Cycling in Ottawa

[waterloowarrior]

It is sad that some people think that the privilege of car storage (parking) for a few is more important than the potential of encouraging more people to use their bikes through safer cycling facilities.

The statement that "pedestrians are shoppers, cyclists aren't" is pretty downright ignorant. Cyclists turn into pedestrians a lot quicker than drivers can. As with the Copenhagen experience, cyclists actually tend to linger longer in public spaces than people who arrive by car because they are not keeping track of a parking meter.

Having said all that, I don't think Somerset is such a great street to put segregated bike lanes anyway. It really shows how staff in city hall have no clue how to make the concept work. We don't need a "Transitway for bikes" as a cycle-through route for commuters. What we need is a way to access the main destinations downtown (Sparks Street, Parliament Hill, ByWard Market, etc) and interconnect them with the recreational pathways and established on-street bike lanes already leading into the core. It should be first and foremost an easy way to get around downtown that is safe enough for the youngest and oldest cyclist.

My suggestion: remove on-street parking on the north Side of Queen street and put two-way segregated bike lanes along with widened sidewalks to integrate it with Sparks street, making it an adjunct of the pedestrian mall, encouraging sidewalk cafes and retail. On the Bronson end, do a narrow rock cut with a ramp/stairway on the escarpment to Pooley's Bridge connecting with Lebreton Flats, the Ottawa River pathway, as well as the pathways along Scott street and the Aqueduct. On the eastern Elgin end, put a bike signal across to the NAC and connect with the Canal Pathway. Bike lanes could also be carved out along the Plaza bridge in front of old Union Station to Sussex (where they should put bike lanes along its west side) and connect with the other side of the Canal Pathway. Bike lanes on Daly could continue eastward, bypassing busy Rideau street with alternate connections to the Market. What would be really nice is a new ped/bike bridge between Queen and Daly — it could even be a novel footbridge like this (http://www.lusas.com/case/bridge/helix_bridge.html) or this (http://www.index2005.dk/Members/domubiky/communityObject#) or something that completely retracts unobtrusively into the slope of the canal side.


I like your ideas Kitchissippi... here's a sort of similar plan... red is new two way lanes, blue existing, yellow is shared use... it would rely on Sussex being done up as a two-way bikeway on the west side of the road (areas provided at intersections for bikes to turn into the market), the new NCC plaza at Rideau Sussex, the Queen bikeway and bike signal you mentioned, and turning a lane of Elgin/Wellington to bikes.... next step after that would be something on Wellington, but that might have to wait until STO buses are gone (?), although there is plenty of space along the sidewalk west of Parliament

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4703566910_f051cd8284_b.jpg

[Kitchissippi]

:previous: Yes, add a two-way bikeway on Daly all the way to the Rideau River (plus the possibility of the ped/bike bridge across the canal) and that's what I mean.

On the west end of Queen it would look like this:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4703636082_de535fb941_b.jpg

[Brainbug]

Cool ideas, but I don't understand why bike lanes are that much of a hot topic downtown. It would make it easier to cross the core, but if they are laid out like the current bike lanes (magically ending), I'll just stick to the roads.

I bike through downtown daily and have no problems keeping up with vehicle traffic staying in the centre of the lane. (Bike lanes would be faster, since I would be able to bypass all the cars. Right now it is suicidal to try to split the lanes with the busses on the right)

It is personal opinion, but I don't feel that biking downtown is a leisure activity or for someone who is uncomfortable being on a bike surrounded by vehicles. The city is already very well laid out from East and West in order to bike to a major area and walk the remainder.

From the East there is a bike lane across the Rideau river along Montreal/Rideau, then cross Charlotte to Besserer to the Rideau Centre.
From the West there is a bike lane along the parkway to the Supreme Court/Bank St.

I'm not going to complain if they decide to add the bike lanes, but the city is already very accomodating.

If they'd get rid of the arrogant bikers, I'd actually be much happier. (Angry when you pass them, come to a stop at a red light in front of them, take up the whole vehicle lane in an otherwise open road...)

[Kitchissippi]

I think a Queen Street Bikeway would actually position Sparks Street Mall as a bikeable destination and possibly liven it up if the businesses cater to the niche. It would end up being quite the hub on Sunday Bike Days and increase the "critical mass" of the pedestrian mall. It would also be an excellent base to set up a bike sharing system with a station at the end of each block:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4703135407_5239a9d586_b.jpg

[Kitchissippi]

A bit OT but connected, one thing that would really make this popular is to turn Sparks Street in to a weekend market venue, much like the Portland Saturday Market (http://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/) (it's on for saturdays and sundays despite the name). I have been to it and it is like having something like Westfest every weekend.

[Dado]

It is sad that some people think that the privilege of car storage (parking) for a few is more important than the potential of encouraging more people to use their bikes through safer cycling facilities.

The statement that "pedestrians are shoppers, cyclists aren't" is pretty downright ignorant. Cyclists turn into pedestrians a lot quicker than drivers can. As with the Copenhagen experience, cyclists actually tend to linger longer in public spaces than people who arrive by car because they are not keeping track of a parking meter.

Speaking of both Copenhagen and cyclists turning into pedestrians/shoppers, it's the perfect opportunity to cue my favourite pic from Copenhagen Cycle Chic (http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com), of an 'Elegant Dismount':

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4485192736_5970242d20.jpg
http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com/2010/04/great-moments-in-cycling-april-2010.html
also:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16nine/4485192736/

The caption reads: "Copenhagener in the middle of a frightfully elegant and graceful dismount, bathed in the spring sunshine. Keeping a keen eye on the shop window that attracted her attention."

So take that, Mr. Somerset Village BIA chairman. I don't imagine we'll see anything like this in Ottawa any time soon, though. Unfortunately.

[ikerrin]

Parking trumps cycling lane, BIAs say
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/travel/Parking+trumps+cycling+lane+BIAs/3154138/story.html
Groups say businesses, pedestrians at risk if pilot goes ahead on Somerset, Bank

BY KATE JAIMET, THE OTTAWA CITIZEN JUNE 14, 2010 11:02 PM



The letter, which will be sent today, said a segregated bike lane on Somerset would put the survival of small businesses at risk because of the loss of parking spaces and loading zones on what is already a narrow and crowded street.

“Somerset Street is a busy commercial street filled with many small businesses. Parking is a scarcity as much as a necessity for our merchants and their customers,” the letter states. “Adding a bicycle lane on such a street will only result in increasing conflict among and danger to all road users, not just cyclists.”


.....


Lori Mellor, executive director of the Preston Street BIA, said in an interview that cyclists should be patient and wait until the planned rapid transit tunnel is built through downtown in 2018, which will take bus traffic off Albert Street and free up space for a bike lane. A route on Albert Street is also supported by the Somerset Street Chinatown BIA and by some cyclists, but the city has excluded it for the current pilot project — meant to start either this fall or next spring — because of the heavy bus traffic.

© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

Can you say boycott? This really burns me. Especially the Preston Street comment. Maybe we should wait till 2018 for on street bike lanes!?!:hell:

I would love to see rotating boycotts of Sommerset businesses. If they think that cars are so important, maybe we should leave them to car customers and see how they live without cyclists and pedestrians.

[adam-machiavelli]

I have an even better idea!

Just park cars all up and down that section of Somerset and keep feeding the meters, thus making it less convenient for people to park nearby, thus making auto users less likely to shop there.

[waterloowarrior]

Vancouver just opened their trial downtown bikeway
http://pricetags.wordpress.com/2010/06/15/concrete-not-paint/

http://pricetags.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/woman-on-bike-with-sign-2.jpg

http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/transport/cycling/separated/images/bikediagram-dunsmuir.jpg

http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/transport/cycling/separated/images/bikerack.jpg

http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/transport/cycling/separated/dunsmuir.htm

[Cre47]

Well it's seems Gatineau is trying to catch up on Ottawa in terms of NIMBYISM

A group of residents in Le Plateau are protesting against a future bike path along the Moore Creek behind Rue de Londres citing vandalism and private life concerns.

Sorry the article is only in the Le Droit

http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-droit/actualites/gatineau-outaouais/201006/18/01-4291524-une-piste-cyclable-contestee-par-des-residants-du-secteur-hull.php?utm_categorieinterne=trafficdrivers&utm_contenuinterne=cyberpresse_B4_en-manchette_572_section_POS4

[rakerman]

Just a reminder:

http://ottawa.ca/bikelane

http://ottawa.ca/residents/public_consult/bikelane/oh_1/oh1_en.html

Send your comments by e-mail before June 21, 2010
colin.simpson@ottawa.ca

(I don't know if this is just for the open house or for the entire consultation.)

[rakerman]

Three articles related to the upcoming fact-finding mission.

Could Ottawa get Copenhagenized? (http://www.ottawacitizen.com/travel/Could+Ottawa+Copenhagenized/3177963/story.html) - June 20, 2010

NCC boss talks cyclable city (http://www.ottawacitizen.com/travel/boss+talks+cyclable+city/3174808/story.html) - June 19, 2010

NCC suggests push for downtown Ottawa bike lanes could be expanded (http://www.ottawacitizen.com/travel/suggests+push+downtown+Ottawa+bike+lanes+could+expanded/3172976/story.html) - June 18, 2010

Does anyone know if Marie Lemay (CEO NCC), Marc Bureau (Gatineau Mayor), and Jacques Legendre (Ottawa councillor) will be tweeting, blogging or otherwise reporting during their trip? It seems like it would be a good opportunity to engage citizens.

[rakerman]

David Reevely asks: What are the great Ottawa bicycling experiences?

Ottawa Citizen - The cols of Ottawa (http://communities.canada.com/ottawacitizen/blogs/greaterottawa/archive/2010/06/21/the-cols-of-ottawa.aspx) - June 21, 2010

[waterloowarrior]

here's the new separated lane in Vancouver
4Hs13HillYQ

[rakerman]

Ottawa Citizen reporting on the Velo-city urban cycling summit (http://www.welcomehome.dk/default.aspx?id=709)

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/topic.html?t=keyword&q=cycle+summit

by http://twitter.com/katejaimet

[Dado]

here's the new separated lane in Vancouver
4Hs13HillYQ

From about 0:28 with the right-turning truck, I got nervous. That just strikes me as an accident waiting to happen. I'm surprised they didn't put the right-turning traffic onto its own dedicated signal.

Given that this is a one-way street, I wonder why they didn't put this on the other side of the street. It's a lot harder for a motorist to miss seeing a cyclist travelling in the same direction who is just to their immediate left - and they're not potentially screened by cyclists travelling in the opposite direction as well.

[rakerman]

Not particularly meaningful, but at least they're talking about cycling.

Ottawa Citizen - Race is on to create best biking city: O’Brien accepts Gatineau challenge (http://www.ottawacitizen.com/travel/Race+create+best+biking+city/3209359/story.html) - June 28, 2010

[waterloowarrior]

New city project: Cycling Safety Evaluation Project
Cyclists- We want to hear from you - Complete our online survey (http://ottawa.ca/residents/onthemove/travelwise/cycling/csep_en.html)

Osgoode Multiuse Pathway update (http://ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/trc/2010/08-23/IPD%20C%20-%20ACS2010-ICS-PGM-0149%20Osgoode.htm)

EW Segregated lane project update (http://ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/trc/2010/08-23/IPD%20B%20-%20ACS2010-ICS-PGM-0138%20East-West%20Seg%20bike%20lane.htm)

JOINT NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION AND CITY OF OTTAWA CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE - PROPOSED MULTI-USE PATHWAY FACILITIES (http://ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/trc/2010/08-23/03-ACS2010-ICS-PGM-0150%20Cycling%20Infrastructure.htm)

[rodionx]

I see Cooper street is back on the menu, at least judging by that map. In the earlier maps, it wasn't in the running. A Cooper / MacLaren pairing could work - both are only a block off Somerset.

MacLaren already works, though, even without a bike lane. Cooper, however, doesn't work so well because of a lack of controlled intersections. If they squeezed or closed off through traffic on parts of Cooper with big fat bulb-outs (and put big bike racks on those bulb outs), and put in some cyclist controlled traffic signals at Kent and Bank, it could be a respectable crosstown route for eastbound bike traffic.

Wait a sec. This plan falls down on the return trip. People are just going to go the wrong way up Cooper on their back from Hartmans. Two way bike lane on Cooper? Two way on MacLaren? Maybe. But it all comes back to Somerset. Any way you slice it, two lanes on Somerset is the logical choice.

[Cre47]

Alta Vista path sparks controversy
Last Updated: Thursday, August 26, 2010 | 8:53 PM ET Comments18Recommend12
CBC News

A 2.2-kilometre walking and cycling path the city is building through green space in Alta Vista has sparked controversy in the neighbourhood.

A heavy roller works on the walking and cycling path in the green space between Conroy Road and Smyth Road. A heavy roller works on the walking and cycling path in the green space between Conroy Road and Smyth Road. (CBC)"I think that's a terrible thing what they did and you know what … we weren't even notified about it," said Hennie Honignan, who walks her dog through the green space between Conroy Road and Smyth Road every day.

Honigan and other critics are concerned about the potential effect the path will have on the raccoons, groundhogs and other wildlife that live in the parkland.

But Coun. Peter Hume said the $250,000 project was too small for a full public consultation, and a sign was put up in the green space in January. Besides, he added, people had always used the space for walking and now the city is adding a cycling path.

"Everything we know about these pathways, they're good for communities, they are good for property values," he said.

Hume said the project should be complete by the end of fall. The city plans to "green up" the path with shrubs and trees next spring.

Cyclist Joel Gibson said a path would be safer because it will help keep his kids off city streets and make it easier for bicycle commuters to get to work.
With files from the CBC's Robyn Miller

-----------------------------------------------

Maybe these folks would have had another opinion should that Conroy to Nicholas connector highway would have being built.

[adam-machiavelli]

Any councillor who voted against this deserves to lose the upcoming election:



Ottawa council committee approves part of ambitious plan for more bike-friendly city


By Kate Jaimet, The Ottawa Citizen September 1, 2010 5:03 PM Be the first to post a comment



OTTAWA — An ambitious proposal to create a network of segregated bike lanes across downtown foundered at city council’s transportation committee Wednesday. But a last minute compromise saw councillors approve some less-contentious measures for promoting cycling in the city.

“I was headed for total defeat there for a stage, and rescued about 60 per cent,” said Councillor Jacques Legendre, whose 10-point motion was aimed at making Ottawa a more cycle-friendly city. “It has moved things forward, and I hope it will pass council.”

The committee agreed to dedicate an additional $5 million each year to fill in gaps in existing bike paths, with the money for cycling infrastructure to come from the city’s growth budget, not its “strategic initiatives” budget, which is chronically underfunded.

As well, if the committee’s recommendations are approved by council, new rapid transit stations and trains will be designed to accommodate cyclists, bike routes will have better signage, biking shortcuts will be built into new subdivisions, and the city will truly implement its existing policy to favour cycling, walking and transit over cars.

However, councillors on the committee didn’t support Legendre’s proposal to build several segregated lanes — both east-west and north-south — across the downtown core, as well as segregated bike lanes on all new or rebuilt urban roads.

Instead, they referred those parts of the proposal to staff for more study, especially awaiting the results of an initial, segregated bike lane pilot project proposed for next summer, which is already contentious with downtown businesses.

“It’s putting the cart before the horse,” Lori Mellor, executive director of the Preston Street Business Improvement Association, said of the proposal for a network of downtown bike lanes . “The pilot project should have the mandate to prove the demand, 12 months a year, for these facilities. If we can prove there are people coming on these lanes, it’s going to be a much easier sell.”

© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

[AuxTown]

Those of you who have been good in the past at digging up this kind of data, could you please post the breakdown of who voted for and against this motion? For a city with the level of cycling commuters we do (the highest in the country), our councillors prove time and time again that their attitudes belong in Stittsville (counter-progressive and suburban).

[c_speed3108]

Those of you who have been good in the past at digging up this kind of data, could you please post the breakdown of who voted for and against this motion? For a city with the level of cycling commuters we do (the highest in the country), our councillors prove time and time again that their attitudes belong in Stittsville (counter-progressive and suburban).

I think myself that the motion was good but a tad broad. It seems high unnecessary to build bike lanes on all urban streets. Depending on how urban is defined. I can't see there being much need to bike lanes on small residential streets with minimal traffic. In other areas it is a no brainier..they definitely should be added when roads are built or rebuilt. In other areas say rideau street for instance there is a question of space.

The problem tends not to be the concept so such, but rather the line in stand wording of these types of motions. You tend to need a bit more wiggle room for local conditions.

Legendre is my current councilor and I am happy he is retiring. He takes these stupid stances on things and accomplishes nothing in the end.

[Radster]

They really want to play it safe by first seeing how the pilot project next year works out, despite all the proof of success and loads of examples of such lanes working in many other cities around the world.

Also, here is an interesting site I came across :
http://ottawabikingproblems.ca/

[rodionx]

I got a knock on the door this evening, opened it up, and there's Diane Holmes standing there, looking frazzled. She hands me a pamphlet announcing a new bike lane on Lyon, tells me I should get my feedback in by the end of the week, and then gallops off, Lone Ranger style, to the next house. I've never met her before, and I'm not a known cycling advocate or anything. Can't complain about the service, but that was unusual.

And Lyon's getting a bike lane! It's only going to be painted, and it will start at Queen street rather than Wellington, but I ain't complaining.

[waterloowarrior]

Jan Gehl is coming to Ottawa on Wednesday... if you are free that night, this is a must-see IMO

How to turn Ottawa into a true cycling capital
Attend a presentation by world renowned expert Jan Gehl

Don't miss this important NCC event on making cycling and walking part of a more livable Ottawa.

When:
Wednesday, October 6th, 7:00 p.m.
Where:
Canadian Museum of Nature, 4th Floor Gallery, 240 McLeod Street (between Metcalfe and Elgin)


Meet top expert, architect and planner Jan Gehl, who is based in Copenhagen. With his consultancy, Gehl Architects, he has been highly-influential in making Copenhagen one of the most livable cities in the world.

Hear Gehl speak about his experience working on projects around the world and his ideas for making cycling and walking part of a more livable Capital Region.

Recently the consultancy he leads has been highly involved in the transformation of New York City. It has resulted in the permanent transition of Times Square toward a car-free pedestrian area. And NYC is now a city where European-style cycling lanes are becoming more prevalent.

* This is a free event, thanks to the NCC *

Don't miss it!

Jan Gehl is an expert in the transformation of cities to support vibrant communities, local businesses, high quality-of-life, strong economies and smart investment of tax dollars.

During his visit, Jan Gehl will also be working in collaboration with the National Capital Commission and its municipal partners. The public presentation on October 6 is an excellent opportunity to learn from Jan Gehl and to explore ways to develop a vigorous and integrated cycling strategy for the National Capital Region.


http://www.cycling-vision.ca/events/index.html

http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/bins/ncc_web_content_page.asp?cid=16297-16299-9970-135644-135648&lang=1

[rakerman]

Jan Gehl's talk was awesome, I hope they put it online (I emailed them but I haven't gotten any response yet). The room was packed.

[Ottawan]

With Hobbs a member of the citizens for safe cycling, Chernushenko such a keen cyclist that he delivered his lawn signs by that method, Fleury stating that one of his focuses is on making the city more active and filling in gaps in cycling infrastructure in his ward, and one of the central issues for the Somerset ward race being the segregated bike lane, I hope that one of the improvements of the new council will be that we will see some real progess in becoming a more bicycle-friendly city.

[adam-machiavelli]

Jan Gehl's talk was awesome, I hope they put it online (I emailed them but I haven't gotten any response yet). The room was packed.

It was a good talk and a much more lively atmosphere than when I saw him give a speech a day earlier at the CIP conference in Montreal.

[Kitchissippi]

With Hobbs a member of the citizens for safe cycling, Chernushenko such a keen cyclist that he delivered his lawn signs by that method, Fleury stating that one of his focuses is on making the city more active and filling in gaps in cycling infrastructure in his ward, and one of the central issues for the Somerset ward race being the segregated bike lane, I hope that one of the improvements of the new council will be that we will see some real progess in becoming a more bicycle-friendly city.

All I can say is thank god I'm not living in Toronto with Rob Ford at the helm

nySs1cEq5rs

[DarkArconio]

I just noticed a new bike lane got added to Lyon, going with traffic (southbound). Does anyone know if a parallel one has been added to Kent and how far they both go?

[kw5150]

All I can say is thank god I'm not living in Toronto with Rob Ford at the helm

nySs1cEq5rs

Is that video taken out of context or is that how he really feels? He should be charged with a hate crime if he is serious. He is endorsing motorists to be assholes to bikers...... how shameful

[Kitchissippi]

Is that video taken out of context or is that how he really feels? He should be charged with a hate crime if he is serious. He is endorsing motorists to be assholes to bikers...... how shameful

It's actual City of Toronto footage of their Budget Committee discussions. How could you possibly take that out of context?

[kw5150]

It's actual City of Toronto footage of their Budget Committee discussions. How could you possibly take that out of context?

Well maybe the meeting was about a road that he thought was unsafe for cyclists, and he would rather people have proper bike paths.... I dont know. I guess I am just shocked to hear someone say that when a cyclist dies it is his/her own fault....... what an idiot....

[Radster]

Well maybe the meeting was about a road that he thought was unsafe for cyclists, and he would rather people have proper bike paths.... I dont know. I guess I am just shocked to hear someone say that when a cyclist dies it is his/her own fault....... what an idiot....

That guy needs to go to Montreal to see their bike lanes, and also has to realize that in Montreal they even manage to keep some of the main bike lanes operational year round, despite the fact that MTL gets WAY MORE snow than Toronto does, and is in general colder in the winter.

I mean look at the guy, he hasn't ridden a bike since he was 10 yrs old! :haha:

[kw5150]

That guy needs to go to Montreal to see their bike lanes, and also has to realize that in Montreal they even manage to keep some of the main bike lanes operational year round, despite the fact that MTL gets WAY MORE snow than Toronto does, and is in general colder in the winter.

I mean look at the guy, he hasn't ridden a bike since he was 10 yrs old! :haha:

He probably hates french canada as well....... Montreal is the new best canadian city now...... well was it ever not the best? :cheers:

I hope the best for toronto......

[Kitchissippi]

Well, he definitely hates streetcars.

If you can stand it, you can listen...to...his...transit...plan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xfsIj6gYAw). He sort of tries to make concessions with cyclists, but you can tell he still wants them confined to bike paths and bike lanes "where they can be added without increasing traffic congestion".

It is mind boggling that 47% of Toronto voters elected this idiot for mayor. It makes the city look bad — World Class indeed. For the next four years I think Ottawa will be a better place to live :haha:

[kw5150]

Well, he definitely hates streetcars.

If you can stand it, you can listen...to...his...transit...plan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xfsIj6gYAw). He sort of tries to make concessions with cyclists, but you can tell he still wants them confined to bike paths and bike lanes "where they can be added without increasing traffic congestion".

It is mind boggling that 47% of Toronto voters elected this idiot for mayor. It makes the city look bad — World Class indeed. For the next four years I think Ottawa will be a better place to live :haha:

I know about this guy. Doesn't adding bike lanes reduce traffic congestion?? Having bike lanes would certainly be better than having those guys who weave in and out of traffic to save a few minutes.....

[Kitchissippi]

Here's the way they separate some bike lanes in Shanghai. I thought this type of barrier could possibly be a way to define bike lanes on some downtown streets and make them safer when there are more cyclists in the summer; they could easily be removed to revert into shared lanes/on street parking in the winter when there are less riders.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1123/5119094288_f4ca2c9982_b.jpg

[rodionx]

Well, he definitely hates streetcars.

If you can stand it, you can listen...to...his...transit...plan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xfsIj6gYAw). He sort of tries to make concessions with cyclists, but you can tell he still wants them confined to bike paths and bike lanes "where they can be added without increasing traffic congestion".


Well, it's a step up from condoning vehicular manslaughter. Maybe he's educable. Still, it will probably take about four years before this guy figures out that traffic congestion isn't the result of a shadowy left wing conspiracy. Of course, by that time voters will probably be oh so very tired of him.

[waterloowarrior]

sharing rural pathways policy open house for the two new pathways in osgoode and cumberland
http://ottawa.ca/residents/public_consult/rural_pathway/index_en.html

[waterloowarrior]

Multi-Use Pathway Crossing of the Rideau River Environmental Assessment Study (http://ottawa.ca/residents/public_consult/rideau_river_crossing/index_en.html)
The City of Ottawa will shortly be providing a formal Notice of Study Commencement for the Environmental Assessment (EA) for a future multi-use pathway crossing of the Rideau River in the vicinity of Donald Street and Somerset Street East. This proposed pedestrian and cycling crossing would link the Overbrook and Vanier communities with the Sandy Hill community and the downtown area.

The project is being planned as a Schedule ‘C’ project under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (2007) document. The intent of the undertaking is to develop a Recommended Plan for a future multi-use pathway connection to better connect residents between neighbouring communities, as previously identified in the City’s Sandy Hill Secondary Plan of the current Official Plan, Ottawa Cycling Plan (2008) and Ottawa Pedestrian Plan (2009). The EA Study will document existing environmental conditions, look at the need for the crossing, examine alternatives and potential impacts, and recommend mitigation measures to minimize environmental impacts.

A first Public Open House on this project is planned for January 2011 and more details as to time and location will be posted on this web page together with the Notice of Study Commencement of this Environmental Assessment.



Update on Train/Coventry bridge (public meeting Sept 2010 display board)
http://ottawa.ca/residents/public_consult/coventry_bridge/oh2/index_en.html

http://ottawa.ca/residents/public_consult/coventry_bridge/sept_newsletter_en-1.jpg
(one of 3 design concepts)

[waterloowarrior]

Segregated Bike Lane Project

Public Meeting #2
Thursday November 25, 2010
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Presentation at 7 p.m.)
City Hall – Rotunda
110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa
What is this meeting about?
The City of Ottawa is finalizing a study for an east-west segregated bike lane through the downtown. A segregated bike lane is a designated on-street bicycle lane that is separated from motor vehicle traffic through the use of physical buffers (curbs, planter boxes, parked cars, etc.). This second public meeting is to gather feedback on the preferred route (Laurier Avenue West) and functional designs.

http://ottawa.ca/residents/public_consult/bikelane/oh_2/index_en-1.jpg


Why attend?
The purpose of this meeting is to:

Present the route evaluation criteria and analysis;
Present the preferred route (Laurier Avenue West) and functional designs;
Provide opportunities for you to become involved in the identification of local issues and the development of the facility.
Need more information?
If you are not available to attend the meeting or would like additional information, please visit the project website at ottawa.ca/bikelane or direct your comments and questions to the project manager listed below. The presentation material for the meeting will be available on the project website after November 25, 2010.

Colin Simpson MCIP RPP
Senior Project Manager
City of Ottawa
110 Laurier Avenue West, 4th Floor
Ottawa ON K1P 1J1
Tel: 613-580-2424, ext. 27881
Fax: 613-580-2578
E-mail: colin.simpson@ottawa.ca

[McC]

Laurier's definitely the best on the east side of downtown -- better connections to the Canal and Rideau River paths, but accessing it on the west side isn't as good as Queen which connects to the Albert-Scott pathway... another example of the meandering routes that buses, bikes and cars all have to take all over this city because so few streets line up properly / don't end suddenly / etc. (e.g. anyone ever wonder why Gladstone, Tyndale and Byron couldn't have been connected at some point?)

[Dado]

Laurier's definitely the best on the east side of downtown -- better connections to the Canal and Rideau River paths, but accessing it on the west side isn't as good as Queen which connects to the Albert-Scott pathway...

If you want to spend some minor megabucks, one could send a pathway across the old Ottawa Technical HS site then through a tunnel diagonally under the Slater-Bronson intersection as a way to get to the Ottawa River and Scott Street pathways to the west from this new facility on Laurier.


another example of the meandering routes that buses, bikes and cars all have to take all over this city because so few streets line up properly / don't end suddenly / etc. (e.g. anyone ever wonder why Gladstone, Tyndale and Byron couldn't have been connected at some point?)

Funnily enough, such a connection between Byron and Gladstone (minus Tyndale) is actually in the Gréber Plan! If only the NCC had used its razing powers for good...

https://qshare.queensu.ca/Users01/gordond/planningcanadascapital/greber1950/Plates_atlas/300/plate%209.jpg

[lrt's friend]

Multi-Use Pathway Crossing of the Rideau River Environmental Assessment Study
The City of Ottawa will shortly be providing a formal Notice of Study Commencement for the Environmental Assessment (EA) for a future multi-use pathway crossing of the Rideau River in the vicinity of Donald Street and Somerset Street East. This proposed pedestrian and cycling crossing would link the Overbrook and Vanier communities with the Sandy Hill community and the downtown area.

When Overbrook was first subdivided in 1911, one of the sales pitches was a foot bridge that connected to the Laurier Avenue streetcar. That foot bridge, located near the Rideau Tennis Club, appears on old Ottawa maps. No doubt lost to one of the many Rideau River floods in the old days. What comes around, goes around.

[Radster]

Pardon my ignorance, but whatever happened to the Somerset Street East-West segregated bike lane pilot project? Was it defeated by the business owners on Somerset who managed to convince city council that eliminating parking on one side of the street will hurt business?

As much as I am happy that there will be a pilot project next year on Laurier for an East-West lane, I am also disappointed and worried that it will fail due to it being half-assed, mainly due the lane just ending suddenly at Bronson on the west end of Laurier, and in the east at Elgin (why not continue over the canal and through Sandy Hill?.

After all these studies, guest expert speakers, conference in Copenhagen, and world class successfull examples a stones throw away in MTL, I find it rather uninspiring that our City Hall is so damn cautious, conservative and easily influenced by the businesses rather than betting on and using success stories from elsewhere. :yuck:

[Dado]

:previous:

Strictly speaking, there never was a Somerset segregated bike lane pilot project; what there is is A segregated bike lane pilot project, location to be decided. Somerset was merely an early favourite, and Gladstone an even earlier favourite.

As for it being half-assed, of course it will be half-assed. It's being "planned" by engineers who still think it is acceptable to make cyclists cross roads illegally in pedestrian crosswalks. As I wrote some time earlier, our engineers have no business designing segregated facilities until such time as they can manage to design a proper bike path - road intersection first. They can start with the one at the War Museum going across Booth.

[McC]

Funnily enough, such a connection between Byron and Gladstone (minus Tyndale) is actually in the Gréber Plan! If only the NCC had used its razing powers for good...

https://qshare.queensu.ca/Users01/gordond/planningcanadascapital/greber1950/Plates_atlas/300/plate%209.jpg
and all of those bridges across the Canal and Rideau River are pretty à propos to this discussion as well.

le sigh.

[Kitchissippi]

If you want to spend some minor megabucks, one could send a pathway across the old Ottawa Technical HS site then through a tunnel diagonally under the Slater-Bronson intersection as a way to get to the Ottawa River and Scott Street pathways to the west from this new facility on Laurier.

It would be simpler and cheaper to build a ped/bike overpass from the western end of Laurier at the escarpment going over Albert and Scott.

If I ever win mega millions in the lottery, I'd buy up the houses between Gladstone and Byron, punch a bike path through there and redevelop the land with cyclist-oriented townhouses along it :) Wish me luck.
Everyone keeps saying "Tyndale" when it's Tyndall.

[McC]

.
Everyone keeps saying "Tyndale" when it's Tyndall.

oops, you're absolutely right!

[Dado]

It would be simpler and cheaper to build a ped/bike overpass from the western end of Laurier at the escarpment going over Albert and Scott.

That seems like a lot of climbing... not sure how well-used that would be.


If I ever win mega millions in the lottery, I'd buy up the houses between Gladstone and Byron, punch a bike path through there and redevelop the land with cyclist-oriented townhouses along it :) Wish me luck.


Will do, though technically you require only six houses on what look to be 33' lots so I'm not sure how much there would be to redevelop afterwards, unless you're envisioning a "direct" diagonal route, which would require a few more properties.


Everyone keeps saying "Tyndale" when it's Tyndall.

Ya, didn't look, just took it as a given since it sounded about right.

[Kitchissippi]

That seems like a lot of climbing... not sure how well-used that would be.

I could be something like this, but if that climb is still too steep, a bike spiral could be built next to the Good Companions building

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/5182134492_c36abebf4d_b.jpg

Speaking of bike spirals and admirable investment in cycling facilities, I rode to Montreal earlier in the spring and to get into the island they've put segregated bike lanes on the A-20 bridge. To access it from Ste-Anne-de Bellevue this bike spiral was being put into place (should be completed by now):

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1027/5181589637_f72913ec1a_b.jpg

[Dado]

You're still climbing a lot of height and then shedding some of it (east of Bronson). It's extra work and people will probably take some other route. That's why I suggested going under Slater/Bronson, since such a tunnel would lessen the grade of a climb that has to be taken regardless and for which there are no easier options. That would tend to ensure it gets used as intended.

[waterloowarrior]

The draft report and block designs for the laurier lane have been posted on the city`s website
http://ottawa.ca/residents/public_consult/bikelane/index_en.html

[Ottawan]

Having glanced through the report and looked at the designs, I'm actually pretty impressed. This will be (even as a pilot project) a very permanent-looking solution. The connections to the east make a lot of sense, and the segregation is conducted via curb & bollard. The only thing really lacking is an easy connection in the west.

[DarkArconio]

In the western most image, a new multi-use pathway through the park next to the old technical highschool is show penciled in. Does anyone has a link to more complete plans with this path? Will it be connecting to the currently broken multi-use path the goes through the lebreton flats along the pumping plant canal, connecting to the river path on both ends? The bronson intersections with albert and slater would be hellish to navigate, but with proper implementation (signage and separated lanes like along laurier) could provide a truly continuous path.

[Kitchissippi]

You're still climbing a lot of height and then shedding some of it (east of Bronson). It's extra work and people will probably take some other route. That's why I suggested going under Slater/Bronson, since such a tunnel would lessen the grade of a climb that has to be taken regardless and for which there are no easier options. That would tend to ensure it gets used as intended.

After biking around the area, here's a revised idea, which actually results in less encounters with traffic and creates new connections between neighbourhoods:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5001/5195436646_65d1063390_b.jpg

[Radster]

Some of my observations:

- I like the left turn areas for cyclists, remains to be seen if this will be respected/used by cyclists.

- No integration with Lyon street bike lane, how do bikers going South on Lyon turn left (East) onto the Laurier street bike lane safely? Simple solution, make a cyclist left turn area on the South-West part of the intersection.

- Similar issue with left turns from Bay street bike lane going West on Laurier

- Will the traffic lights be reprogrammed on Laurier street? They do this in Copenhagen, so that someone biking around 20km/hr manages to bike through all the intersections without having to stop at each one.



- Beyond Bronson street - remains to be seen what they do there.

[TransitZilla]

http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2010/11/22/16263221.html


Google adds Canadian bike routes to maps
By KENNETH JACKSON, Ottawa Sun


Google will soon help Ottawa cyclists navigate the city’s many trails when the search engine launches the latest addition to its maps program later this week.

Cyclists will be able to find cycling directions and bike trail data in Google Maps much like motorists already can at maps.google.ca, said Shannon Guymon of Google Canada Monday during a press conference at the Chateau Laurier in downtown Ottawa.

The system is also being launched in Gatineau, Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Kelowna and Waterloo. It should be live within days.

Guymon said new map tool is the “top requested feature of users.”

It will also help cyclists avoid dangerous roads and hills if they wish.

“By integrating NCC’s recreational pathways with city of Ottawa and Gatineau cycling lanes and paths, Canada’s capital region becomes the first region in the country to have its entire cycling network on Google Maps,” said Marie Lemay, CEO of the National Capital Commission. “This new feature is no doubt a step in the right direction to improve cycling in the capital region.”

Google worked with NCC and officials from Ottawa and Gatineau to make this a reality.

Lemay said the NCC has more than 220 km of biking trails while Nancy Schepers, deputy city manager for the city, said Ottawa will have 700 km of trails by the end of 2011.

The maps will be colour coded. Dark green will indicate a dedicated bike-only trial, lighter green is a bike lane along a road and a dotted green line means roads that do not have bike lanes but tend to be used by cyclists.

Google launched the program in the United States in March with more than 12,000 miles of trails mapped in 150 cities.

Gatineau Mayor Marc Bureau said he hopes the new tool promotes active and healthy transportation.

Riders will also be able to provide feedback to keep the system up to date.

kenneth.jackson@sunmedia.ca

[McC]

Some of my observations:
- Will the traffic lights be reprogrammed on Laurier street? They do this in Copenhagen, so that someone biking around 20km/hr manages to bike through all the intersections without having to stop at each one.

They've done nothing about this on Lyon, it's impossible to even get through two blocks in a row without stopping for a red. (Bay just gives cyclists the joy of stop signs every couple of blocks)

[Dado]

The draft report and block designs for the laurier lane have been posted on the city`s website
http://ottawa.ca/residents/public_consult/bikelane/index_en.html

Here is what I think is the most important paragraph in the entire report:

http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/public_consult/bikelane/oh_2/section7_8_en.pdf
8.1.2 Traffic

Intersection Operations
To increase the visibility of cyclists to turning vehicle traffic, an advanced cycling and pedestrian interval has been added to the east and west directions providing cyclists with an advanced green signal prior to the general vehicle traffic. Cyclists will be signalled by a designated cyclist traffic signal.


On the other hand, it does not appear that car drivers are going to get a designated right turn signal (with cyclists getting a red signal). This means that a turning conflict will exist with the possibility of sideswiping.

[adam-machiavelli]

I'm not sure if anyone who reads this forum went to last night's open house for the separated bike lanes along Laurier but I went and have to say that overall I support the project, even though it's the bare minimum for what they should be doing for this pilot project. I'm excited that they're going to install counters along the route so people will know how many bikes have passed that day. The high point of the evening was when a woman wearing a fur coat spoke at the microphone complaining about the loss of parking for visitors to her luxury condo. In reply, someone from the audience shouted "sell your car, buy a bike, and now your visitors can park in your spot." The woman was not amused.

[reidjr]

I'm not sure if anyone who reads this forum went to last night's open house for the separated bike lanes along Laurier but I went and have to say that overall I support the project, even though it's the bare minimum for what they should be doing for this pilot project. I'm excited that they're going to install counters along the route so people will know how many bikes have passed that day. The high point of the evening was when a woman wearing a fur coat spoke at the microphone complaining about the loss of parking for visitors to her luxury condo. In reply, someone from the audience shouted "sell your car, buy a bike, and now your visitors can park in your spot." The woman was not amused.

My concern is it will not be used and people will bike on the road not useing the lane thats for them.

[adam-machiavelli]

Why do you think that will happen?

[umbria27]

Instead, they referred those parts of the proposal to staff for more study, especially awaiting the results of an initial, segregated bike lane pilot project proposed for next summer, which is already contentious with downtown businesses.

“It’s putting the cart before the horse,” Lori Mellor, executive director of the Preston Street Business Improvement Association, said of the proposal for a network of downtown bike lanes . “The pilot project should have the mandate to prove the demand, 12 months a year, for these facilities. If we can prove there are people coming on these lanes, it’s going to be a much easier sell.”

© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

Quotes like this one from the Preston Street BIA, make me worry about the future of cycling infrastructure. It's not just the usual problem of the BIA being unable to see beyond the car. It's the "12 months of a year" statement - the idea that if the lanes are underused in winter, it's not worth putting them in. It's a frequent refrain from cycling-skeptics - that Canada can't emulate Copenhagen or Amsterdam because we have heavy snow for 4 months of the year.
There's a tiny grain of truth to this premise. Many cyclists do put away their bikes in November and take them out again in April. I count myself amongst them. How do we stop this reality from undermining permanent lanes? How do we stop the skeptics putting unrealistic success criteria on the pilot lanes?

[adam-machiavelli]

I'm optimistic. I think that if people see that there is a safe space to cycle year round, they will use it.

[reidjr]

Why do you think that will happen?

I live by a long bike trail does the same route as the highway yet very few use the path.I have asked some there reason is they feel its there right to be on the road.

[Ottawan]

I live by a long bike trail does the same route as the highway yet very few use the path.I have asked some there reason is they feel its there right to be on the road.

And in these lanes they will be on the road, separated by a short barrier of protruding curb. I can't think of any cyclist in their right mind that would rather cycle on the car side rather than this segregated lane. Cyclists DO have a right to be on the road, but here using the segregated lane is their way of exercising that right. It is not at all analogous to a situation where they are being asked to take a different (often slower and less direct) route on multi-use pathways because drivers don't want to encounter them.

[Kitchissippi]

The high point of the evening was when a woman wearing a fur coat spoke at the microphone complaining about the loss of parking for visitors to her luxury condo. In reply, someone from the audience shouted "sell your car, buy a bike, and now your visitors can park in your spot." The woman was not amused.

I thought the other condo dweller woman who went on about never giving up her car and said that Laurier avenue wasn't good for bikes because it is too lifeless ("I don't even walk there") was far more more amusing to me. She illustrated one big problem with downtown Ottawa: many people that moved there years ago did not really have real urban living in their minds — they picture having a surburban existence (driving for groceries, etc) but in a central location. It explains why restaurants and shops haven't done well downtown after hours.

[umbria27]

I thought the other condo dweller woman who went on about never giving up her car and said that Laurier avenue wasn't good for bikes because it is too lifeless ("I don't even walk there") was far more more amusing to me. She illustrated one big problem with downtown Ottawa: many people that moved there years ago did not really have real urban living in their minds — they picture having a surburban existence (driving for groceries, etc) but in a central location. It explains why restaurants and shops haven't done well downtown after hours.

This is downtown Ottawa's problem in a nutshell. I wondered in another thread where these people do their grocery shopping. Your observation is accurate. They get in their cars to buy their day to day necessities.

Now the BIA is making the same noises that scared council away from Somerset.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2010/11/26/ottawa-bike-land-116.html

Frankly, I thought Somerset was a better idea, for this very reason, that it does have some street life.

It makes me wonder whether we shouldn't choose Sparks as our first segregated path. Car dependent business won't be convinced until its shown to work. On Sparks, we could bypass this objection rather than banging our head against it.

[Radster]

What are the plans for this bike lane in the winter? Will the bike lanes be maintained during the winter months, or will they be removed for the winter?

[lrt's friend]

Do we want to encourage bicycle use during winter? This is rather questionable in this climate. I have seen cyclists out in bad weather and wonder whether they are menaces on the road in those conditions.

[Kitchissippi]

This segregated bike lane is supposed to be maintained through next winter if it gets built this spring. There will be a maximum of 2 years for this pilot project, if it is not successful it gets dismantled.

I biked all last winter, and with studded tires even the icy days were not too bad. Segregated ( or "buffered"/"protected" as some people prefer) bike lanes should make it much safer. In bad weather, even cars are a menace to each other, but in 90% of the winter days, especially if road clearing is done properly, there really is no issue with cycling.

[acottawa]

This is downtown Ottawa's problem in a nutshell. I wondered in another thread where these people do their grocery shopping. Your observation is accurate. They get in their cars to buy their day to day necessities.

There's a chicken and egg issue here: centretown stores keep dentists' hours, so unless you need something at a Shoppers or want to pay a large markup at Hartman's then there aren't a whole lot of necessities actually available for residents.

On an unrelated point, I wonder why Gloucester wasn't considered for this pilot project - it has lights all the way across and the street is wide enough to add the bike section without removing lanes and freaking everyone out.

[Kitchissippi]

On an unrelated point, I wonder why Gloucester wasn't considered for this pilot project - it has lights all the way across and the street is wide enough to add the bike section without removing lanes and freaking everyone out.

Practically all the east-west streets were considered, and narrowed down until the final choice turned out to be Laurier. The bike lanes across Laurier bridge played a big role. Somerset had good connections, but overall Laurier is relatively flat for its entire length. The big downside of the choice is the westward connection, which could be mitigated if the facility becomes permanent.

It is also important that the pilot project be on a prominent, visible street, and potentially demonstrate how buffered bike lanes can be transformative and increase pedestrian appeal. Two years is too short to expect Laurier to sprout sidewalk cafes and more retail, but maybe it will encourage some street vendors to start the trend.

[TransitZilla]

Article on the Hunt Club - South Keys pedestrian bridge:

http://www.yourottawaregion.com/news/article/915725--new-pedestrian-bridge-to-offer-safe-stylish-crossing-at-airport-parkway

Image:
http://media.mmgcommunity.topscms.com/images/33/36/4629398345d2b2234ef6515a0d3f.jpeg

There don't seem to be any images or display boards on ottawa.ca yet, but this looks like it's going to be pretty cool...

[waterloowarrior]

Laurier segregated bike lane staff report
http://ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/trc/2011/02-02/1%20-%20ACS2011-ICS-PGM-0031%20Segregated%20Bike%20Lane.htm

[waterloowarrior]

1. EAST-WEST SEGREGATED BIKE LANE PILOT PROJECT
PROJET PILOTE DE VOIE CYCLABLE SÉPARÉE EST-OUEST AU CENTRE-VILLE
ACS2011-ICS-PGM-0031 SOMERSET (14)


That, subject to funding approval in the 2011 Budget, Transportation Committee recommend that Council:

1. Approve the implementation of an East-West Segregated Bike Lane Pilot Project on Laurier Avenue West as described in this report and shown in Documents 1 and 2;

2. Direct staff to amend the Traffic and Parking Bylaw in conjunction with the implementation of the proposed changes to the stopping, parking and loading areas within the study area;

3. Direct staff to undertake performance monitoring as part of the pilot project, including a Traffic Impact Assessment Report, and to report these findings back to Transportation Committee within 24 months after the pilot has been implemented;

4. Direct staff to pursue a multi-use pathway for public use through the development application process at 422 Slater Street as indicated in the City of Ottawa Escarpment District Plan and shown in Document 1; and

5. Delegate authority to the Manager, Roads and Traffic Operations and Maintenance of the Public Works Department to allow the closure of the bike lanes if conditions are unsafe (i.e. black ice).

6. Whereas some business and hotels have raised concerns with respect to the roadway design and access to their businesses;

Therefore Be It Resolved that City of Ottawa staff consult with businesses as required during the detailed design phase of the SBL project with a goal to resolve individual concerns related to the roadway design and access to commercial buildings.

CARRIED, as amended

[McC]

Council approves Laurier bike lane from Bronson to Elgin
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
By Joanne Chianello, Ottawa Citizen
The Ottawa Citizen
OTTAWA — City council Wednesday approved a pilot project to install segregated bike lanes along both sides of Laurier Avenue from Elgin Street to Bronson Avenue.

The two-year pilot is expected to cost $1.3 million and could be ready to use by the end of this summer.

Council has been discussing the possibility of the segregated lanes that would, in theory, make it easier for most cyclists to cross the downtown core from east to west. Wednesday’s council decision makes Ottawa the first large municipality in Ontario to try out the segregated lanes that will separate cyclists from the rest of traffic with physical barriers.

But not everyone is in favour of the lanes. Councillors Stephen Blais and Allan Hubley dissented from the decision. And many residents and business owners with property along Laurier Avenue have been speaking out against the lanes.

Residents who live in condominiums on Laurier Avenue West, between Bay Street and Bronson Avenue, are very upset because the bike lanes will be displacing on-street parking on Laurier. The condo owners worry that elderly guests or caregivers who have to carry heavy equipment will have trouble finding parking and will have too far to walk if they do.

Several hotel managers had also argued that segregated bike lanes would create traffic problems and make it difficult for their guests to get in and out of their underground parking garages.

But Mayor Jim Watson said Wednesday that the city would never be able to find the “perfect” street for segregated bike lanes that wouldn’t inconvenience someone and he urged his council colleagues to support the plan.

[waterloowarrior]

NCC peddles new bike lane for Wellington St.
Friday, 18 February 2011
By Polly Leger
http://centretownnewsonline.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2164&Itemid=127
Views : 398
Favoured : None
Published in : Centretown News, Front Page

A National Capital Commission pilot project will see a segregated bike lane on Wellington Street as early as this summer, Centretown News has learned.

The NCC plan follows the city’s recent approval of a highly controversial segregated lane for cyclists along Laurier Avenue, which was strenuously opposed by the Bank Street Promenade BIA before it was given a green light earlier this month.

The NCC’s planned Wellington Street route for its segregated lane stretches from Bay Street to the Portage Bridge. The protected lane is to run westbound along Wellington Street, with a non-segregated, eastbound lane marked in paint on the southside of the street.

NCC spokeswoman Jasmine Leduc called the northside route a “temporary segregated bike lane” that will be closely studied before officials determine whether it will become a permanent part of the downtown streetscape – and possibly whether it would be extended further east along Wellington.

“The rest of Wellington will be part of the study, and only after the conclusion of the study will plans be made jointly between the city and the NCC for the type of cycling infrastructure that will be appropriate for Wellington Street,” she said in an email.

Robin Bennett, co-ordinator of cycling facilities for the city, says the NCC is “increasingly focused” on road cycling, and not just along multi-use recreational pathways.

Leduc says the federal agency has joined forces with city officials in Ottawa and Gatineau to upgrade cycling infrastructure.

She says the agency’s key aim is to improve the “cycling experience” for commuters.

Segregated lanes, touted by cycling advocates as more rider-friendly because they used barriers to physically separate cyclists from cars, are often more costly and controversial than simple painted lanes.

Plans for the segregated bike lane on Laurier Avenue turned into a heated debate between cycling advocates and critics, including Bank Street Promenade executive director Gerry LePage, who raised concerns about cyclist safety, parking problems and increased traffic congestion under the plan.

However, Robert Dekker of the Centretown Citizens Community Association says the Wellington project should roll forward without contention.

“Based on the designs, I do not expect any outrage on the project,” he says. Dekker has met with the federal agency and says the project will be a “great resource for commuters and tourists alike.”

According to Dekker, the Wellington Street project was initiated in response to a wave of requests from cyclists for a safer route along the Ottawa River Parkway.

The long-missing link to the Portage Bridge will mean cyclists using other NCC pathways will no longer have to risk darting out into traffic to reach the bridge.

The city is slowly shifting gears towards becoming a more bike-friendly capital, and joint projects with the NCC are part of that roadmap. According to the city’s 2008 cycling plan, available online, the city still has another 20 years before its cycling infrastructure will be completed.

Bennett explains that although there are hundreds of bike lanes in the works, action depends heavily on the schedules of other infrastructure projects – including sewer upgrades and road widenings.

Due to the sporadic nature of plans to implement cycling infrastructure, community associations often have a slew of bike-related projects up their sleeves.

Dalhousie Community Association president Eric Darwin says his group is ready with proposals as soon as an opportunity arises.

“You have to be prepared, It’s like having a shopping list, even if you have no money.”

Currently, the DCA is proposing an upgrade to the Percy Street bike lane, making it bi-directional.

Much like the plan for Laurier Avenue, the segregated lane on Wellington Street will be maintained for 12 months before a final verdict is reached on whether it would become permanent.

Last update : 18-02-2011 07:21

[Dado]

I wonder when the NCC will remove the requirement for pathway users to stop at NCC-owned driveways to picnic sites, lookouts, beaches, etc., and switch it so that cars on the driveways have to yield to pathway users?

[McC]

This is great news, it's about damn time that the NCC look at how cyclists get from the Ottawa River Pathway into the centre of the City. I hope it's a typo that the eastbound lane only goes to Bay (a one-way northbound street) it should go to Lyon!

[rodionx]

This is great news, it's about damn time that the NCC look at how cyclists get from the Ottawa River Pathway into the centre of the City. I hope it's a typo that the eastbound lane only goes to Bay (a one-way northbound street) it should go to Lyon!

I had the exact same thought. We need an eastbound segregated lane along Wellington to Lyon, then up Lyon to Queen. That has always been the worst part of my bike commute, and it seems to be the last place anyone wants to put a bike lane.

A westbound lane on Wellington would be nice but not necessary, and may tempt a lot of wrong-way bikers trying to get east to downtown. Even now, bike salmon are an issue when you're heading north onto the Portage Bridge.

[McC]

bike salmon???
Ha! never heard that before, but I love it! (begs the question of who or what are the bears, though)

[rakerman]

I had the exact same thought. We need an eastbound segregated lane along Wellington to Lyon, then up Lyon to Queen. That has always been the worst part of my bike commute, and it seems to be the last place anyone wants to put a bike lane.

A westbound lane on Wellington would be nice but not necessary, and may tempt a lot of wrong-way bikers trying to get east to downtown. Even now, bike salmon are an issue when you're heading north onto the Portage Bridge.

err while I realise it's not segregated, there is http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/onthemove/travelwise/cycling/newsletter_en.html

The City has opened its newest bike lane, stretching 1.5km along Lyon Street from Wellington Street to Arlington Street. This facility includes a section with sharrows (see article on sharrows below) from Wellington Street to Queen Street - after which a dedicated bike lane of 1.5m width is provided to Arlington Street. Cyclists will appreciate the newly paved surface, and the gentle downhill slope!

For the section of Lyon Street between Wellington Street and Sparks Street, the centreline was adjusted slightly to provide more room for cyclists riding beside the curb. Sharrows have been added to guide cyclists and to encourage drivers to look out for cyclists and leave space where practical. Please note that sharrows do not imply exclusive use by cyclists (as a reserved bike lane would). Further along Lyon Street, sharrows are used to provide a ‘track’ to guide cyclists to the outside of the right-turn lane at Albert Street.

and even a specific city email address for the bike lane: lyonstreetbikelane@ottawa.ca

[rodionx]

err while I realise it's not segregated, there is http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/onthemove/travelwise/cycling/newsletter_en.html

and even a specific city email address for the bike lane: lyonstreetbikelane@ottawa.ca

Oh, Robin the feedback guy has heard from me. :) Diane Holmes actually came to my door personally to request feedback on the Lyon street lane before the city put it in. I must have made their consultation list due to my frequent whining.

Anyway, that lane is fine, but it only starts at Lyon and Queen. North of Queen there's nothing but some sharrows, and on Wellington, there's nothing at all. This year, I might just cut through the Garden of the Provinces and then head down Sparks to avoid the whole situation.

The "bike salmon" phrase comes from this cycling blog in New York (http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2009/05/smoked-salmon-lock-your-bike-dont-lox.html)... I thought it was hilarious too.

[McC]

Oh, Robin the feedback guy has heard from me. :) Diane Holmes actually came to my door personally to request feedback on the Lyon street lane before the city put it in. I must have made their consultation list due to my frequent whining.

Anyway, that lane is fine, but it only starts at Lyon and Queen. North of Queen there's nothing but some sharrows, and on Wellington, there's nothing at all. This year, I might just cut through the Garden of the Provinces and then head down Sparks to avoid the whole situation.

The "bike salmon" phrase comes from this cycling blog in New York (http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2009/05/smoked-salmon-lock-your-bike-dont-lox.html)... I thought it was hilarious too.
I usually cut through the Garden of the Provinces; only downsides to that route are that the NCC closes it for a good chunk of the year (there's usually a pretty big gap between then end of snow and when they take down the chain link blocking the ramps), and whenever there is any work being done in the area, they have a tendency to park their trucks to block the lower ramp.

[Radster]

http://www.bixi.com/news/full/gatineau-ottawa/

Also, City of Ottawa is considering a tunnel under Somerset, though I am having trouble seeing where exactly this tunnel would be...
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/story/2011/03/31/ott-bike-sharing958.html

[Dr.Z]

I'm wondering if you believe most cyclists in Ottawa have a 'beater-bike' that they would use to commute (and lock-up) or if not, whether bike lockers rather than the visible bike racks at major destinations (brt stations, office plazas, etc) would increase the attractiveness for people to commute with their bikes?

[DarkArconio]

From what I understand it would pass underneath somerset, parallel to the o train tracks, on the east side. The corridor for the future MUP there is basically totally free of other obstacles, cutting brush and laying pavement should be the only major expenses after the tunnel is built. I assume there would be bike access to somerset itself from the path?

[waterloowarrior]

NCC's proposed rules on electric bicycles

http://canadascapital.gc.ca/bins/ncc_web_content_page.asp?cid=16302-22556-30925-136764&lang=1&bhcp=1

Power-assisted bicycles: Description

A power-assisted bicycle is equipped with an electric motor whose power output does not exceed 500 watts and which is incapable of providing further assistance once the bicycle attains a speed of 32 km/h on level ground. Definitions for power-assisted bicycles are provided in regulations published by the federal government and by the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Electric bikes can be similar to conventional bicycles, scooters or motorcycles.

Proposed rules

For the Capital Pathway network
Electric-powered vehicles are prohibited on pathways. Power-assisted bicycles that are physically similar to conventional bicycles are allowed.

For bike lanes
Electric-powered vehicles are prohibited in bike lanes. Power-assisted bicycles (of any type) are allowed.

For Sunday Bikedays and Saturday Short Loops programs
Electric-powered vehicles are prohibited on parkways closed to motor vehicles for the Sunday Bikedays and Saturday Short Loops programs. Power-assisted bicycles that are physically similar to conventional bicycles are allowed.

For the multi-use trails in Gatineau Park
Electric-powered vehicles are prohibited on natural surface trails intended for hiking and mountain biking.

Exceptions
These rules do not apply to motorized mobility aids (wheelchairs, three-wheel electric scooters and four-wheel electric scooters).

[Admiral Nelson]

The permanent BIXI program was unveiled yesterday. It's looking good! The bikes themselves are distinctive, certainly much nicer than the dull grey of 2009's pilot program.

http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/8998/moto0189b.jpg

[OttawaSteve]

Via a David Reevely tweet (http://twitter.com/#!/davidreevely), an animated map showing Ottawa bixi bike usage patterns over time:

http://oobrien.com/vis/bikes/timeline.php?city=ottawa

(click "Start Animation" in the lower right corner).

Montreal's map is a bit more lively:

http://oobrien.com/vis/bikes/timeline.php?city=montreal

[bikegypsy]

Why oh why do we have to get our red and white (again) with those horrible logos with the maple leaf? When are we going to stop being a huge flag?:slob:

Anyways... the Paris map is really impressive. I'm surprised how little there is in places such as Chicago. Rio and Rome.

[Radster]

I forgot about the bike lane project on Laurier, so I searched for news today, and was happy to read that construction is well underway, and all seems on track for the August launch date!
NCC, or the City, should perhaps pony up a bit more cash to get a few more BIXI stations and bikes purchased, to be placed on Laurier....between U of Ottawa and Elgin.

[Admiral Nelson]

Why oh why do we have to get our red and white (again) with those horrible logos with the maple leaf? When are we going to stop being a huge flag?:slob:

I think it's cheerful :D

[Dado]

Not exactly well publicised, but Mikael Colville-Andersen of Copenhagenize was in town today. He delivered a presentation, mainly on the cultural and marketing of urban cycling rather than a more technical presentation on cycling infrastructure. There was quite a bit of a discussion about helmets. Councillor Chernuschenko was there as well.

[waterloowarrior]

segregated lane opens officially on Sunday at 1 pm
http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/public_consult/bikelane/index_en.html
The City has an updated website with a video, brochure, and other info.. There's also bike counter data which is pretty neat

[Ottawan]

I rode down it this morning, after it had been opened to traffic, but before the official opening ceremony. It was a really nice ride - while I did already bike downtown, I've never felt this safe while doing it. The biggest problem was contending with the other cyclists (the lane is so new that people haven't quite worked out how to be courteous in passing & waiting at intersections). It's a real shame that the city will not install more segregated lanes before the pilot project ends in two years.