HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS-15-061 - Westheights Dr - Traffic Calming Review Staff Rport
I r rc'.�► t .R Infrastructure Services Department wmkitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: August 10, 2015
SUBMITTED BY: Justin Readman, Director of Transportation Services,
519-741-2200, ext. 7038
PREPARED BY: Jeff Kolnick, Traffic Technologist, 519-741-2200, ext. 7152
WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 7
DATE OF REPORT: July 30, 2015
REPORT NO.: INS-15-061
SUBJECT: Westheights Drive —TRAFFIC CALMING REVIEW
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That pedestrian refuge islands be constructed and designated at:
• Westheights Drive's western intersection with Blackwell Drive,
• Westheights Drive's northern intersection with Autumn Hill Crescent; and,
That an intersection narrowing be constructed at Westheights Drive's eastern
intersection with Driftwood Drive;
That Westheights Drive's four-lane cross-section be reconfigured to the
following:
• A 1.9 metre bike lane
• A 0.5 metre buffer
• Two (2) 3.3 metre travel lanes
• A 0.5 metre buffer
• A 1.5 metre bike lane
• A 1.0 metre buffer
• A 2.6 metre parking lane,
That on-street parking areas be defined through on-road pavement markings; and
further,
That the Uniform Traffic Bylaw be amended accordingly.
***This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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BACKGROUND:
Traffic volume and speeding are significant safety related issues frequently raised by residents
of affected neighbourhoods in the City of Kitchener. In response to these issues, Kitchener City
Council adopted a Traffic Calming Policy in 2004, updated in 2014, and established an annual
budget to address traffic management issues in residential neighbourhoods. The traffic calming
policy outlines a number of evaluation criteria that provide a fair and consistent review of streets
and communities while defining and prioritizing the individual streets and/or communities that
are most in need of traffic calming from a traffic safety perspective.
In April 2014, Council approved Report INS-14-046, "Traffic Calming Priority—2014", which
recommended that a traffic calming review be conducted for several streets in the City of
Kitchener, including Westheights Drive.
In response, Transportation Services staff reviewed the existing traffic conditions on
Westheights Drive and in May 2014, a neighbourhood traffic calming review was initiated with
the intent to reduce vehicle speeds, deter non-residential traffic from the area and reduce the
incidence of collisions, thereby increasing safety for all users within the right of way.
Importantly, Westheights Drive is identified in the City of Kitchener Cycling Master Plan (CMP)
as a priority street. It is to be a main thoroughfare for cyclists, providing a suitable alternative to
the arterial road network for cyclists. As a result, the implementation of cycling infrastructure
was central to this initiative.
REPORT:
In May 2014, affected area residents were surveyed in order to determine if there was sufficient
neighbourhood support to commence the traffic calming review. Through this survey it was
determined that sufficient resident support existed as per the City of Kitchener Traffic Calming
policy. Subsequently, a public meeting was held in November 2014 where residents identified
speeding as the primary concern. As Westheights Drive is an emergency response route and
transit route, vertical deflections, which are the most effective speed control measure, were not
an option, in accordance with the updated 2014 policy. Residents indicated that a minimal
approach was then preferred with respect to traffic measures, with difficulties crossing the street
and concerns for school children as the primary safety concerns.
Resident Input
Through the public information centres, residents were asked to identify the issues of
importance to them, to be addressed through the new design plan. The following graph outlines
the concerns raised during the public engagement process:
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Westheights Drive Resident Concerns
Parking
Speed
Driveway access
Volumes
Winter Maintenance
Visibility
Noise
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
This resident input, along with the approved recommendations of the Cycling Master Plan,
was used to develop a number of alternative designs to be developed. A preferred design plan
was developed based on this information. Please refer to Appendix A for this design plan.
On-Street Parkinq
Based on the current parking regulations along Westheights Drive, there are approximately
255 on-street parking spaces. The implementation of bike lanes on Westheights Drive would
require the elimination of on-street parking on one side of Westheights Drive, resulting in
approximately 131 on-street parking spaces. This results in an approximate loss of 124 on-
street parking spaces throughout the length of Westheights Drive.
City staff conducted a number of parking studies that counted the number of vehicles parked
along both sides of Westheights Drive. The results are as follows:
Date Time Period Number of Cars Parked
Friday January 30, 2015 Evening 15
Tuesday, February 3, 2015 Evening 5
Sunday, February 15, 2015 Afternoon 15
Saturday, February 21, 2015 Evening 13
Further, in response to resident concerns regarding parking during holidays, city staff performed
three further parking studies on Westheights Drive on Sunday, April 5th, 2015 (Easter Sunday),
during church and dinner times:
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Date Time Number of Cars Parked
Sunday, April 5th, 2015 10:55 am 57
Sunday, April 5", 2015 4:04 pm 53
Sunday, April 5", 2015 6:09 pm 52
As outlined above, while parking is being reduced, at peak times, only 57 parking spaces are
occupied. The proposed plan still retains 131 on-street parking spaces along Westheights Drive.
If, at peak occupancy, 57 on-street parking spaces were in use, this would result in a utilization
rate of 43.5%, leaving 74 on-street on-street parking spaces. Further, during the study from
which this number was drawn, 25 of the parked vehicles were located in front of Westheights
Community Church, where on-street parking is being retained. Additionally, a bus stop is being
removed in front of Westheights Community Church, resulting in approximately 30 metres of
added on-street parking, or approximately five (5) on-street parking spaces.
Traffic Volumes and Speeds
Below are the results of a six (6) day study which captured traffic speed and volume data on
Westheights Drive:
Location Count AADT* AADT 85th Percentile
Date Combined Speed (km/h)**
Westheights Drive between May Eastbound: 3425
Connelly Drive and Rolling 2014 Westbound: 3376 6801 55
Meadows Drive
Westheights Drive between May Eastbound: 2421
Putnam Place and Broken 4697 58
Oak Crescent 2014 Westbound: 2276
Westheights Drive between May Eastbound: 2740
Driftwood Drive and Winding 2014 Westbound: 2519 5259 58
Way
Westheights Drive between May Eastbound: 3309
Lorilee Crescent and McGarry 2014 Westbound: 3096 6405 57
Drive
Westheights Drive between May Eastbound: 2161
Autumn Hill Crescent and 2014 Westbound: 1985 4145 57
Trailview Drive
Westheights Drive between May Eastbound: 2851
Highland Road West and 2014 Westbound: 2634 5484 57
Blackwell Drive
*Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT); **85% of vehicles are traveling at or below this speed (85
percentile speed).
The preferred plan is recommending that the traffic lanes be reduced in width from 3.75 m to
3.3 m. By providing bicycle lanes and narrowed traffic lanes on Westheights Drive, it is
anticipated that a decrease in speeds will result. By narrowing the lane widths and reducing
the number of traffic lanes and associated crossing distance, as well as adding pedestrian
refuge islands, pedestrian safety will be greatly increased. Attracting multi-modal trips to
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Highland Hills and the many schools and churches in the neighbourhood is essential to
reaching the goals of the Kitchener Growth Management Strategy.
Collision Experience
A three (3) year collision history was completed for Westheights Drive. The following is a
summary of the collisions by initial impact type:
Initial Impact Type
Year SMV- SMV- Rear
T.M. Unattended Other End Sideswipe Angle Other Total
2013 1 2 1 4 1 7 1 17
2012 3 0 3 5 2 1 1 15
2011 3 3 1 1 1 0 0 9
Total 7 5 5 10 4 8 2 41
The average number of annual collisions (13.7/year) on Westheights Drive is not unexpected
for a major collector roadway that is approximately 2.7 km in length and carries significant
traffic volumes. Collision types vary, with no clear collision pattern defined.
The reduction of Westheights Drive from four (4) traffic lanes to two (2) traffic lanes, along
with clearly marked bike lanes and buffer zones, will clearly define areas for vehicular and
cycling traffic to utilize, eliminating the dangerous condition of lane changes, as well as
eliminating the mixing of vehicles and cyclists in the same roadway space. This will result in
reduced conflict potential.
Cycling Network
Westheights Drive is part of the priority network of the Cycling Master Plan. Westheights Drive
is classified as a major collector roadway, resulting in bicycle lanes being recommended as
the most appropriate cycling facility in this case. Bicycle lanes provide adequate separation
between cyclists and motorists on a roadway with the traffic volumes and speeds on
Westheights Drive. The proposed bicycle lanes would link with the existing bicycle lanes on
Westforest Trail and Eastforest Trail. Further, they would link with planned cycling facilities on
Highland Road West, which has already begun the Environmental Assessment process, as
well as trails within the Forest Heights community, including Sandrock Greenway.
Final Resident Survey
At the initial public meeting, cycling facilities for Westheights Drive, as approved through the
CMP, was communicated to attending residents. The inclusion of bike lanes was met with mixed
support. Further, at the second public meeting, held in March 2015, the bike lanes featured in
the preferred design were met with some opposition, as well as confusion regarding how the
directives of the CMP were to be aligned with the democratic nature of a traffic calming review.
In order to address resident concerns, Transportation Services staff went above and beyond the
typical public outreach for such projects and went door-to-door to each house fronting
Westheights Drive. Each household was visited at least twice in order to give residents the
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opportunity to express how they felt the proposed plan would affect them, as well as giving staff
the opportunity to clear up any misconceptions regarding either the plan or the process. The
response was favourable, with many residents indicating their appreciation of this level of
engagement.
A total of 232 properties were surveyed which abut or are adjacent to Westheights Drive. The
results of this door-to-door survey are as follows:
No. of No. of Response YES NO Undecided Support Rate
Properties Responses Rate (YES)
232 150 64.7% 75 41 34 64.7%
The results of the final survey shows that the minimum response rate of 50% has been
exceeded, while the minimum approval rate of 60% has also been exceeded, which indicates
support for the recommended plan.
Concerns raised through the door-to-door engagement process included safe and proper
access to and from residential driveways, as well as the ability for Westheights Drive to
accommodate the traffic demand with a reduction in traffic lanes.
In response, staff demonstrated to residents how there would still be adequate space for all
ingress and egress maneouvres using a scale model. The actual roadway width is not changing
from its current state.
Further, with parking along one side of Westheights Drive, particularly on the inside of the
curved sections of the roadway, will increase visibility and assist driveway access.
McGarry Drive carries approximately 50% more traffic than Westheights Drive with two traffic
lanes, therefore the reduction of traffic lanes on Westheights Drive is not expected to cause
congestion or undue delay.
Lastly, encouraging cyclists to cycle on-road will make them more predictable, as they will be
more likely to travel in the anticipated direction and at expected speeds. This is as opposed to
sidewalk cycling, where cyclists frequently travel in either direction and at speeds considerably
greater than the speed drivers expect of pedestrians.
Staff has also received input from the community, in support of increasing cycling infrastructure
throughout the City and Region, including specifically related to this Westheights Drive plan.
Please refer to Appendix B, which summarizes comments received.
The proposed design meets the needs of winter maintenance staff and will not impact the safety
of road users along Westheights Drive. Also, this proposal is not expected to affect the noise
levels along Westheights Drive.
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Based on these results Transportation Services staff is recommending that the preferred design
alternative be implemented. This plan includes the following:
• The reduction of traffic lanes from four (4) to two (2) lanes
• Pedestrian refuge islands at Westheights Drive's intersections with the western leg of
Blackwell Drive and northern leg of Autumn Hill Crescent
• Intersection narrowing at Westheights Drive's eastern intersection with Driftwood Drive
• Buffered bike lanes.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
This initiative falls under the Community Priority of Quality of Life. "Work with partners, including
all orders of government, to create a culture of safety in our community." By working with the
neighbourhood, traffic volumes, speeds and heavy truck route concerns have been addressed.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The cost to install the signs, pavement markings and traffic calming measures is approximately
$120,000. This cost will be taken from the existing traffic calming and cycling budgets.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
This project has had extensive public involvement and communication, including two (2) public
meetings, as well as a door-to-door direct resident contact.
INFORM —This report has been posted to the City's website with the agenda in advance of the
council / committee meeting.
CONSULT—The neighbourhood has been consulted through two public information centres,
two information packages and two surveys including the final survey. Further, residents were
engaged door-to-door to have individual concerns addressed on-site.
The full layout for the plan can be found at:
http://www.kitchener.ca/en/livinginkitchener/resources/Traffic_Calming_Reviews/WHDDesignFi
nalREV.pdf
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Dev Tyagi, Deputy CAO
Infrastructure Services Department
Attach:
• Appendix A - Proposed pavement marking design
Appendix B - Comments received from citizens of the Waterloo Region in support
of implementing cycling infrastructure within the City
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Appendix A - Proposed Pavement Marking Design
Westheights Drive between Highland Road West and Connelly Drive
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Appendix A - Proposed Pavement Marking Design
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Appendix A - Proposed Pavement Marking Design
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Appendix A - Proposed Pavement Marking Design
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Appendix A - Proposed Pavement Marking Design
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10 - 17
Appendix A - Proposed Pavement Marking Design
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Appendix A - Proposed Pavement Marking Design
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10 - 19
Appendix A - Proposed Pavement Marking Design
Westheights Drive between Queen's Boulevard and Blackwell Drive
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Appendix A - Proposed Pavement Marking Design
Westheights Drive between Blackwell Drive and Highland Road West
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10 - 21
Appendix B - Comments received from citizens of the Waterloo Region in support of implementing
cycling infrastructure within the city
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From: Sent: Thu.3/15/2015 3:05 PM
To: Cycling:
Cc:
Subject: 2015 Bike Lane projects
Dear Members of Council and staff,
I would love to see a bike lane added to East Ave,but this road is generally pretty easy to bike on as is(minus the potholes).if the roadwork is being
done in any case,adding bike lanes is a must..
Union between Lancaster and Margret would also be a nice improvement.
9l priority should be Iron Horse trail crossing at Courtland and Stirling.I have found this swot to be really bad for crossing..
Hoping to see many more projects like this from the city.
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From: Sent: Thu 4/16,/2015 8:10 AM
To: Danny Pirnentel
Cc:
Subject: '2015 cycling Projects
,W.
Dear Members of Council and staff, ry'
I am a regular cyclist and have been commuting and getting around to-,vn by bike since I moved to IOW in 2004.Although this area is reasonably
supportive of cyclists and that support seems to be continuing,there are further improvements that can be made for the benefit of all road users and
the health of all residents and visitors.
I wholeheartedly support the projects being put forward for 2015 and into the future,including improvements to Union st,East ave,and the]Cron horse
trail,as well as the rail spur line from the transit hub through to upto,,,vn Waterloo.
I hope I can count on your support in these projects,in giving cyclists a strong voice in local government and providing a fair balance between the
different competing priorities in our area.
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From: Sent: Fri 3/17/2015 10:39 GSM
To: Cycling
Cc:
Subject: Bike Infrastructure..
Dear Members of Council and staff,
I wholly support the initiative to improve and build upon Kitchener"s bike infrastructure. There are many cyclists in the city that would make good use
of this infrastructure.We should be supporting any efforts to get more people on the bikes and out of cars in the region.
Thanks for your work on this.
10 - 22
Appendix B - Comments received from citizens of the Waterloo Region in support of implementing
cycling infrastructure within the city
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From: Sent: Wed 4/15/201.5 10:10 AM
To: Danny Pirnentel
Cc:
Subject: Pike lanes and trails
Dear Members of Council and staff,
Construction season is upon us and I would love to see more bike lanes and trails as road work is donne.I heard there are some projects in the works or
being considered. The more the bike lanes the better as far as I'm concerned.I bike all over the city and it is a real treat when I fiend a bike lane.It just
gi'v'es that extra layer of comfort and safety.
Click hereto download Pictures.To help protect your anvacya Outlook prevented automatic download of some pictures in this message.
From: Sent: Fri 4/17/'2015'8:12 PM
To: Danny Pirnentel
Cc:
Subject: Pike lanes in KW
l=
Dear Members of Council and staff,
The cycling network in KW needs work and support. We'd love to leave the cars at Borne and head to work on our bikes,or hick up kids from Jaye re
on our bikes,but without buffered biked lanes-we don't feel safe.
Even as a driver,I would munch prefer buffered bike lanes on the roads so that cyclists are safer and have a path to go on,without making me feel
nervous driving by them.
As a fancily we fully support having bike lanes on Union Street and on East Ave.We also feel that having safe island crossings for the Iron Horse
Trail is important.
The L T"is one way to try and change ideas of transportation and relieve congestion but I don't think-that Kitchener invests enough thought and effort
into maintaining a safe and well linked biking network-.We would use it and others would too.It just has to make sense and be safe,with buffered
bike lanes and alternative routes.
�D Click here to download pictures.To help protect your frri+aacy,outlook prevented automatic download of some pictures in this message.
From: Sent: Mon 4/20/2015 2:25 PM
To: Cycling
Cc:
Subject: Puffer Space Pike Lanes
Dear Members of Council and staff,
I'm a strong advocate for segregated cycling lanes-and the Lancaster-Margaret corridor is strongly needed. I drive on that segment 3-4 times per
week and have seen multiple near miss incidents between cars and cyclists.It's especially important considering the number of students who cycle
that area also.
10 - 23
Appendix B - Comments received from citizens of the Waterloo Region in support of implementing
cycling infrastructure within the city
t°k Click here to download pictures.To help protect your privacy,outlook prevented automatic download of some pictures in this message.
From: Sent: Tue 4,/21/2015 10:56 AM
To: Cycling
Cc:
Subject: Bike lanes on Union St,East Ave.
Bear Members of Council and staff,
I recently emailed to voice my support for bike lane projects in Kitchener: I'm getting in touch today to particularly emphasize the importance to me
of the Union 5t and East Ave.projects. I attended the Union 5t. consultation,and was surprised at the vitriol of some of the people opposing the
project,marry of whom appeared misinformed—unaware,for example,that the project is literally paint:no plans at all to marrow the road or remove
lanes.
As you consider whether to proceed)with the Union 5t.bike lanes,I urge you to note the demographic differences between the residents of that stretch
of Union 5t, itself vs. of the immediately connecting side streets.While the potential downsides(sightllines,south side guests needing to cross the
street)may affect residents of Union itself,the upside is the safety and independence of the many,many families with children living nearby who use
Union as a.gateway to the rest of the City,and will be more comfortable Cycling on it with this infrastructure in place.
I am planning on attending the East Ave consultation this evening,maybe IT see you there.
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From: Sent: Thu 4/16/2015 9:21 PM
To: Danny Pimentel
Cc:
Subject: Bike lanes
Dear Members of Council and staff,
I support these improvements.
IID Click here to download pictures.To help protect your outlook prevented automatic download of some pictures in this message.
From: Sent: Thu 4/16/'.2015 8:48 AIM
To: Cycling
Cc:
Subject: Cycling and trail infrastructure
Dear Members of Council and staff, `f
I am writing to encourage the continued and improved emphasis of creating a viable and strong cycling and trail network in our area.Many studies
show that such infrastrtucture improves the lives of the citizens in that area.I encourage you to strengthen such infrastructure in IOW.In particular i
would like to See Support for island crossings at Stirling and Courtlland. This intersection cuts through two parts of the Iron Horse Trail,making for an
awkward and challenging intersection for Cyclists and pedestrians.I would also support road diets for numerous City streets.By supporting such
projects,all of our citizens Benefit.
10 - 24
Appendix B - Comments received from citizens of the Waterloo Region in support of implementing
cycling infrastructure within the city
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From: Cent: Thu 4/16/2015 9:06 PM
To: Cycling
Cc:
Subject cycling in Kitchener
Dear Members of Council and staff,
I love riding may bike around Kitchener.d live right near the Aucll and there are several relatively destinations myself and my family regularly ride to
(the market,City Cafe,Victoria Park,uptown Waterloo,V'allumart at Frederick Street Mail).
The problem is I pull our kids in a chariot..For at least part of every route,I need to go on the sidewalk. d feels sketchy but d made the change after we
got t-boned by a car a couple of years ago..The idea of a bike lane on East Ave is awesome.
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From: Sent: Fri 4/17/2015 12:35 PM
To: Cycling
Cc:
Subject: Cycling Infrasctruckure
Hear Members of Council and staff, "j
Hello,
I would just like to take a moment and express my support for enhancing cycling infrastructure in Kitchener. d am in full support of each of these
proposed additions with specific support for the Island crossings for the]Croon Horse Trail at Courtllarnd and Stirling,with cycling facilities along
Stirling(Charles to Mill). This is a section of the horn Horse that both myself and my husband use almost daily.
Thanks for your consideration
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From: Sent: Wed 4/15,/2015 7:37 PM
To: funny Pirne7tel
Cc:
Subject: Cycling.Infrastructure
Hear Members of Council and staff, u
We all know that the most liveable and healthy cities also happen to have a larger percentage of people who can ride safely.Please do the right thing
for the health of all citizens and approve the proposed improvements to cycllirng,infrastructure.
10 - 25
Appendix B - Comments received from citizens of the Waterloo Region in support of implementing
cycling infrastructure within the city
From: Sent: Fri 4/17/2015 9:11 AM
To: Cycling
Cc:
Subject: Cycling Lanes and Trails in KW
Dear Members of Council and staff,
As a young professional and mother,my family and d are looking for ways to make our city healthier and more vibrant.More bicycle lanes and trails
would be a significant step in the right direction. This is what we want,and this is what will help keep us living and interested in the core of this city.
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From: Sent: !!»".Jed 4/15/2015 3:25 PM
To: Danny Pimenkel
Cc:
Subject: Enhanced cycling infra in Kichener
Dear Members of Council and staff,
Kitchener has donne lots to enhance cycling as a mode of cycling transportation over the last few years. We need to continue the good work to fill the
gaps in our cycling network to make cycling a viable mode of transport for all members of society,not just the sporting types.
I'm a regular user of the Iron Horse and anything we need to make existing crossings safer,quicker and more intuitive.Additionally d regularly cycle
on Union between the broad diet needs to extend beyond Lancaster"and Margaret and go all the way to the Iron Horse (even of parts are owned by
Waterloo).
Let's continue the work we've started and build a complete cyclling;network accessible to all ages and capabilities.
�iiG;W Click here to download pictures.To help protect your privacy,outlook.prevented automatic download of some pictures in this message.
From: Sent: Wed 4/15,/2015 9:29 AM
To: Danny Pime7tel
Cc:
Subject I support bicycling infrastructure..
Dear Members of Council and staff,
I support the proposed cycling facility projects for 2015.As a transportational cyclist and KW resident,dedicated bicycling infrastructure projects
such as the proposed trails and bike lanes snake a big difference in how easy and pleasant it is for me to get around the city.Improving our cycling
infrastructure will allow me to get to a greater variety of locations and travel more safely and pleasantly to locations d already go to,and will make an
even greater impact in the lives of those who want to bicycle,but are afraid to.Good cycling infrastructure will also reduce the number of people
riding on the sidewalk,which is not safe(or legal),but is perceived by many as safer than riding on the roads.d strongly encourage you to continue
making cycling infrastructure a priority in the city of Kitchener.
10 - 26
Appendix B - Comments received from citizens of the Waterloo Region in support of implementing
cycling infrastructure within the city
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Fro i Sent: Wed 4/15/2015 8:24 PM
To: Danny Purnentel
Cc:
S u by e ct: I support cycling lanes!
Dear Members of Council and staff,
So I drive a lot to get out of the city since I work all over the province,but when I'm around town I find it much easier to ride my bike most places,it's
less stressful and cheaper to boot.
I especially ride along the iron horse and improving the intersection at Courtland and Stirling would be a huge boon to many people that use that
intersection.Right now we're supposed to dismount our bikes and use the crosswalk. There's not enough room if people are waiting at the bus stop in
front of the plaza and honestly it's like asking people to get out of their cars and push.No one is gonna do it.
I would especially like to see Stirling reduced in lanes,right now people treat it as a speedway for no real good reason and 4 lanes are seriously under-
utilized.The only consideration is leaving room for the school buses that use it and to ensure that clear markings are made for cyclists to follow.
In my opinion the city doesn't do enough for people that walk or cycle in the winter. The busy paved trail running from the Iron Horse to the food
basics plaza on Highland road goes unplowed despite the fact that everyone that uses it pays property tax. There are many other examples all around
the city where it seems the only priority is to ensure that drivers can get around but everyone is a pedestrian at some point in their commute.even if
it's just walking across the parking lot.
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From: Sent: Mon 5/11/2015 9:28 AM
To: Cycling
Cc:
Subject: Keep LIP the momentum on the Cycling Master Plan!
Dear Members of Council and staff-
I am encouraged to see progress being made this year on the Cycling Master Plan and the Multi-Use Pathways and Trails Master Plan,across many of the City's wards.This spring or summer,
we will see the clDWIAONV11 C3�Clilcg network implemented and bike lanes with green-coloured coililici areas piloted on Pioneer Drive-
I'm pleased that staff are working on several proposed road diets and trail projects this year including potentially buffered bike lanes on Westheights,Union St-and East Ave,and trails along
Balzer Creek and Kolb Creek-It is good to see projects from the priority networks of each Master Plan being taken on-my estimate is that ive could have about 10 Ian of ri cycling and
trails infrastructure in 2015.
I believe the impact of these projects-across the City could be profound in building public support for better cycling infrastructure over time a study in the US found that 759`p of residents
,xho lived near protected bike facilities supported building more elseNvIlere-
I'm particularly excited that vve could see ri facilities in my neighbourhood.on East Ave-it would be an important route for many to get to Knoll xood Park,Sheppard School-and the
Auditorium-and link the Frederick St bike lanes with the future Cycling Master Plan route on Krug-I would strongly encourage the City and the Region to work together to also ensure these
facilities have a great connection to the proposed protected bike lanes on Ottawa Street-
Cycling facilities and traffic calming on Union Street betNveen Margaret and Lancaster could also entice me back to taking that stretch on in),daily commute to the office-it's an over-paved
road that's ripe for reallocating some of its extra space to become a Complete Street-Creating Nvell-defined.spaces for moving vehicles,bikes,and parked vehicles will help to calm speeds and
improve the character of the street-Significantly,it could also connect vdth existing bike lanes on Margaret,extending the connected netNvork to more residents,and provide a link to future
bike lanes(proposed under the Regional Active Transportation Master Plan)on Lancaster to the Bridgeport Community-I realize that some residents along that street have concerns about
parking,but my observations are in lini the loiv numbers of parked cars counted by staff.
I'm very much looking fonvard to seeing these bike infrastructure projects moving fonvard,and hope,,ve can continue to keep up the pace for implementing our Cycling Master Plan-
10 - 27
Appendix B - Comments received from citizens of the Waterloo Region in support of implementing
cycling infrastructure within the city
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From: Sent: Wed 4/15/2015 11:27 AM
To: Danny Pirnentel
Cc:
Subject: Kitchener Bike Infrastructure.. f
Dear Members of Council and staff, `f J
My wife and b recently purchased an east ward century home. We have only a single car,and we strive to drive it less than 10,000 km per year,ideally
a lot less. This is only possible with high quality bike infrastructure not only for myself as an adult cycling,but for my children in a trailer,and as
they get older,on their own bikes.Young children riding really do require protected infrastructure—if not trails and physically separated lanes,at
least a wide sidewalk to ride on.-br -brs
So d want to lend rely support to the projects proposed for this year,as well as affirming the work that has already gone into making King street and
other major arteries better places to ride.We look forward to biking in Kitchener for many years to come:=:br><br=
We feel affirmed in our decision to make Kitchener our family's permanent home when we see the attention and care that is given by government to
infrastructure supporting cycling,transit,and walking. Thanks again.
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From: Sent: Wed 4/15,/2015 10:15 AM
To: Cycling
Cc:
Subject: K-A needs more cycling infrastructure!
Dear Members of Council and staff,
I'm a resident of Kitchener and I'm a strong supporter of cycling in our region.b drive a car,too so my view on the matter"isn't biased in any way. t
just thinly.our city needs to evolve into a healthier and safer place.
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From Sent: Mon 4/20/2015 9:39 AIM
To: Cycling
Cc:
Subject: More hike...more Kitchener
Dear Members of Council and staff, '
I just wanted to extend my support for continued implementation and growth of cycling infrastructure in Kitchener.My bicycle is my primary mode
of transportation to work,for weekend errands&events and visiting friends in Kitchener from March-December.
I use the Iron Horse Trail extensively and give full support for the Improvement Strategy to be conducted this summer..d would also give my support
to the proposed projects for this year:
*Road diet with buffered bike lanes on Westheights Drive
*Road diet with bike lanes on Union Street(Lancaster to Margaret)
*Multi-use pathways along Kolb Greenwvay and Ewothsay
*Road diet with buffered bike lanes on East Ave
*Multi-ruse pathways along Balzer Creek(Country Hill to Fallowfaeld)
*Island crossings for the Iron Horse Trail at Courtland and Stirling,with cycling facilities along Stirling(Charles to Mill)
Every project helps to build a more connected community for people who ride bikes.
10 - 2
Appendix B - Comments received from citizens of the Waterloo Region in support of implementing
cycling infrastructure within the city
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From: Sent: Fri 4/17/2015 12:14 PM
To: Danny Pimiertel
Cc:
Subject: more biking infrastructure
Dear Members of Council and staff, �l
I strongly support any and all additional biking infrastructure that is under consideration in our city.As a city committed to green initiatives and
progressive development for the future,biking infrastructure should be among our toga priorities.d trust you will snake the appropriate decisions for
the future of our city. Thank-you.
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From: Sent: Fri 4/17/2015'8:22 AM
To: Cycling
Cc:
Subject: New Bike Infrastructure
Dear Members of Council and staff,
Hello,b am a frequent user of the Iron Horse Trail.d often ride the trail with my kids in tow in a bike trail.We live near King&Ottawa and use the
trail to get to Victoria Park and area. d am very much in favour of improved crossing at Coulrtlland&Stirling. I'd also ask that you'd consider the size
of a bike+trailer to make the islands safe for children in trailers.
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From: Sent: Thu 4/16/2015 9:16 AM
To: Danny Pimen'tel
Cc:
Subject: On Road and Bike Infrastructure Plans 2015
Dear Members of Council and staff,
I wanted to write a quick note to show Tray support for the plans for 2015 in terms of road diets with buffered bike lanes,multi use trails,and island
crossiIygs.d believe in having as many safe and high quality transportation options as possible in Kitchener and Waterloo Region
10 - 29
Appendix B - Comments received from citizens of the Waterloo Region in support of implementing
cycling infrastructure within the city
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From: Sent: Thu 3/'15/'.2015 5:28 PM
To: Cycling
Cc:
Subject: safer hike infrastructure
Hear Members of Council and staff,
I would like to advise you that d support improvements to bicycle infrastructure as d do not feel safe cycling on our city roads. Separate bike lanes are
a must.Hike lames that cars can impede will not stop cyclists from using sidewalks.
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From: Sent: Fri 4/17/.2015 10:10 AM
To: Cycling
Cc:
Subject: supporting hike infrastructure in Kitchener
Hear Members of Council and staff, 3
Hi there,d regularly cycle to work at Laurier University,to the farmers market,and now with young children took forward to cycling to the Bark,to
friend's and family's houses. Investment in bike infrastructure is needed in order to improve safety and encourage community uptake of cycling.b full
support the following projects:
Load diet with buffered bike lades on W estheights Drive
Road diet with hike lanes on Union Street(Lancaster to Margaret)
Multi-use pathways along Kolb Greenwvay and Rothsay
Road diet with buffered bike tastes on East Ave
Multi-use pathways along Balzer Creek(Country Hill to Eallowvfield)
Island crossings for the]Iron Horse Trail at Courtland and Stirling,wvith cycling facilities along Stirling(Charles to Mill)
Please contact race if you would like more details on how and why d support these projects.
10 - 30