City of Kitchener Cycling Advisory Committee: 2012 annual update

1. City of Kitchener Cycling Advisory Committee: 2012 annual update Presentation to Kitchener City CouncilNovember 26, 2012

2. PURPOSE • Provide an update on the Cycling Advisory Committee’s (KCAC) “Top 5 Priorities” for 2012 • Review City activities to support the Cycling Master Plan in 2012. • Present the KCAC’s first Report Card on Cycling. • Present the KCAC’s “Top 5 Priorities” for 2013.

3. Why cycling matters • Supports health, social, environmental and economic policies and goals. • Aligns with community priorities identified in A Plan for a Healthy Kitchener: The City Of Kitchener’s Strategic Plan for 2011-14.

4. KCAC “Top 5” priorities for 2012 Status update • Iron Horse Trail Rail Crossing Safety Upgrade • Cycling Master Plan Sign Pilot Project • Wilson Ave. Trail Head Improvements • Nyberg St. Contra-flow Bike Lane • Margaret Avenue Bike Lanes

5. Iron Horse Trail Rail Crossing Safety Upgrade • Cycling Advisory Committee #1 Bicycle Safety Problem • Tender awarded, but awaiting finalized agreement with CN to proceed Stalled

6. Cycling Master Plan Sign Pilot Project • Signage connecting Downtown Kitchener, Fairview Park Mall and Hwy 401 pedestrian-cycling bridge. Selected by the public as a top priority during CMP consultations. • Sign manufacturing initiated Victoria Park Fairview Park Mall Delayed Hwy 401 P-C Bridge 6

7. Wilson Avenue trail head improvements • Primary commuter trail link to Conestoga College and Cambridge via Hwy 401 Pedestrian-Cycling Bridge • 2013 anticipated completion Delayed

8. Nyberg Streetcontra-flow bikelane • Key link between the Iron Horse Trail and Trans Canada Trail • Will not proceed due to current Highway Traffic Act legislation CANCELLED

9. Margaret Avenuebike lanes • Primary bike route from Northwest Kitchener to the City of Waterloo bicycle network Nearly completed

10. 2012 cycling accomplishments Infrastructure, Promotion, Policy

11. 2012 cycling accomplishments: Infrastructure • Pedestrian refuge islands on Strasburg & Block Line • Stone dust surfacing, slope stabilization, trail extension (Balzer Greenway and Walter Bean Grand River Trail) • 50 curb cut installations and paving • Block Line resurfacing, including existing bike lanes • Secure bicycle storage at Kitchener City Hall Parking Garage, Charles and Benton Parking Garage • Margaret Avenue bike lanes

12. 2012 cycling accomplishments: PROMOTION • Councillors’ Ride in May 2012 • Great Commuter Race in June 2012 • Bike2Work Challenge and Giveaway in June 2012 • Guest speaker Hans Moor from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on cycling infrastructure • Partnership with Braun’s Bicycles to offer free bike tune-ups during Bike2Work week • First municipality in Ontario to endorse recommendations identified in Coroner’s Cycling Death Review

13. 2012 cycling accomplishments: POLICY • Release of Multi-use Pathways and Trails Master Plan: • Land Securement Techniques for Pathways • Policies requiring developers to plan, design and implement multi-use pathways in new neighbourhoods

14. KCAC Report card • “ … develop a mini performance monitoring ‘report card’ with checklists associated with the CMP goals … ” • Cycling Master Plan • A pilot report card to report on goals related to the CMP • Members graded City actions in 2012 in three areas: • Cycling infrastructure • Promotional activity • Land use policy/strategies • Committee members independently graded City actions • Final grades based on mean scores

15. KCAC Report card RESULTS • CAC members also identified the need for : • Strengthened partnerships with retail bike shops and cycle clubs to promote cycling and cycling issues in Kitchener • Increased support to the Can-Bike program to ensure access for all residents • Increased school-based programs to teach bicycle skills

16. KCAC “Top 5 priorities” for 2013 • Advocacy: Iron-Horse Trail crossing improvements • Safety Upgrade: All trail crossings with roadways • Cycling Culture: Bicycle-Friendly Downtown Initiatives • Trail Improvement: Manitou-Wilson Upgrade • Community Engagement: Bicycle Rack Request Program

17. Iron Horse Trail crossing improvements • Advocate and work with the Region of Waterloo to improve dangerous crossings Courtland and Stirling Victoria and West

18. Safety improvements to trail-road crossings • “Elephant feet” to indicate trail crossings on roads • Removal of dangerous barriers: install curb cuts and open or remove trail gates Elephant feet markings Open or remove trail gates Curb cuts: 50 completed, ongoing

19. Bicycle-Friendly Downtown Initiatives • Sharrows on King Street • King Street section in downtown core identified in CMP • Reduce sidewalk cycling, wrong way cycling, improve safety for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists in the core • Downtown Bicycle Corrals • Convert select parking spaces to accommodate highly visible bicycle parking • Partner with other stakeholders to include public art component

20. Manitou-Wilson trail improvements • Primary commuter link to Doon & the pedestrian/cyclist bridges • Entrances need signs: trail name and bike route • Old pavement needs resurfacing or all new pavement • Many sections are unfit for pedestrians and cyclists

21. Bicycle Rack Request Program • Allow individuals, businesses, and schools to request bicycle racks where most needed

22. How can Council help? • Bicycle-friendly communities need a “‘three-legged stool’ supporting a shift in cycling culture: political champions, staff leaders, and public supporters.” • Cycling Master Plan • Designate sufficient resources • Support the KCAC’s “Top 5” Priorities for 2013 • Request the DCAO of Infrastructure Services to report annually on progress on the KCAC’s top 5 priorities • Continue to fund and support implementation of the CMP • Model supportive behaviour: consider riding a bicycle • Help to educate your constituents on the  importance of cycling and cycling infrastructure