City of Ottawa - Cycling in the City - September 2022

 

Transportation Master Plan Update

This past winter and spring, many residents took part in the latest consultation on the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) update. This consultation asked residents to provide input on the proposed active transportation projects and changes to the rural active transportation network. It also asked residents for feedback on draft policies, including policies to advance active transportation. The City has recently posted a number of documents to the project website that report on what we heard through the consultation process. Staff are reviewing the feedback received, along with technical and costing information to refine the list of active transportation candidate projects and the rural network. Comments on the draft policies are also being reviewed. Updated documents will be available in early 2023, prior to being put forward for consideration by the City’s Transportation Committee and Council. Sign up to the TMP e-newsletter to stay informed.

Look out for the 2022 Origin Destination Survey

This month the City launches the 2022 Origin Destination Survey. This important travel survey is being carried out jointly by the major transportation planning agencies within the national capital region. The goal of the survey is to understand how, where, and why residents travel. The survey asks questions about residents’ households, as well as the trips made by household members. The survey results will help the City make informed decisions on road, transit, pedestrian, and cycling improvements and is a key input for the next phase of the TMP Update, developing the Capital Infrastructure Plan. Households are being chosen at random to take part and residents may receive a letter or phone call inviting them to participate. Learn more at ODSurvey.ca.

Strandherd Drive, Maravista Drive to Jockvale Road

The works underway on Strandherd Drive are part of a major project that removes the at-grade rail crossing and widens and urbanizes this section of roadway. The project includes adding sidewalks and cycle tracks along Standherd Drive, extending the existing protected cycling facilities here. In late August, the new bridge over the rail line was partially opened, with a full opening anticipated later this year. Once operational, Strandherd Drive will feature a cycle track 4km in length, from Fallowfield Road to Jockvale Road. The project also includes a plan to connect the existing multi-use pathway that runs along the VIA Rail line east of Cedarview Road, to the Gregory Casey stormwater management pond, using a route underneath the new Strandherd Drive bridge. This will provide access to recreational opportunities at the pond as well as connecting to future residential development in this area. Learn more on the project webpage.

Practice Rack & Roll, At Your Own Pace!

Practice using Rack & Roll any time with the new practice bike rack located at Hurdman Station. We know that the process of loading and unloading a bike on an in-service bus can be intimidating for some customers. First time users can practice loading and unloading their bike on the same rack used on all OC Transpo buses. Clear instructions for use are posted on the practice unit. The rack can accommodate wheels up to 2.3 inches and bikes weighing up to 55 lbs. This initiative is the result of a customer suggestion! Share your ideas for improving multi-modal connections to service here.

Be secure with Bikesecure

Taking a multi-modal commute? You can lock your bike at sheltered, secured bike parking located at Fallowfield, Greenboro and Strandherd stations. Bikesecure bike parking facilities are reserved for registered customers. Spaces cost $10 per month plus a one-time fee of $6 for the key fob. Call 613-842-3777 to register. Note that the Bikesecure location at St-Laurent is temporarily closed due to construction. Find out more at octranspo.com.

Stage 2 LRT, New Rideau River Bridge

The construction of the Stage 2 LRT project will add new walking and cycling facilities as well as providing 24 new stations and 44 km of new rail. For one location, a major milestone was reached in late July as the span for a new active transportation bridge over the Rideau River was lifted into position. The 65m long span, weighing over 130,000kg, was assembled nearby before being moved and lifted into position using a self-propelled modular transporter and specialized crane. The bridge is located next to the O-Train rail bridge, connecting Carleton University and Vincent Massey Park. The bridge will provide users with an alternative option for crossing the Rideau River to nearby routes such as Bank Street, Bronson Avenue or Hog’s Back Road.  Watch a timelapse of the new bridge being installed here.

Yellow Dots Sensors

Did you know that many intersections have buried sensors to trigger the traffic lights to change?  They can be found along well-travelled bike routes and the most sensitive part of the sensor is indicated by three yellow dots on the road.  Simply place your bike on the yellow dots and wait for the light to turn green before proceeding.  It is important to stay on the dots until you see a green light.  If you proceed before the light is green, the light may not change as you are no longer triggering the sensor. The sensors can be activated by any vehicle that contains metal, including most carbon frame bikes. No need to stretch for the pedestrian crossing button! Just keep your wheels on the dots and your eyes on the lights!

Planetary Pathway Stittsville

Have you discovered the planetary signage along the Ottawa-Carleton Trailway section of the Trans-Canada Trail? It is out of this world! Starting at West Ridge Road and heading west, you can find our solar system laid out to scale as you bike, roll or walk along! It will take you close to 12 km to reach Pluto (It’s been re-classified as a dwarf-planet and we did not want to leave it out!) Biking along this well-maintained gravel trail is a great way to learn on the go as you discover some fun facts. As a City of Ottawa initiative, with support from EnviroCentre and the TransCanada Trail, we are hopeful this new trail resource will be enjoyed by youth groups, families, residents and visitors alike.

Bank Street Canal Bridge

The Bank Street Canal Bridge is another structure currently undergoing rehabilitation. The concrete walls and sidewalks are being repaired, and the bridge deck will be resurfaced. At the same time, the bridge is also being modified to reduce the number of vehicle travel lanes from four to three (one southbound and two northbound) and add raised, separated cycling facilities in both directions. The Canal Bridge project is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2022.

Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling (OMCC) Program

In late 2021 the City wrapped up the last of its projects under the Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling (OMCC) program. Under this program the City of Ottawa received nearly $10M from the Province of Ontario through Climate Action Plan funding which helped accelerate the implementation of several projects such as the separated cycling facilities along Heron Road and Booth Street, the Flora Footbridge, and multi-use pathways leading to Baseline Station and Cyrville Station. These new cycling facilities are aligned with the goals of the Province and City in supporting commuter cycling and helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.