should be given to active transportation users through design without signalization devices. Signalization devices should be used as a last resort. Where used, they should be configured to prioritize active transportation. Consider Dutch traffic controls that will change immediately on approach if no car traffic. One benefit is users not waiting in inclement weather conditions (whereas drivers are sitting comfortably in a car).
P.61 Paved shoulders cannot be maintained year-round for active transportation.
P.61 4.1.2 As the noise, and more so, air pollution has substantial negative impacts on those using active transportation, the more traffic, the more segregated the mobility pathways should be. Consider the network as a whole, ensuring connectivity to services, not necessarily building mobility pathways alongside major roads, but parallel and a slight distance away.
P.62 “ Policy 13 a.(ii), the City may consider proposals to provide shared cycling and motor vehicle street surfaces, when it is demonstrated that speeds and volumes are below a threshold for mixed travel modes.” This should only occur when speeds 20-30kph through design, very low traffic volumes, and little-to-no on-street parking.
P.63 22) Park and Rides should be eliminated. They demonstrate the lack of active transportation and encourage car use. Purchasing and operating a vehicle should not be required to access public transport. This is not equitable.
P.65 4.1.3 8) Reword – during construction, an active transportation network must be maintained and prioritized over car traffic on the same side of the construction project (as well as the other side of the road). The temporary mobility pathway must be safe, accessible for all users, all ages, well maintained year-round. Car traffic should be redirected to another route, if needed, to make this possible.
P.66 2) Eliminate parking minimums city-wide.
P.69 8 c) This needs to include personal vehicles that are above a specific size. Oversized pickup trucks, SUVs need to be regulated. They do not fit in urban environments—Montreal as an example where larger vehicles pay higher fees for parking on residential streets.
P.69 4.1.6 8) Movement of goods. The emergence of cargo bikes and small electric delivery vehicles. Plan for this with a well-connected active transportation network.
P.70 4.1.7 3) Rights of ways: Eliminate any future road widenings.
P.70 4.1.7 9) Use the term “active transportation” instead of “cyclists and pedestrians.”
P.71 4.2 Multi-unit dwellings (including community housing and retirement communities should all have a minimum number of bicycle parking spaces that are secure, protected from weather, accessible for all users, and accommodates all types of bicycles (cargo, recumbents, trikes, etc.). Coordinate with City’s new Bike Parking Strategy.
P.77 4.3 Large Scale Facilities: bicycle parking spaces that are secure, protected from weather, accessible for all users, and accommodates all types of bicycles (cargo, recumbents, trikes, etc.). On-site cycling facilities should connect with existing or planned city or NCC mobility networks, be well lit, wide, and designed for year-round use. Coordinate with City’s new Bike Parking Strategy.
P.80 4.4 Parks and Recreation Facilities: bicycle parking spaces that are secure, protected from weather, accessible for all users, and accommodates all types of bicycles (cargo, recumbents, trikes, etc.). On-site cycling facilities should connect with existing or planned city or NCC mobility networks, be well lit, wide, and designed for year-round use. Coordinate with City’s new Bike Parking Strategy.
P.92 Urban Design “What we want to achieve”: Include “streets that prioritize the movement and safety of vulnerable road users.”
P. 93 Table 5: “Pedestrian” needs to be replaced with “active transportation” with a focus on priority and safety for vulnerable road users.
P.95 4.6.2 Scenic routes: a desirable streetscape prioritizes active transportation and the safety of vulnerable road users
P.95 4.6.3 1) Public realm should always be enhanced. Reword to prioritize active transportation, not just pedestrians.
P.95 4.6.3 2) Should read “Prioritizing people over cars.” Reword to prioritize active transportation, not just pedestrians.
P. 96 4.6.3 4) Reword to prioritize active transportation, not just pedestrians.
P.97 4.6.4 Net Zero construction always.
P.98 4.6.5 3) Replace “pedestrian” with “active transportation. Replace “minimize conflicts” with prioritizing the safety and convenience of active transportation users over drivers. Bicycle parking spaces that are securely protected from weather, accessible for all users, and accommodates all types of bicycles (cargo, recumbents, trikes, etc.). Coordinate with City’s new Bike Parking Strategy.
P.98 4.6.5 4) Accessibility does not mean cars only. Accessibility needs to discuss everything outside cars as everyone driving starts and ends their trip outside a motor vehicle. Parking must also include bicycle parking spaces that are secure, protected from weather, accessible for all users, and accommodates all types of bicycles (cargo, recumbents, trikes, etc.). Coordinate with City’s new Bike Parking Strategy.
P.101 6) Change “Sustainable Modes of Transport” to active transportation for uniformity. Bicycle parking spaces that are secure, protected from weather, accessible for all users, and accommodates all types of bicycles (cargo, recumbents, trikes, etc.). They should be close to entrances and have wayfinding to find this parking easily. On-site cycling facilities should connect with existing or planned city or NCC mobility networks, be well lit, wide, and designed for year-round use. Consider businesses using cargo bikes to deliver or receive goods. (parking, pathway widths, connections. Coordinate with City’s new Bike Parking Strategy.
P114 2) Cycling distance should also be mentioned.
P.120 4.10 “What we want to achieve” All students should have access to safe active transportation networks that get them from home to school and back. Their movement has to be prioritized over cars. Bicycle parking spaces that are secure, protected from weather, accessible for all users, and accommodates all types of bicycles (cargo, recumbents, trikes, etc.) for students, parents and school staff. Coordinate with City’s new Bike Parking Strategy.
P.121 4.10.1 Reinforcing that active transportation needs to be designed for all ages, it must be reinforced that children might have underdeveloped capabilities for cycling and require to be safely segregated from cars at all times. Noise and air pollution are just as significant having detrimental health effects. Reduce vehicle movement around schools. Consider car-light streets near schools where only local traffic is permitted below speeds of 30kph through design (impossible to drive above 30kph). As always, these are year-round networks.
P.123 4.11 1) Retail Food Stores and 4) Licenced Daycares: Bicycle parking spaces that are secure, protected from weather, accessible for all users, and accommodates all types of bicycles (cargo, recumbents, trikes, etc.). They should be close to entrances and have wayfinding to find this parking easily. Coordinate with City’s new Bike Parking Strategy.
P.128 5.1 “What we want to achieve” should read active transportation.
P129 5.1.1. 2) Include active transportation.
P.130 5.1.2 Not every street in the Downtown Core should include cars. Many of the streets should prioritize active transportation for a healthier, safer, and more liveable environment. Even if every second street were car-light, this would vastly improve the public realm. Bicycle parking spaces that are securely protected from weather, accessible for all users, and accommodates all types of bicycles (cargo, recumbents, trikes, etc.). Coordinate with City’s new Bike Parking Strategy.
P.133 5.2 “What we want to achieve” should read active transportation.
P.135 5.2.2 Bicycle parking spaces that are secure, protected from weather, accessible for all users, and accommodates all types of bicycles (cargo, recumbents, trikes, etc.). They should be close to entrances and have wayfinding to find this parking quickly. On-site cycling facilities should connect with existing or planned city or NCC mobility networks, be well-lit, wide, and designed for year-round use. Consider businesses using cargo bikes to deliver or receive goods (parking, pathway widths, connections). Surface parking should never be prioritized over the safe movement of people. Coordinate with City’s new Bike Parking Strategy.
P.138 5.3 Introducing active transportation in these communities should not be a challenge. There is ample space for pathways, facilities and/or redesigning streets for people, not cars. These should be one of the most effortless environments to build active transportation as there is more space.
P.140 5.3.2 1) Eliminate future construction of Park and Rides. Instead, provide excellent active transportation facilities and bicycle parking spaces that are secure, protected from weather, accessible for all users, and accommodates all types of bicycles (cargo, recumbents, trikes, etc.). Coordinate with City’s new Bike Parking Strategy.
P.140 5.3.2 2) Arterials should become pleasant places for people – not highways. Reduce speeds drastically through design and always include active transportation well segregated and safe. All intersections have to prioritize people, not cars. People in these communities deserve enjoyable places to live too. Bicycle parking spaces that are securely protected from weather, accessible for all users, and accommodates all types of bicycles (cargo, recumbents, trikes, etc.). They should be close to entrances and have wayfinding to find this parking easily. Coordinate with the City’s new Bike Parking Strategy.
P.140 5.3.3 5) Active transportation – not pedestrian and cyclist network.
P144 5.4.3.1) b) Active transportation – not pedestrian, shortcuts.
P.145 5.4.4 Bicycle parking spaces that are secure, protected from weather, accessible for all users, and accommodates all types of bicycles (cargo, recumbents, trikes, etc.). They should be close to entrances and have wayfinding to find this parking easily. Coordinate with City’s new Bike Parking Strategy. Use “active transportation.”
P149 5.5.2 Replace “walking and cycling” with active transportation. Bicycle parking spaces that are securely protected from weather, accessible for all users, and accommodates all types of bicycles (cargo, recumbents, trikes, etc.). They should be close to entrances and have wayfinding to find this parking easily. Coordinate with City’s new Bike Parking Strategy.
P163 6.1.1 Not every street in Hubs needs to include cars. Many of the streets should prioritize active transportation for a healthier, safer, and more liveable environment. Use the term active transportation instead of walking and cycling. Bicycle parking spaces that are securely protected from weather, accessible for all users, and accommodates all types of bicycles (cargo, recumbents, trikes, etc.). This parking should not take up space from those walking or rolling. Coordinate with City’s new Bike Parking Strategy.
P.165 6.1.2 6) f) Should read active transportation, not just pedestrian accessibility.
P.167 6.2 Remove Gladstone Avenue west of Preston Street as a Major Corridor (Mainstreet). The number of schools and dense residential development conflicts greatly with the high levels of fast-moving car traffic, and related safety, noise and air pollution. This creates a very unhealthy environment for residents. Scott Street and Carling Avenue are adequate East/West alternatives. This should be local car movement only (along with busses and emergency services). Restricting car use along this stretch should not change this area evolving into a more mixed-use development.
P171 6.3.2 Active transportation should always be prioritized no matter what 15-minute community.
P.172 6.3.3 Change walking and cycling to active transportation
P.174 6.4.1 Strategic movement of goods. Plan for hubs to move goods by electric cargo bikes (as planned by courier companies in Canada). Plan for small businesses to do the same. Quebec recognizes this with the new small business e-cargo bike rebate program as of 2021. Remember, these are still people that need to get to work or purchase goods or services. Just because it is a more industrial area does not mean that we can’t have a pleasant environment for active transportation used to move goods by e-cargo bike. There could be lower-income manufacturing jobs in these areas where employees would greatly benefit from an equitable transportation network.
P.178 6.5.3 e) Language – active transportation network will be needed.
P. 180 6.6.2 Parliament and Confederation Boulevard need to be car-free space. Due to its national significance, this space should be turned over for people, instead of unpleasant car traffic.. This would be a space that visitors would remember when they return home as a wonderful, safe place to enjoy. Tour busses would have a stopover area in Centretown out of view of this important area.
P.182 6.6.3 Walkways and cycleways (mobility pathways) should be segregated from each other, have ample space for all age groups and various skill levels visitors, and commuters might be travelling at different speeds by bike—turn-off areas for visitors to stop.
Queen Elizabeth Drive should be made a pedestrian and cycling the only corridor to provide enough space and take advantage of the beautiful scenery year-round. The same should happen for parts of Colonel By Drive.
P.184 6.6.4 Byward Market needs to be car-free and car-light in other areas. It is too important an area to take away space from people for private vehicles. This entire area should feel safe for young to old to walk or cycle.
P.187 6.6.6 Landsdowne should be car-light with very restricted movement. This space needs to be for people.
P.189 6.6.8 3) a) Language – Kanata North needs to prioritize active transportation and then public transportation.
P.207 9.2.2 Rural area villages are great areas for local active transportation networks. Mobility highways should connect these villages with other communities.
P210 9.3.2 Active transportation to get people from villages to workplaces.
P.222 10.2.1 Major Collector roads should be redesignated to reduce the number of vehicles (great sources of noise and air pollution) in areas with schools. An example would be Gladstone Ave. between Preston and Parkdale. There are too many children and families being negatively impacted by non-local car and truck traffic. Noise and air pollution affect the health of residents.
Have not seen any mention of air pollution in this plan. There are sensor around Ottawa providing us with data telling us where there is poor air quality, and when. Reprioritize roads with schools for local traffic only to make neighbourhoods healthier and liveable. The busier the roadways with cars, the more segregation is needed between vehicles and active transportation.
P230. 11.1 3) a) Use the term “active transportation.”
P.241 “Air Pollution Impact Assessment” is missing. This should indicate whether the road network needs to be adjusted to protect residents’ health.
P.243 “Transportation Impact Assessment”: eliminate Level of Service for vehicles and implement for active transportation. Personal vehicles must always be secondary when planning transportation networks. Building a city that no longer prioritizes cars means that vehicles’ Level of Service will go down to encourage residents to leave their cars behind.
P.252 Suggest placing definitions at the beginning of this document. (Missing “Active Transportation,” “Mobility Pathway,” “15-minute neighbourhood.”)
On December 1st, the City of Ottawa Financial and Economic Development Committee passed the “Byward Market Public Realm Plan“, and the plan goes to council for final approval next week. Bike Ottawa wrote a letter in response to the proposed plan. We supported it, we also stated the need for significant improvements at the implementation stage.
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.
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.
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.
