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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, September 23, 2016 | 18 Cycling infrastructure will take time to complete continued from p.17 Fraser is also calling for more cycling infrastructure where it is needed, noting while north Oakville has some bike lanes, the majority of cyclists passing through Oakville do so along Lakeshore Road where he said there is only a patchwork of bike lanes and sharrows. "Oakville is lightyears behind most cities and municipalities. If you look at Toronto, if you look at Ottawa, they have networks of bike lanes that are protected," said Fraser. "At the current time, Oakville does not have the infrastructure for cyclists to ride safely." Stephen said the Town's cycling facilities are designed in accordance with the Ontario Traffic Manual and the Ministry of Transportation design standards. Tackling cycling infrastructure when possible She said the Town tries to leverage other projects taking place to introduce cycling infrastructure, so if a road project is being done, it is an opportunity to add something like a bike lane in a more cost-effective and less disruptive way. "That means we aren't going from the east limit to the west limit of an entire street all at one time. It does mean sometimes there are sections that are done and some sections that are not, but we work to provide the transitions in those areas so cyclists and drivers know where that cycling infrastructure is ending and where it is starting up again," said Stephen. "The goal is to provide that complete network as we can." Avid cyclist John Scheel is concerned about the way bike lanes just end metres before certain intersections leaving cyclists to suddenly merge onto the roadway with motorists. Or, bike lanes go right to the intersection where a shared lane marking indicates the lane can be used by both cyclists and motorists. Resident raises concerns Scheel argues this lack of uniformity is confusing and dangerous to cyclists. Town staff said the reason some bike lanes stop before the intersection has to do with available space and in some cases an intersection may have to be expanded. This costs money and sometimes the budget is simply not available. That said, Clapham noted a Lakeshore Road environmental assessment is currently getting underway and will focus on Lakeshore Road from Mississaga Street to Dorval Drive. It will look at possible improvements for all intersections along that section of road. Scheel also questions bike lanes jut out into the roadway to accommodate street parking. "This constant in and out is wrong," he said. "You're pushing the bikes out into the traffic by making them go there." Marked cycling routes with no bike lanes, or pavement markings that could be mistaken for bike lanes is another issue for Scheel. Near Bayshire Drive and Pine Valley Crescent, Scheel points to markings on the pavement along a cycling route that at first appear to be a bike lane, but as the road progresses draw closer to the curb until it is just inches from the curb. Clapham said the marked cycling routes guide cyclists to other portions of the town's cycling network and are not intended to have cycling lanes. He said the Town has recently started adding sharrows to these routes and will introduce these as opportunities arise. Town promoting cycling safety Clapham outlined a number of ways the Town is promoting cycling safety. This includes through the recent production of a cycling handbook offered both in hardcopy and electronically through www.oakville.ca. He said the Town also offers a CAN-BIKE Safety Program, for new cyclists. For two years, the Town has also offered a four-week cycling safety summer camp for youths between the ages of eight and 12. These youths learn the rules of the road and how to ride trails and streets from a certified instructor. "We've seen great feedback and enrolment in those summer camps," said Clapham, noting the Town recently saw its Recreation and Culture and Transit departments create three cycling safety videos now available on the Town's website. The Town has also recently republished its Cycle Walk Oakville Map to provide updated information on cycling infrastructure. "I think the Town is probably among some of the top municipalities for improving cycling safety on all different areas that can be offered from media to in-town courses, summer camps, and information," said Clapham. The Town is updating its Active Transportation Master Plan and members of the public have the opportunity go to its website (www. oakville.ca) and share concerns and even photos about areas where they feel cycling infrastructure needs to be improved or added. Stephen said the Town is also purchasing data from a company called Strava, which tracks routes used by cyclists. She said the idea is to see what cycling routes are most frequently used so staff can compare cycling infrastructure. "If we have a road that doesn't have cycling infrastructure on it, but does have a lot of people riding on it, that may be something we want to look at," said Stephen. "If we do have bike lanes in place, we can tell how well they are being used." Don't stop cycling While he says cycling in Oakville can be improved, Fraser Damoff argues residents shouldn't abandon the important pastime. "A cycling death is a tragic thing, but I hope people aren't deterred from actually getting on their bike because it is one of the best ways to enjoy Oakville," said Fraser. "Taking a ride through Downtown Oakville and then going to Bronte and up Kerr, you truly get to understand and discover new things whether it is a festival or a new coffee shop. In a car, you sometimes zip by these things and miss them completely." Authentic Montessori at its Best - For Ages 18 mo.-12 yrs. · An empowering curriculum that engages children · Individual focus to learning your child's · Community atmosphere that makes students feel included and valued · Creative expression allows your child to explore their own interests and talents OPEN HOUSE Saturday, October 22nd 10:00am to 1:00pm Join Us For Our Dr. Jenna Davis, Vanessa Pontet and the entire Acorn Team would like to thank everyone involved for making this year's Kid's Day such a success! We would like to thank the following organizations and people for participating and donating their time, prizes and/or supplies: T han kY ou FAIRVIEW GLEN 905.634.0781 · fairviewglen.com MONTESSORI SCHOOL ALL OUR WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS! 250 Wyecroft Rd., Unit 15, Oakville, ON · 905-844-WELL(9355) · info@acornhealth.ca www.acornhealth.ca