Cycling in the City – January 2022

The content for this article is coming directly from the City of Ottawa ‘Cycling in the City’, and we’ve captured this here for your reading enjoyment. Read on, and dream of warmer days when we can get back on the bike outdoors for folks not participating in Judy’s Monday ZWIFT sessions!

Active Transportation Plan Consultation – Due By 18 February 2022

Online consultations are now underway for the new set of active transportation projects and Transportation Master Plan (TMP) policies. The City is seeking input from residents on the walking and cycling projects that are proposed for implementation over the coming years. Using an online-tool residents can view and provide input on the new sidewalk and cycling infrastructure projects that are being proposed in their neighbourhoods and across the city. Visit the Engage Ottawa site find out more about the TMP update process and the current consultation opportunities. The deadline for comments is 18 February 2022. Don’t miss your chance to provide input on the next round of cycling projects and policies. Direct links to each element of the consultation are included below:

Old Second Line Multi-Use Pathway Extension

The City of Ottawa recently extended an existing pathway on the east side of Old Second Line Road south to meet Terry Fox Drive. Previously, cyclists and pedestrians shared a stretch of paved shoulder next to this high-speed roadway. A new, well-protected 110m multi-use pathway now completes a missing link in the active transportation network providing improved connectivity to two nearby schools, public transit stops, recreational areas and the wider multi-use pathway network. As part of the project, a pedestrian crossover (PXO) was provided across Goulbourn Forced Road to allow students and parents to reach St. Isabel School without crossing at the unsignalized intersection at Terry Fox Drive. Cross-ride facilities have also been implemented at the Terry Fox and Old Second Line intersection, which will become active after pavement markings are added in 2022.

Akerson Multi-Use Pathway

Residents of communities in Kanata South will be pleased to hear that construction of a new active transportation corridor connecting the Trans Canada Trail to Equestrian Drive is substantially complete. Approximately 750-metres of new multi-use pathway have been constructed across Pony Park, within the hydro corridor between Eagleson Road and Akerson Road, and between Michael Cowpland Drive and the Trans Canada Trail. A new signalized cross-ride has been added at Eagleson Road and will become active in 2022 when related pavement markings can installed. This project creates a significant extension of the existing Bridlewood multiuse pathway east of Equestrian Drive and includes a new pedestrian crossing of Equestrian Drive to Pony Park. At the west end of the project, buffered bike lanes along parts of Akerson Road and Michael Cowpland Drive will improve the cycling connection towards the Trans Canada Trail, which can be accessed by a new paved pathway segment at the west-end of Michael Cowpland Drive.

Bay Street Cycle Tracks

The City of Ottawa has partnered with EnviroCentre to provide a campaign that encourages people to cycle as a fun and healthy option for getting where they need to go. There are free workshops and cycling resources, prizes and a fun app to track your distance and the impact of choosing to ride a bike. No matter the reason you cycle (this year brings with it many changes in travel patterns), consider signing up and logging your bike trips this June! Let’s Bike Ottawa! For information and to sign-up visit www.letsbike.ca

Aviation Pathway Extension to Cyrville O-Train Station

An extension of the Aviation Pathway was completed early in 2021. It provides a new low-stress connection between the intersection of Ogilvie Road and the Aviation Parkway, and Cyrville O-Train Station. This route provides a new off-road, lit connection between the NCC Aviation Pathway and transit services at Cyrville station. Ample bike parking has been provided at Cyrville station to encourage commuters to ride their bikes to the station and take the O-Train onwards to their destination.

Chief William Commanda Bridge – Interim Multi-Use Pathway

Construction of an interim multi-use pathway is underway on the Chief William Commanda Bridge (formerly known as the Prince of Wales Bridge). The multi-use pathway will run over a new timber deck installed on top of the existing rail tracks and ties. The project will add a new hand railing system and lighting throughout the pathway corridor. The pathway is part of a larger renewal project on the almost 100-year-old bridge structure, abutments, and piers. The multi-use pathway is expected to be ready for use by fall 2022 with the bridge rehabilitation work continuing through to 2024. Significant funding for the project was contributed by the Federal Government through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

Ottawa Awarded Gold Cycling City Status For Another Three Years

In 2012 Ottawa was the first city in Ontario to receive the Gold Bicycle Friendly Community Award from the Share the Road Cycling Coalition. The City’s status was recently renewed for another three years, and Ottawa is presently one of only three cities in Ontario to be so recognized.