Velo Ontario’s Ontario Bicycling Route Development of Regional Cycling Networks Discussion 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 Route A 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 volumes On road network Direct as possible All regions connected Viable trans-provincial routes Access: major geographic features key parks major urban centres international boundaries

OBR on the Back Roads of Niagara

Route Selection Criteria Avoid high traffic and truck volumes On road network Direct as possible All regions connected Viable trans-provincial routes Access: 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 OBR Work Group - Activity Schedule

Activities Completed –7,500 km on-road network mapped –verification with 400 contacts –New name –Network maps –Web site –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 Steps Phase 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