Local Cycling News - July 13, 2009
Hello Fellow Cyclists & Supporters:
It's time for us to give you an update.
As most of you already know, we focus most of our efforts on the posting of Share the Road (STR) signs to raise the awareness of motorists about the likelihood of cyclists using the roads and on promoting the "lining" of existing roads with sufficient width to create a paved shoulder as an easy remedial and cost efficient way to make what's "already there" more "bike friendly".
As far as signage goes, we can report that STR signs have been installed on all roads managed by the County which are part of the Essex County Bike Route. We will send you another email with a copy of the most recent EC Bike Route Map attached. On that map the portions of the route highlighted in yellow are now signed. The portions that are not shown in yellow at present are local Municipal roads and we now intend to encourage them to complete the signs on their roads so as to close the gaps in the route. Although not shown in yellow on the Map, we can tell you that Leamington & Kingsville have already posted STR signs along most of the Bikeway route within their urban areas. We think that Tecumseh has added some STR signage as well.
About lining. In our Fall 2008 report we had told you that we are advocating for the County to paint a line along both sides of Seacliff Drive between Ruthven and Leamington in 2009 to create a paved shoulder, creating the visual cue to better channel the motorized and non-motorized traffic. Some of you will remember that in 2005 the Share the Road effort started with an awareness ride along this section of road which is undoubtedly one of the most heavily biked (and least cycling friendly) roads in the County. We understand that the County's plan for reconstructing roads unfolds over a multiple year horizon and Seacliff Drive is not scheduled for rehabilitation for many years. However, we recognize that the special user characteristics of this road make it a route that should be made safer for cycling now. Many migrant workers have no choice but to use this route for commuting to and from work and Town by bike and, while the posting of Share the Road signs has made a difference to the awareness of motorists, we have still heard numerous stories of "too close" calls between drivers and cyclists along that route.
We are now very happy to be able to report to you that, thanks again to the actions of County Roads Engineer, this section of road has just been lined to create some paved shoulder! We will send you a separate email with a photo of this newly lined section of road. Although admittedly not a perfect cycling facility, we recognize that due to the current narrowness of this section of road, the shoulder couldn't be made any wider; the main thing is that it's now safer than it was. Safer = better. The lining will provide some traffic calming, move the motorized traffic inwards and provide a safer place to ride. The finished product leaves about 12 inches from the edge of the line to the face of the gutter pan. Because the curbs are mountable (flat type) there is no risk of pedal strike when riding near the edge. Still, this road is not suitable for all cyclists such as young children and/or inexperienced riders; however, it's now a lot safer for commuters and recreational riders. We've already received positive feedback from a number of you who've ridden on this section since it's been lined. Thanks for your positive feedback!
We are still advocating that the section of CR20 between Ruthven and Kingsville should be widened with a standard size paved shoulder. We can tell you that this proposal has now been incorporated into Kingsville's draft Transportation Master Plan and we are hopeful that it will approved.
Malden Road
Last October were we invited to provide input into the improvement of Malden Road between Todd Lane and Megan Drive. We submitted our input and are happy to have heard from them that several suggestions including STR signage and safe space for on-road cyclists are being incorporated in this project. Kudos to LaSalle!
Manning Road
We have spoken with the County Engineer and can report that there will be a cycling component designed into the improvement of Manning Road that will include some safe space for on-road cycling.
ERCA
We read the Windsor Star article dated June 26/09 entitled "Trail system called a vital resource worth improving" and understand from the article that ERCA is intending to develop a plan for connecting and extending existing trails and bike lanes between municipalities.
Although trails are not part of our Share the Road effort, we believe that a comprehensive cycling network would identify both the preferred on-road routes as well as the off-road (paved and unpaved) trails.
We've written to ERCA to suggest that we should somehow collaborate our efforts to develop a continuous on-road County Bikeway with their effort to develop an off-road trail system so that both will ultimately dovetail into one master cycling network. No word back from them yet.
Village of Wheatley
Chatham-Kent is moving ahead on its commitment to make its urban areas more bike friendly. This month, there are consultations scheduled to get public comment on routes and facilities. Our Essex County Bikeway does include one connector road through Chatham-Kent (ie Erie Street in Wheatley) and that connector road IS included on the CK Bikeway map. We have written to the Chatham Kent Active Communities Steering Committee (an excerpt from our message follows). We have also provided the Committee with a copy of the Essex County Bikeway map. You can see the C-K County bike cycling initiative plans at and link into their proposed Bike Route network through this link.
Town of Kingsville
This summer, Kingsville is completing the lining & signing of almost all of the roads on the Kingsville Bike Routes Map and a brochure showing a map of these routes (for Kingsville, Ruthven & Cottam) is being produced for general distribution in 2009. These routes will soon be found on the Town's website: www.town.kingsville.on.ca Kingsville is also on the route to be used by the bearers of the Olympic Torch this fall. When they enter Kingsville, they will be welcomed by a new entry sign: "Welcome to Kingsville: a Bike & Pedestrian Friendly Community!"
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Your comments, suggestions and continued support are always appreciated.
Ride Safely!
Tom & Sue Omstead email
for Share the Road (advocating for safer roads for cycling)
We represent a grassroots group called "Share the Road - Essex County." We have the support of more than 1,400 members of the local cycling community and, by way of periodic emails, we keep many of our supporters informed about the progress be made within the Region towards making the roads safer for cycling. If you have just received a message from us for the first time, it is because we thought that you would support our efforts. If you wish to be taken off this email list, please send us a quick note to let us know. If you know of anyone else who may be interested to be added to our email list, please have them send us an email to let us know. Thank you.
Local Cycling News - November 25, 2008
From the desk of Tom and Sue Omstead. email
Hello Fellow Cyclists & Supporters:
It's time for us to give you our annual update of the status of improvements in our local area to make roads safer for cyclists.
But first we would like to talk about terminology. Often we refer to the words "exclusive bike lanes", "lining & signing", "mapping" and "mountable curbs". A picture is worth a thousand words (see attached).
"Exclusive bike lanes" refers to a lane painted and signed on a roadway that is for the exclusive use of cyclists; normally, bike symbols and directional chevrons are painted in the lane and signs indicate that the lane is to be used exclusively by bikes. MTO standards require that exclusive bike lanes must be at least 1.2 metres wide; often this requires widening the existing pavement surface which can cost about $50,000 per km.
"Lining" means painting a white stripe on a road (as shown on the attached photo) some distance inwards from the existing pavement edge to create a paved space to the right of the traffic lane. Consideration can be given to lining roads that are greater than or equal to 7.3m (24 ft) wide, using 6.1m (20 ft) for the motorized traffic lanes and 0.61m (2 ft) on each side for the paved "shoulders". Lining both sides typically costs about $2,000 per km. Paved shoulders are not the same as exclusive bike lanes.
Signage and paved shoulders combine the "safer space" advantages of exclusive on-road bike lanes and are consistent with the Ontario Highway Traffic Act by recognizing that bicycles are still vehicles and allowed to use the road. Often, exclusive bike lanes confuse some motorists to think that cyclists are not allowed to use the road. Paved shoulders differ from exclusive on-road bike lanes in signage & paint and they do not direct cyclists to their use in all circumstances. Both serve as a visual cue to channel the motorized and cycling traffic on the road. Most experienced cyclists prefer Share the Road signage & paved shoulders over exclusive on-road bike lanes as they provide cyclists with some safer space without taking away their flexibility to maneuver and make decisions regarding the whereabouts of the safest and most visible place to be on a road. For example, when traffic volumes are heavy in two opposing directions, most experienced cyclists will perceive that it is safer to ride on a paved shoulder. When the traffic volumes are light, most experienced cyclists will perceive it to be safer to ride immediately left of a painted edgeline to ensure maximum visibility, especially when approaching an intersection blocked by a visual obstruction (such as a driveway hedge) or in order to avoid road damage, grates, high curbs or road wash debris that often accumulates along a road's edge.
While we recognize the need for exclusive bike lanes in certain limited situations, for most of the County and municipal roads, we are promoting "lining" existing roads to create a paved shoulder as an easy remedial and cost efficient way to make what's already there more "bike friendly".
"Signage" to us means installing the Share the Road signage. A sign costs about $200 each including installation labour, sign and post.
"Mapping" bike routes. While we are in favour of lining & signing every road, we also realize that this is probably not going to happen any time soon. Instead, we have offered our assistance to local communities to help identify key cycling routes (between & within communities and their schools, shops, parks and public places) so that they can focus their efforts most effectively.
"Mountable curbs" are the flat type of curb versus "barrier curbs" that are raised to create a ledge at a road's edge. Although barrier curbs tend to be in fashion today, we promote "mountable curbs" as the preferred facility for cyclists because they don't trap as much debris on the road's edge, there's no pedal-strike risk and they can be ridden upon if necessary. (again see attached photo)
If we've piqued your interest and you'd like to know more, just send us an email and we can forward to you the Draft Design Guidelines for Bikeways that we prepared for Kingsville's Active Transportation Committee; we reviewed and compiled the best practices from many Ontario municipal Active Transportation plans to draft these guidelines.
Now for the status report.
During the last 12 months we have been providing our user input on behalf of cyclists to the County, Leamington, Tecumseh and Lasalle. We are also very actively involved with Kingsville's newly formed Active Transportation Committee. Our efforts with the County and Kingsville's AT Committee work presently takes up the majority of our time. If your community has done something noteworthy in the last 12 months that you want us to report, please send us the details.
County of EssexAs you know, our efforts have been directed mainly to the County of Essex in an effort to establish a bike-friendly route circling and crisscrossing the County. We are happy to report that all the roads on our CountyWide Bikeway Map have now been signed by the County with Share the Road signs. We encourage all riders to ride sections of the County Wide Bikeway as it's a very scenic and enjoyable route that will take you by some of the most interesting places around the area. If you want a copy of the Bikeway Map, please let us know and we will email one to you.
Town of Leamington
John Tofflemire, Director of Community Services, tells us that they made more progress ‘on the street’ in 2008 as follows:
They completed the installation of Share the Road signs throughout the urban area to tie in with the County Program;
Erie St North was completed with on road exclusive bike lanes from Wilkinson Drive to Hwy 3;
Their liaison with MTO on the Hwy 77 reconstruction has resulted in paved shoulders as part of the new highway as far north as Blytheswood, construction to commence shortly;
The centre left turn lanes on Oak Street East were revised (narrowed) to create wider traffic lanes for safer cycling on Oak Street; and,
Numerous bike racks have been installed on the sidewalks uptown.
Leamington is now in "automatic" mode as we feel that John Tofflemire has proven to be proactive and able to identify and act towards making the roads safer for cycling there. For our part, we only contact John on an occasional basis to learn what's going on and to discuss and suggest ways on how the Leamington plans can be linked and made consistent with the County's. We award Leamington high marks for becoming a more "bike friendly" place.
Town of Kingsville
The Town Council and Administration are in full support of making the Town more pedestrian and cycling friendly to enhance the desirability of the Town as a place to live and visit. In 2008, the Town approved a map of Kingsville's Bike Routes, showing the roads which are logically used by recreational cyclists as connectors to the Essex County Bikeway, or by tourists, or by Kingsville residents to ride to school, downtown or recreation facilities. Certain of these roads were chosen for lining and signing in 2008 and the work on those roads was completed as planned. In addition, the Town approved the Draft Design Guidelines for Bikeways, giving a blueprint of plans for encouraging cycling in the Town and improving cycling facilities, including describing different types of facilities, identifying criteria for choosing between different types, describing ways of promoting and educating re cycling and cycling safety. Finally, the Town has hired a consultant to develop a formal Active Transportation Master Plan; we expect to be closely involved with the development of that Plan. So kudos to Kingsville for a good solid start!
Town of Tecumseh
Dec 07 Dean Morais acted on behalf of area cyclists by making a presentation to the Tecumseh Town Council and we were there to support him. Dean asked Council to postpone the reconstruction of Brighton road until council has a report from the consultants of the future Transportation Master Plan, in hope that they would agree that Brighton Road would be the ideal place to install bike lanes. Before Dec 07 the Environmental Assessment ("EA")had already been passed for Brighton Road and did not include exclusive bike lanes on the road (once the EA is complete, it is more difficult to make changes to the plan). Lesson learned for cyclists and supporters of cycling safety: if you are aware of an Environmental Assessment in process for a road which should be made more bike friendly, make your opinion known in the EA process.
Dean's request was apparently turned down on the basis that there wasn't enough room for exclusive bike lanes within the road allowance. To remediate this situation, the Town decided to paint bike sillhouettes and directional chevrons on the right side of the road and to post Share the Road signs. In our opinion, the proper remedial solution would have been to paint an edgeline, creating a paved space for cyclists on both sides of the road; we think there is sufficient existing road width to do this and create the channeling effect and safe space that we described above. We have advised the Town of our suggestion and they are currently considering it.
City of Windsor
Please see link below.
Alan Halberstadt Blog on Riverside Vista Improvement Project
Local Cycling News 2007
From Tom and Sue Omstead
Hello Fellow Cyclists & Supporters:
It's time for us to give you our annual update of the status of improvements in our local area to make roads safer for cyclists.
But first: It's spring and time to get out on your bikes!! A group of local cyclists is organizing the First Annual Amherstburg Kids Cancer Ride in Amherstburg on May 17. This will be a fun event, suitable for all riders from beginner to expert. 100% of proceeds will go to Coast to Coast Against Cancer, an organization funding programs for Kids with Cancer. See more details on the website:
http://www.aburgkidscancerride.com/Home.htm
Note the local group wanted to do something after being inspired by local cyclist, Dave Punga, who is riding in the National Coast to Coast ride from Vancouver to Halifax in June.
Now for the status report:
County of Essex
As you know, our efforts have been directed mainly to the County of Essex in an effort to establish a bike-friendly route circling and crisscrossing the County.
We are happy to report that, by end of summer 2008, all the roads on our CountyWide Bikeway Map will be signed by the County with Share the Road signs. This means that since our inception three years ago, we have helped to bring about the signing hundreds of kilometres of roads throughout our region. This is the first step in creating the necessary awareness for motorists and cyclists and making some of our County roads safer for cycling. Many of you have commented that you have felt that this message is making a positive difference in the way most motorists respond to our presence on the roads.
We have noticed this growing change of attitude ourselves. We encourage all riders to ride sections of the County Wide Bikeway as it's a very scenic and enjoyable route that will take you by some of the most interesting places around the area. If you want a copy of the Bikeway Map, please let us click on the link below;
Cycling Map of County of EssexOther matters:
The Sturgeon Creek bridge enroute to Point Pelee is now being rebuilt and will include wider paved shoulders to accommodate cyclists.
The County of Essex has included funds in their budget for a non-motorized transportation study for the County which is a necessary step for them to move forward on making cycling an integral part of their road plans.
Town of Leamington
Erie Street N. (Hwy 77) between Wilkinson Drive and the Bypass is currently being improved and will include onroad bike lanes.
Share the Road signage was installed last year at the County Limit (C/L) entry points into the Town of Leamington: eastwards on County Road (CR) 34, eastwards on CR 20 (Seacliffe Drive), southwards on Hwy. 77, westwards on CR 20 as well as inwards at each end of Ellison Ave (connecting with Fraser Rd.), northwards of Ellison Ave & Fraser on Fraser Rd, southwards of CR34 & Fraser Rd on Fraser Rd, northwards on Erie St (at the dock), inwards at each end of Robson Rd, outwards from the Marina's exit on Robson Rd, outwards in all directions from Erie St & Talbot Rd and northwards of Wilkinson Dr on Hwy 77.
A plan has been developed which includes bike routes throughout the Town, a mix of on-and off-road facilities that will make the Town more bike friendly.
Bike lanes were installed last year on Sherk St, the first link of the on-road route through Leamington, and more of the route will be improved in 2008.
Unfortunately, some of the bike lane paint has faded somewhat over the winter. However, the Town is already aware of the need to get the Sherk bike lanes repainted and to use a standard-sized template of a bike silhouette.
Town of Kingsville
We have been appointed to the Town's newly created Active Transportation Committee which will have its first meeting on April 22/08.
To date the Town has approved 1% of its Public Works Capital Budget for Active Transportation improvements in 2008.
We hope that these actions and financial support by the Town will inspire the committee to effect some much needed action toward making the Town's roads bike-friendly.
Village of Wheatley
Although not "officially" part of Essex County, Erie Street from the lake northwards into Wheatley forms a section of the County Wide Bikeway.
It has been reported in the newspapers that Chatham-Kent will be widening this section of road in order to make it more bike friendly.
We've encouraged them to sign it with Share the Road signs as well.