HomeMy WebLinkAboutDTS-10-144 - Cycling Master PlanREPORT
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REPORT TO: Development & Technical Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING:
August 23, 2010
SUBMITTED BY:
John McBride, Director of Transportation Planning
PREPARED BY-
Ronald Schirm, Supervisor of Crossing Guards (519 -741-
2232)
WARD(S) INVOLVED:
ALL
DATE OF REPORT:
July 21, 2010
REPORT NO.:
DTS 10-144
SUBJECT:
CYCLING MASTER PLAN
RECOMMENDATIONS:
"That the 2010 Cycling Master Plan entitled 'Cycling Master Plan for the 21st Century' as
attached to Development and Technical Services Report 10-144 be approved in principle;
and,
That annual funding of $200,000 to implement the Cycling Master Plan be referred to the
2011 Capital Budget review; and,
That annual funding be increased to $300,000 in 2015 and be referred to the 2011 Capital
Budget review; and further,
That a Transportation Demand Management Coordinator position be referred to the 2011
Operating Budget review to implement and manage the Cycling Master Plan along with
other Transportation, Demand Management initiatives."
BACKGROUND:
Following the successful application for co-funding from the Ministry of Transportation, as
outlined in DTS Report 08-127, staff began work on a Cycling Master Plan. The result of this
project is attached to this report.
Staff, following the establishment of a Cycling Advisory Committee, plus a renewed interest in
cycling issues, felt it was necessary to develop a guiding document as the City strives to
become a "bicycle friendly city." Co-funding through the Ministry of Transportation TDM
Municipal Grant Program has enabled the City to pursue the development of a Cycling Master
Plan at a considerable cost savings, designed to guide City Council, staff, the Cycling Advisory
Committee and residents on the development of cycling policy, programs and infrastructure over
the next 20 years,
"M
Many developments and changes in programming, policy and infrastructure have made the
1998 Bikeway Study obsolete. Further to this, the lack of strong sponsorship for cycling at the
time of the 1998 Bikeway Study did not create the environment necessary to achieve the goals
outlined in that study. The primary goal of the 2010 Cycling Master Plan is to address these
shortcomings and create an environment whereby the goals and objectives within the CMP are
achieved.
The document contains detail identifying immediate and shorter term needs and goals as well
as policy and direction to assist staff in making significant improvements in bicycle infrastructure
and programming and promote cycling as a viable transportation alternative over the long term.
The goal is to provide an environment that addresses the needs of not only those who already
cycle consistently but moreover the majority of people who would like to cycle, but whose lack of
comfort or feeling of safety in the present on and off road environment within the City are a
barrier to cycling.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Public consultation is a vital key to every successful cycling master plan. A detailed description
of the consultative process is included within the CMP. The Cycling Advisory Committee (CAC)
was consulted at several key points during the process and the chair and co-chair of the CAC
were members of the steering committee. A cycling tour was conducted with members of the
CAC. There was a Stakeholder Workshop conducted involving 22 representatives of 17 diverse
public and private organizations, including the Environmental Advisory Committee, Two public
open houses were conducted early in the process and draft recommendations were presented
to the public and CAC members at a public information session on May 19, 2010. Members of
the press were invited and participated in al,l of the above events.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The Cycling Master Plan outlines the implementation of a Network of approximately 114 km
over 20 years at a cost of $6.1 million to the City. This will require an investment of $200,000
annually, increasing to $300,000 annually over 20 years. Consistent and predictable funding is
the key to the success of the Plan and an eventual meaningful increase in the number of
cyclists. Potential sources of funding and partnership opportunities are identified within the
Cycling Master Plan.
The recommended 0.5 FTE staff resource is being referred to the 2011 Operating Budget
Review.
CONCLUSION:
demand on roadways and other,related resources to ultimately, increasing -the quality of life of
the residents of the City, The Cycling Master Plan attached to this report will guide staff, the
Cycling Advisory Committee and Council in increasing the modal split of cycling in a significant
way, It is recommended that the Cycling Master Plan and associated funding be approved by
Council and adopted by the City.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Jeff Wilmer, General Manager, Development and Technical Services
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