Monday, November 18, 2013

How would you make cycling better in Halton?

This is your chance to make your voice heard. Tell the consultants that write the strategic plans what needs to be done to make cycling safer and better in Halton.

They are creating the plan that will be used to guide the development of all forms of Active Transportation in Halton over the next 20 years.

Wide, protected bike lanes on all major arterial roads would be a good start.

Safer ways to navigate the overpasses and underpasses that criss-cross our cities.

They need to hear what we need done.


Date:   
Drop-in: 
Location:         
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Milton Centre for the Arts
1010 Main Street East, Milton ON (MinMaxx Hall)
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Halton Regional Centre1151 Bronte Road, Oakville, ON (Auditorium)

Friday, November 15, 2013

The great divide and cycling safety move at a glacial pace in Burlington

The QEW and 400 series of Ontario highways impact Burlington more than any other city in Ontario!  They are a massive obstacle to safe cycling in our city.

Everyone agrees that a change is needed but its taking far too long to make these roads safer.

I received this telling email, from Joseph, to a blog post from 2009 - over 4 years ago regarding the underpass at Fairview & the QEW.

Hey RGenie,

Hopefully you get notifications for comments on old posts.

I've recently moved to the south side of the QEW, and have been trying for weeks to find a safe way to get to the north side. I'm a very, very experienced cyclist, but Brant street, Guelph Line and Appleby all scare the hell out of me. It doesn't mean I DON'T do it, but there is no way 99% of the population would ever consider cycling those roads.

It was sad to find this post, from over 4 years ago, and know that nothing has changed. I kept hoping there was some trail/path/bridge I just didn't know about. 

I won't give up cycling, but I cringe whenever I get to the QEW. More than any other city I've been in (and I've cycled all across Canada, and in many European cities), I feel like motorists on Brant/Guelph/Appleby absolutely hate me on their roads. If only they knew how badly I didn't want to be there!

Is there anything I can do to get involved in trying to develop a safe way for cyclists to reach an entire half of their city?


Thank you Joseph for your email!

Sadly, Joseph is correct.  In over 4 years, many improvements have been made but not the ones that really count towards making cycling safer.

Joseph, send your email to the councillors and ask them to explain why change in Burlington is glacial.   Every month a group of committed citizens meet to discuss ways to improve cycling in Burlington.  The Burlington Cycling Committee meets once a month and there is a forum for concerned citizens to learn and participate in making cycling safer.  Please attend the next meeting Tuesday Nov. 19th, 7pm., room 307. Meetings are open to all.

After 4 years there should be more changes!