Trails

[dscurtis]

I took a few photos of the "Willow Cycle Link" project in Uptown Waterloo on Saturday. The project looks nearly complete.




I also sent an email to Chris Hodgson at the City asking for information on the crossing of William St. He says a pedestrian crossover is being planned, with installation estimated to be spring 2025. In my mind that's fantastic news! I sent a reply this morning asking if any other crossings on the Spur Line Trail will get PXO's or other crossing upgrades. We'll see what he says.

I really despise the concept of uncontrolled crossings, since they lessen liability for drivers, and people find them confusing. I often have drivers stop for me on my bike even though they have the right-of-way. I think they average person doesn't understand the difference between the yellow diamond signage at uncontrolled crossings (Wc-15) and the black-and-white rectangular signage at pedestrian crossovers (Ra-5). It seems the core of the issue is the HTA insisting that cyclists dismount at PXO's, and therefore OTM Book 18 thinks uncontrolled crossings are better than PXO's for cyclists when road traffic volume is low. Instead, there should be an allowance for cyclists to ride across a PXO at a reasonably slow speed (which is what is practically happening anyway).

I like the City of Waterloo's sign at Erb/Bridgeport/Caroline which mimics Ra-5, but also includes a bicycle. To my surprise, this sign is included in OTM Book 18 on page 332, but curiously the sign code says "custom code". The City placed it under a yield sign at a right-turn island which matches the recommendation below. Now if only this same sign could legally be used at all PXO's...