Cycling in Waterloo Region

[dtkvictim]

The drawings for East Ave suggest that about a quarter of the existing trees will be taken down, which isn't great, but hopefully they will replace some of them where possible (the info package doesn't clarify whether they will). And it seems like they will leave the grass boulevard between the sidewalk and bike lane, but then have 1ft (0.3m) of the stamped concrete between the bike lane and street curb. So, definitely not perfect, but I think that 'perfect' truly is an impossible target to reach when you're talking about working around existing homes and trees.

Here's me going off to email the city rep about whether any trees are earmarked for replacement.

I didn't even check the trees, but that's annoying too. Obviously safety is my first priority so protected lanes are more important to me, but shade (and general comfort) is probably up next when I'm choosing my cycling route.

But I just hate the stamped concrete thing they do everywhere... I think it looks so bad.

Which, regrettably, doesn't have to be that and also has just as much to do with the new cycling facilities as that the vehicular right of way is the sacred cow that can't be compromised.

Definitely. There are examples of doing more with less, but it starts with narrower lanes. I think it also has to do aesthetic design choices (or lack thereof). I'm sure the proposed layout could be made into an attractive place by the right people, but I don't think it will be by using our existing patterns, materials, etc.