Quote:
Originally Posted by Kitchissippi
I think the standard for 80 km/h arterial roads should be bike lanes PLUS a multi use pathway beside it. I used the bike lanes on Innes a lot when I lived in Orleans and there were lots of other commuters who do. It would benefit a lot from a pathway on the north side though, from Blackburn Hamlet to Blair. (The NCC is working on a meandering gravel path along Green's Creek but it won't be great for commuters). Conroy Road between Hunt Club and Walkley has this configuration.
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Terry Fox is also like that in some places, but it has the problems of poor intersection design, a narrow width, random pathway ending at sidewalks, and a somewhat windy route. Trying to make turns on these paths can be awkward. Woodroffe between Sportsplex and Fallowfield also has a pathway and bike lanes (much better implementation than TF), but it also has the issue of
randomly ending into the crosswalk of a major intersection. Conroy looks like a better implementation, but IMO if the pathways are properly designed (straighter, wider, better intersections/signalling etc) they can accommodate both the recreational and commuter cyclists. Proper facilities can reduce some of the redundant suburban pedestrian/cyclist infrastructure (where we build bike lanes but people stick to the sidewalk) and attract more people who just don't feel safe right now on Ottawa roads.
It doesn't have to be that fancy, but the thinking has to be consistency, clear direction/signage/priority, directness, a good surface, and safety... here's a
quick example I found. It isn't that much of a difference from some of the facilities we are already building, but there is just more clarity, consistency, and better connectivity (and it's actually useful for non-recreational cyclists). I feel it's less redundant and people will feel safer using it. I noticed at the latest Canadian transportation conference there were several sessions on cycling infrastructure design--- maybe we will see changes in laws, pavement markings, signage etc to improve these types of facilities.
edit: speaking of Innes, here's another
bad bike lane ..