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Velo Ontario’s Ontario Bicycling Route Development of Regional Cycling Networks Discussion Panel. Pro-Walk/Pro-Bike Conference, Victoria, British Columbia September, 7-10, 2004 Presenter: David Hunt, President Velo Ontario Alternates: Norma Moores, John van der Mark. Contents.
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Velo Ontario’s Ontario Bicycling RouteDevelopment of Regional Cycling NetworksDiscussion Panel Pro-Walk/Pro-Bike Conference, Victoria, British Columbia September, 7-10, 2004 Presenter: David Hunt, President Velo Ontario Alternates: Norma Moores, John van der Mark
Contents Velo Ontario Ontario Bicycling Route Project Rationale Background and Approach Activities Completed Next Steps Conclusion
Velo Ontario A new voice for Ontario cyclists Volunteer, non-profit organization Advocating more and better cycling Objectives: • Advocacy and lobbying • Promoting cycling education • Monitor policies and practices of government • Forum for communication and discussion • Promote cycling programs, facilities and benefits
Velo Ontario Nine member Board About 100 members Key Projects: • OBR • safe cycling improvements • advocacy • partnerships • award recognition • administration
Ontario Bicycling Route A vision to implement an on-road cycling network across Ontario, connecting all regions, many municipalities and key points of interest
Project Rationale • Fills cycling route gap • Encourages local cycling connections • Focus for route preservation/improvement • Interconnects with trails • Benefits safety, economy, environment, health • Supports provincial policies • Follows successful models elsewhere
Background/Approach Initiated by Ontario Cycling Association • Route Selection Criteria • Compendium Report & Working Map • Initial Contacts Supported by Velo Ontario in 2001 • project manager • formed project teams, • work plans
Route Selection Criteria Avoid high traffic and truck volumes On road network Direct as possible All regions connected Viable trans-provincial routes Access: • major geographic features • key parks • major urban centres • international boundaries
Route Selection Criteria Avoid high traffic and truck volumes On road network Direct as possible All regions connected Viable trans-provincial routes Access: • major geographic features • key parks • major urban centres • international boundaries
OBR in the Niagara Peninsula Niagara Parkway & Niagara River Recreation Trail Niagara River at Queenston
Activities Completed • 7,500 km on-road network mapped • verification with 400 contacts • New name • Network maps • Web site www.veloontario.ca • Bicycle design guidelines • OBR route signs designed • Project profiled e.g. Toronto Bike Show
Issues • Vast majority of respondents positive • Municipal (4) • Safety on busy roads • Costs to pave shoulders • Low demand for cycling route facilities • Questioned benefits • Cycling Tour Operator (1) • gettoization of cyclists on designated routes
Next Steps Phase I: Marketing/Funding Package • Develop in winter 2004/05 • Target road stakeholders • Other agencies Phase II: Re-contact Stakeholders • Spring 2005 • Updated information package • Request support
Next Steps Phase III: Focus on Lake Erie • Windsor to Fort Erie (500 km) • Higher demand and manageable route • Great Connections • Special effort to involve municipalities
Next Steps Phase IV: Lake Erie Tour • Bicycle tour 2005 • Promotional effort • Increase route knowledge (i.e. road test) • Build momentum for OBR
Conclusion • Long term project • Recognition and approvals required • Financial and resource issues • Dedicated Velo Ontario membership,work groups, and partners