City of Ottawa - Cycling in the City - April 2023

 

Transportation Master Plan Part 1; Transportation Committee Meeting – 17 April

On 17 April 2023, the City’s Transportation Committee will hold a special public meeting to consider the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) Update Part 1 report. This report concludes TMP Part 1, including the consultation and work undertaken over the last several years on the Transportation Master Plan policies, prioritization frameworks, and active transportation projects and network maps. Residents can access the most up to date materials through the City’s meeting agendas and minutes portal, where they can also find out how to watch, listen and participate in City committee meetings. The proposed active transportation projects and network maps can also be found on the City’s online mapping portal GeoOttawa (under Cycling > Transportation Master Plan Updated (2023 – Draft). Additional background on the TMP Update can be found on Engage Ottawa.

Pathway Etiquette

The snow has started to melt and the bike lanes and pathways are already seeing more traffic. There are kids learning to ride a bike for the very first time, people walking with their dogs, and of course the geese. The geese are back. When driving on crowded roads, we often have to slow down according to traffic conditions, or check to make sure it’s safe to pass a slower moving vehicle. The same principle applies to our pathways. As the fastest users of our active transportation network, it’s up to cyclists to slow down as needed, and make sure it’s safe to pass before overtaking. Other pathway users can help by being predictable, using short leashes on dogs, staying to the right, and keeping an ear out for passing cyclists (ding ding!). By making room for each other, we can all enjoy our shared public space.

Nominations are now being accepted for the annual Bruce Timmermans Cycling Awards

Do you know someone who deserves recognition for making a difference for cycling in our city? The City of Ottawa is once again accepting nominations for the Bruce Timmermans cycling awards! Two awards will be presented in May to recognize outstanding contributions to cycling in Ottawa. EnviroCentre is once again coordinating the 2022 awards. All nominations are treated as confidential. the deadline for submissions is 28 April 2023.  Click here to nominate an individual or organization you believe deserves recognition! You can find out more about Bruce Timmermans, the awards named for him, and past winners here.

Let’s Bike Month is coming in June!

Since 2010, EnviroCentre and the City of Ottawa have spent a full month every year celebrating all things cycling. With Let’s Bike Month around the corner, we hope to get residents geared up for some fun! Participation is free, simple and has something for everyone. Log your rides and see the difference a bike ride can make! Let’s Bike will calculate the money you’ve saved and how you’ve reduced your carbon footprint. Looking for some extra incentives to get out and ride? Everyone who logs at least one ride is eligible for the daily prize draws. The earlier you log a ride, the more chances you have to win! Interested in learning about route planning or cycling infrastructure? Join one of the fun and friendly workshops running throughout the month on a variety of topics! Want to get all your colleagues and friends involved? Create a team and track your rides together, or create some friendly competition between departments! Visit the Let’s Bike Month website to get the most up to date details, register yourself and your team, and learn how you can participate in June 2023.