After nearly three years of work, the bicycle friendly master plan committeehas offered their final recommendations to city council.
At last week’s meeting, city council voted to receive the report and referred it back to the public works subcommittee for consideration.
Committee chair John Cowling said it is important to realize cycling is more than just a form of exercise or a form of transportation – that it is both.
“It is as important as any other recreational activity in this city and deserves to have resources dedicated to it accordingly,” he said, adding cycling will play an increasingly important role in society as the cost of oil continues to rise.
Among the many suggestions in the report, eight primary recommendations were put forward by the committee, including recommending the city move forward with a trail master plan to complement the recreation master plan.
The mixed-use trails could accommodate runners, walkers and cyclists and would be wide enough to allow those on bikes to safely pass pedestrians. The trails could be used by inline skaters in sections where asphalt can be installed.
The bicyle committee would also like council to request funding be set aside in next year’s budget to complete a mixed-use trail project on the south side of McCarthy Road, at an estimated cost of
continued on page 2 $140,000.
The report also recommends the engineering department change city standards regarding required road width and right-of-way standards to active transportation lanes. As well, it is recommended the planning department begin changing required development standards and specifications to accommodate bicycles wherever possible. For example, all new residential developments would have to provide for on-road bicycle lanes.
It has also been suggested all new commercial developments be required to offer an adequate place to lock-up bicycles.
The report recommends the city create an ongoing budget item for active transport infrastructure and services not currently included in the budget process. They have also recommended an active transportation standing committee be created to oversee the implementation of the bicycle-friendly master plan, trails master plan and to guide future changes.
The standing committee would not be a city committee, which would allow it to partner with non-profit organizations and service clubs to apply for grants. However, it is recommended the city provide a liaison to council and to police services and provide meeting space.
“This model has been pursued by other cities,” said Cowling, noting it has been successful.
The report will be examined by the public works subcommittee.