05-08-2017, 08:50 AM
Following on Canard's post, I think this points to a larger problem with the way active transportation is treated in the Region. There does seem to be a general willingness to provide accommodation for it, when there is some space available. The problem is that there doesn't seem to be an understanding that people might actually want to go somewhere. Trails end suddenly and reappear in disconnected places, bike lanes appear and disappear at random, and signage is often scarce.
This lack of attention to networks is particularly notable with construction. Sawmill Road has wide shoulders south of Conestogo that are great for cyclists. They are completely and needlessly blocked by signs warning cars of construction on several occasions forcing cyclists to merge in and out of traffic suddenly. No detour for cyclists is signed despite there being a very reasonable one and this being a popular cycling route. Canard's example above is particularly egregious since that part of the trail has been closed for well over a year now and there is a very reasonable detour available.
We need to have active transportation corridors established in the region. Key routes that are upgraded to provide people with safe routes to and from key parts of the city. Any disruption to these key parts of the network should then be accommodated - signage warning people far in advance of detours and closures (since they're a lot more disruptive to people on foot or bikes than cars), and attention paid to make active modes safe and comfortable throughout construction, especially when it is a long-term project. Too much of our active transportation network seems like an afterthought rather than a well-planned system
This lack of attention to networks is particularly notable with construction. Sawmill Road has wide shoulders south of Conestogo that are great for cyclists. They are completely and needlessly blocked by signs warning cars of construction on several occasions forcing cyclists to merge in and out of traffic suddenly. No detour for cyclists is signed despite there being a very reasonable one and this being a popular cycling route. Canard's example above is particularly egregious since that part of the trail has been closed for well over a year now and there is a very reasonable detour available.
We need to have active transportation corridors established in the region. Key routes that are upgraded to provide people with safe routes to and from key parts of the city. Any disruption to these key parts of the network should then be accommodated - signage warning people far in advance of detours and closures (since they're a lot more disruptive to people on foot or bikes than cars), and attention paid to make active modes safe and comfortable throughout construction, especially when it is a long-term project. Too much of our active transportation network seems like an afterthought rather than a well-planned system