Major Cycling Improvements Will Make Riding Safer and More Connected
Riding bikes is on the rise; in fact cycling trips in Mississauga have doubled since 2011. This morning members of General Committee endorsed the 2018 Cycling Master Plan which will improve cycling safety, the cycling network, foster a culture of cycling and increase the number of cycling trips in our city.
Through the 2019 Budget process, approval for $5.3M in annual funding will be requested to fund the proposed Cycling Master Plan. Additionally, staff will seek input on the prioritization of cycling network projects and development from members of the Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee.
“To achieve our vision of increasing the number of residents who choose to ride a bicycle in Mississauga, we need to provide a safe, connected, convenient and comfortable network of cycling infrastructure that will contribute to safer cycling in our city,” said Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works. “This plan moves us closer to our goal of becoming a greener city that allows people the comfort of cycling safely whether it is for recreation, fitness or commuting to work.”
During the public consultation process for the Cycling Master Plan, known as “Does Cycling Move You?”, residents, cyclists, the business community and the Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee were engaged. In addition, input was gathered from online surveys and face-to-face sessions in all 11 wards.
The updated Cycling Master Plan tackles key areas:
- Cycling infrastructure planning and design best practices have changed significantly and updates are required to achieve best practices
- The cycling network must be safe, connected, convenient and comfortable for residents, and visitors of all ages and riding ability to try cycling
- Implementation of new cycling infrastructure will be coordinated with road rehabilitation and major road construction projects, where possible
The cycling network laid out in the Cycling Master Plan will result in 897 kilometres of infrastructure to be built over 27 years. This includes:
- Cycle tracks where a bicycle lane is physically separated from the road by a curb and is either at sidewalk level or slightly lower, reserved for bicycles only
- Bicycle lanes separated from traffic lanes by flexible posts, planters, parking stalls, curbs or other barriers, reserved for bicycles only
- Bicycle lanes where cyclists travel in a lane beside regular traffic lanes, reserved for bicycles only
- Multi-use trails along boulevards and also through parks
- Shared routes between cyclists and motorists on roads with lower speeds
The Cycling Master Plan will go before City Council on July 4 for formal approval.
