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.
Letters
Letters to officials from Bike Ottawa or partner organizations
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.
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.
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.
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.
Signs don’t solve road design: Our letter to councillors
Can you think of a better way to calm motor traffic while keeping the bike ride flowing smoothly along? Perhaps alternating yield signs, and channelized road narrowings.
Elgin Street rebuild: Will the sewers be the biggest improvement?
Sometimes, opportunity presents itself. For the first time in over 100 years, there was an opportunity to completely re-imagine Elgin street.
Bike Ottawa supports Bill 65: Safer School Zones Act
This week, a Queens Park committee discussed Bill 65, known as the Safer School Zones Act. If passed, the Bill would grant municipalities discretion to use photo radar and other automated speed enforcement tools in school zones and designated community safety zones.
Advocacy Results: Mayor urges Ontario Education Minister to help improve cycling education
Last week, Mayor Jim Watson addressed a letter to Ontario’s Minister of Education, MPP Mitzie Hunter, requesting provincial support to improve education for safe cycling.