Velo Ontario’s Ontario Bicycling Route

Development of Regional Cycling NetworksDiscussion Panel

Pro-Walk/Pro-Bike Conference, Victoria, British Columbia

September, 7-10, 2004

Presenter: David Hunt, President Velo Ontario

Alternates: Norma Moores, John van der Mark

Contents

Velo Ontario

Ontario Bicycling Route

Project Rationale

Background and Approach

Activities Completed

Next Steps

Conclusion

Velo Ontario

A new voice for Ontario cyclists

Volunteer, non-profit organization

Advocating more and better cycling

Objectives:• Advocacy and lobbying• Promoting cycling education • Monitor policies and practices of government• Forum for communication and discussion• Promote cycling programs, facilities and benefits

Velo Ontario

Nine member Board

About 100 members

Key Projects:– OBR

– safe cycling improvements

– advocacy

– partnerships

– award recognition

– administration

Ontario Bicycling RouteA vision to implement an on-road cycling network across Ontario, connecting all regions, many municipalities and key points of interest

Ontario Bicycling Route

OBR Layering/Phasing - Draft

Project Rationale

– Fills cycling route gap– Encourages local cycling connections – Focus for route preservation/improvement– Interconnects with trails– Benefits safety, economy, environment, health– Supports provincial policies – Follows successful models elsewhere

Background/Approach

Initiated by Ontario Cycling Association– Route Selection Criteria– Compendium Report & Working Map– Initial Contacts

Supported by Velo Ontario in 2001– project manager – formed project teams, – work plans

Route Selection Criteria

Avoid high traffic and truck volumesOn road networkDirect as possibleAll regions connectedViable trans-provincial routesAccess:

• major geographic features • key parks• major urban centres • international boundaries

OBR on the Back Roads of Niagara

Route Selection CriteriaAvoid high traffic and truck volumesOn road networkDirect as possibleAll regions connectedViable trans-provincial routesAccess:

• major geographic features • key parks• major urban centres • international boundaries

OBR in the Niagara Peninsula

Niagara Parkway & Niagara River Recreation Trail

Niagara River at Queenston

Velo-Ontario Work Group - Provincial Cycling Route Network - Schedule

Step/Activities2001 2002

Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May

Management &Co-ordination

Network Verification

Mapping

Bicycle FacilityGuidelines

Signage & Name

Network Recognition& Support

Implementation &Finance

Monitor Progress

General Meetings M M M M

Velo Ontario OBR Work Group - Activity Schedule

Activities Completed– 7,500 km on-road network mapped– verification with 400 contacts– New name – Network maps – Web site www.veloontario.ca– Bicycle design guidelines – OBR route signs designed– Project profiled e.g. Toronto Bike Show

Issues

• Vast majority of respondents positive

• Municipal (4)– Safety on busy roads– Costs to pave shoulders– Low demand for cycling route facilities– Questioned benefits

• Cycling Tour Operator (1)– gettoization of cyclists on designated routes

OBR Route Sign Design

Next StepsPhase I: Marketing/Funding Package– Develop in winter 2004/05– Target road stakeholders – Other agencies

Phase II: Re-contact Stakeholders – Spring 2005– Updated information package – Request support

Next Steps

Phase III: Focus on Lake Erie– Windsor to Fort Erie (500 km)

– Higher demand and manageable route

– Great Connections

– Special effort to involve municipalities

Next Steps

Phase IV: Lake Erie Tour– Bicycle tour 2005– Promotional effort– Increase route knowledge (i.e. road test)– Build momentum for OBR

Conclusion

• Long term project

• Recognition and approvals required

• Financial and resource issues

• Dedicated Velo Ontario membership,work groups, and partners