What does Calgary know that Burlington Economic Development should?

Shamelessly copied from the Calgary Hearld because it makes an undeniable case for cycle tracks.
"Cycle track deserves to get some traction"
http://www.calgaryherald.com/touch/story.html?id=9482985

BY BRUCE GRAHAM, CALGARY HERALD FEBRUARY 7, 2014
Calgary’s proposed cycle track network has been creating quite a buzz around town lately and we wanted to weigh in on this issue. You may wonder why we, as Calgary’s leading economic development organization, care about a cycle track network for Calgary. Well, as the promotional agency tasked with attracting and retaining the best talent, as well as promoting our business and lifestyle advantages around the world, a cycle track network will help us do just that.

It may be less obvious than an increase in healthy lifestyle or taking tailpipes off the roads, but an inner city cycle track network can boost business. In Colorado, cycling brought more than $1 billion to the state’s local economy, and in New York, after the installation of a protected bike lane, retail sales increased by as much as 49 per cent compared to a three per cent increase in sales citywide during the same period.

When San Francisco optimized Valencia Street for cyclists and pedestrians, nearly 40 per cent of
merchants reported increased sales and 60 per cent reported more area residents shopping locally due to reduced travel time and convenience. Travelling by bike encourages more frequent stops than travelling by car; a study of Toronto merchants revealed that patrons arriving by foot and bicycle visited the most often and spent the most money per month.

It goes without saying that parking the car and jumping on your Trek is good for your health, but it’s also good for the health of the community. Business owners would be interested in a study done by the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, which found that cycling reduced employee absenteeism — specifically, the employees who cycled to work regularly missed less work, on average more than one day per year less than colleagues who didn’t. And a Minnesota company that encouraged its employees to bike to work saved $170,000 in health care over three years and $301,000 through increased employee productivity every year.

And then there’s the social reputation factor: The “I didn’t know the city built on energy invested in commuter bike lanes.” And make no mistake, it is an investment. This is a prime example of the kind of selling feature we use when telling Calgary’s story around the world. People want to live in a city that invests in making the lives of its citizens better. Sixty-two per cent of recent transplants to Portland, Ore., said that the city’s bike friendliness was a factor in their decision to move there. By 2018, Calgary’s population is expected to grow by more than 150,000 people. We’d love to add the cycle track network to our people-attraction tool kit before we see tens of thousands of new cars added to our morning commute.

The major benefit of dedicated bike lanes is they help pedestrians, motorists, transit users and cyclists coexist safely. Even in Calgary’s harshest weather, you’ll see many diehard cyclists making their way to work, and these numbers would increase if we made their commute safer. After New York City installed their first protected bike lane (the first in the U.S.), they saw a reduction in injuries to all street users by 58 per cent. Calgary drivers will be the first to say that the unpredictability of cyclists sharing the narrow downtown roadways makes them nervous for the safety of the cyclists and themselves. A cycle track network in Calgary gives commuters a reliable alternative to driving, while ensuring the well-being of both cyclists and motorists.

Calgary is already well suited to adopting a cycle track network and here’s why. With the most expensive parking in Canada, our citizens have already shown us they would happily utilize this healthy and fun mode of transportation.

The first leg of the cycle track network runs on 7th Street S.W., and over the course of a year (2012-2013), the number of bikes quadrupled per day. Pedestrians were happier too, as the number of cyclists riding on the sidewalk went down by 25 per cent. At 700 kilometres, Calgary has the longest paved urban pathway system on the continent. With the addition of a downtown cycle track (and Calgary Transit’s recent announcement that all new buses will have bike racks), commuters can safely and efficiently travel from their homes in any quadrant of the city into the core. Calgarians may be surprised (and hopefully delighted) to learn that over the past five years, a multitude of downtown building owners have added up to 2,000 bike parking stalls in their buildings, telling their tenants and their employees they support their desire to embrace diverse transportation options.

We realize adoption will take time and people want to be involved in the process to understand where the proposed network will go and how it impacts them. We encourage Calgarians looking for more information on the cycle track network, to stop by the CORE Shopping Centre, Plus-15 level, by Holt Renfrew, this Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to talk to the cycle track network team.

Bruce Graham is president and CEO of Calgary Economic Development.

And New Street is where it should begin!  Yes To NEW

Hamish's Hill - aka King Road north of the QEW

Located in urban Burlington, Hamish's Hill is a mecca for cyclists from around the region.  As the chart on the left shows, it's an uphill ride all the way.

On Strava.com cyclists post the date and time it took to ride to the top of the escarpment.

Strava gives riders a way to measure their performance against others.  ~200 cyclists have cycled up Hamish Hill 600 times.  And that's only the ones that upload their times.

It's hard work, a hard climb, a great training hill and in it's own special way - fun!  Once you reach the crest of Hamish's Hill, you feel relief, accomplishment and immense satisfaction!!

Improvements are coming to Hamish.  As part of its regular program to resurface and maintain roads in Burlington, King Road will be undergoing the following:

• Resurfacing and minor widening of the roadway;
• Improvements to the roadway horizontal and vertical alignment;
• Addition of paved shoulders to accommodate cyclists;
• Improvements to roadside protection systems.

Sadly, when it comes to improving cycling infrastructure in Burlington, nothing is a sure thing.  The city needs to hear your positive feedback on this project to add paved shoulders. 

You can attend the Public Information Centre at the King's Court Banquet Centre on Feb. 20th starting at 6:30pm.  Or you can email the team in charge of this project directly.

They need to hear from you!  Please take the time to tell them.  Thanks.

Winter cycling blues

I'm not a die-hard winter cyclist and usually opt for warmer climes for winter cycling.  I don't mind few layers and cold weather but this relentless, never-ending snow is getting me down.

The Burlington Cycling Committee has been working hard behind the scenes for safer better cycling in Burlington.  They can't do it without you!

To get you ready for the cycling season, the Burlington cycling committee will be hosting 3 seminars at the Public and they're free but we need you there to make it worthwhile!

Cycling is in the air. And it's Christmas too!!!

Was the week before Christmas and many have hung up their bikes with care but there's lots of positive cycling news in the air.

1.  In Oakville, council has endorsed a proposal by Share the Road Cycling Coalition asking the government to allocate 1% of the Ontario Transportation budget to be spent on municipal cycling projects.  Through twitter Minister of Transportation, Glen Murray has supported this!  Maybe Burlington Council will consider a similar endorsement.

2.  Still at Queen's Park, Norm Miller, MP for Muskoka-Parry Sound tabled a Private Member's Bill that requires "a minimum one-metre paved shoulder on designated provincial highways that are to be rebuilt or resurfaced."  The bill passed second reading on Dec. 12th and next stop is committee.  It has ALL party support as well as endorsement from the CAA, yes that's the Cdn Automobile Association.  The CAA is a big supporter of safer cycling in Ontario and Share the Road Cycling Coalition!

3.   Back at home, the New Street public information meeting was decidedly in favour of segregated bike lanes!

The street is going to be repaved. It's an ideal opportunity to add segregated bike lanes making it safer for cyclists going into and leaving the downtown as well as accessing Central Park, the library, arena, community centre and gardens.

Economically, there is a case for spending additional funds to segregate the bike lanes.  The Burlington Economic Development Corporation released data indicating 44% of the Burlington labour force work in Burlington.  Another 14% in Hamilton and 12% in Oakville.

Studies show the quickest way to get anywhere under 5km is by cycling.  Add the commuters who drive to Hamilton, Oakville and the GO Trains the short distance commute figure easily exceeds 50%.  Get some of these short distance commuters off the roads and onto safer bikes lanes and the resultant benefit is less congestion on existing roads.

Merry Christmas to all and a healthy, Happy New Year.   2014 is shaping up to be a great year for cycling in Burlington & area.

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)

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!

Do it for safer cycling!!

If you believe Ontario needs safer cycling then you should be cycling in Greg's Ride.

Greg's Ride in support of Share the Road

When: 10:00 am, Sunday, September 29th, 2013
Where: Kelso Conservation Area ( 5234 Kelso Road, Milton, ON, L9T 2X7).

Ride begins at 10 a.m., rain or shine. Registration opens at 8:30 am

About the Ride
In June 2006, OPP Sgt. Greg Stobbart was hit by a truck as he rode his bike on a rural road, training for an upcoming event.  He died as a result of his injuries.
Each year, Eleanor McMahon, Greg’s wife, has organized “Greg’s Ride” to remember Greg, to remind us all to “share the road”, and to raise funds for the cycling coalition she founded and leads, Share The Road.  This year marks the 8th year for Greg’s Ride, which has been generously supported by several sponsors, notably Racer Sportif.

By participating in Greg’s Ride, you will join fellow cyclists from all over Ontario and beyond to deliver a powerful message:  we must all work together – motorists, cyclists and pedestrians – to be aware of one another and travel safely on our roads together.  You are also supporting Share the Road, as it pursues its mission with vigour:  making Ontario “bicycle friendly for all of us, and increasing awareness of the value and the importance of safe bicycling for healthy lifestyles, a more vibrant environment and sustainable communities.  Join us!

Registration depends on the length of your ride.
$100.00 to ride the 100km route (50km route x 2)
$ 60.00 for the 50km route
$ 40.00 for the 30km route.  Children between 12 and under are free when registered and accompanied by and adult.

On Saturday Sept. 28th bring the kids to Oakville and enjoy the Family Fundo.
Registration and Fundo details here.

Do it for safer cycling.  Do it for yourself and those you love.  Join us.  Thanks.

Its a wonderful time of year!!!

MEC Sat. morning riders at Cafe
Domestiques in Dundas.

Saturday mornings, you'll find me riding with a fabulous group of cyclists all all ages.  While riding we support each other, we pace and challenge each other and we reach new heights!  It's a lot of fun and you're welcome to join our band of merry cyclists.  10am Saturdays at MEC in Burlington.

It's always a delight cycling in nice weather but September is the best time to cycle in our area.  Sunny days, cooler weather and changing colours make it a wonderful time of year!

It also brings out all the great cycling events in our area.  Here's what you need to know:

1.  The City of Burlington has posted a cycling survey and is looking for your feedback to make cycling safer and better.  Click on the link to add your input.  Don't be shy to mention your wish list.  We need a connected network of bike lanes.  We need safer ways to get across the QEW, 403 and 407.  And how about a better way to get across the canal life bridge.  Cycling across the bridge deck is dangerous with the morning dew on the bridge deck.

2.  Epic Tour Halton - Sunday September 8, 2013.  With routes of 140km, 80km, 50km and a family ride of 10km you'll discover the beauty of Halton cycling in the fall.  You can ride at your own speed.  Police & volunteers limit vehicle access to the route.  There will be washrooms, mechanical support, a party at the finish line and a lot of cycling fun.  Details.

3. Inaugural GranFondo Niagara - Saturday September 14, 2013.  Granfondos are mass participation cycling events that have enjoyed incredible popularity in Europe for decades and are gaining momentum in North America.  Loosely translated from Italian, gran fondo means "big ride". These rides are often a hundred kilometres or more and designed for a large number of cyclists at a variety of skill levels - everyone from the competitive cyclist to the amateur enjoy these events.  

Fees include a dedicated lane for the entire ride, rest stops, mechanical & medical support, sag wagon, secured bike parking and post-ride entertainment.  Details.


4. Tour de Mississauga - Sunday September 15, 2013.  Last year  ~1,600 cyclists of all ages and skills levels participated in this great FREE!! event.  Well marked rides exploring Mississauga followed by an Après-cycle with food, drinks, donuts and music at Centennial Square.  It's a great event.  Fun for everyone and a great way to see Mississauga from bike.  Details.

5. Ride in Memory of Greg - Sunday September 29, 2013 - Milton.  Share the Road Cycling Coalition (STR) is a non-profit organization dedicated to making cycling safer in Ontario.  STR has provided input into the new Ontario Bike Policy and recognizes communities that promote safe cycling by awarding Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum awards.  This ride supports the work of STR.  If you want to have a great time and support safer cycling, this is the event for you.  Varying ride lengths and a Family Fundo for the kids.  A post ride celebration is also included at Kelso Conservation Park.  Details.

If you've never cycled in a pack before, now is the time to discover what you've been missing - the camaraderie, challenge and just fun being with people who share your joy & passion for cycling.  I hope you take advantage this September.

Our lives are defined by opportunities, even the ones we miss - F. Scott Fitzgerald

North Service Road at King Road

It's just a small, insignificant stretch of roadway in an isolated part of the city.

Probably no more that 200 meters, maybe less. The North Service Road at the King Road intersection was resurfaced but bike lanes or paved shoulders weren't added.  They weren't even considered.  According to the city, the contractor forgot to put down the edge line but according to mavens at city hall, this will be rectified - soon.
You might say it doesn't really matter.  It won't make cycling safer in Burlington.  It won't add appreciably to the bike lane total in Burlington.  It won't impact the demand for cycling infrastructure in Burlington. And bike lanes on out-of-the-way North Service Road have nothing to do with bike lanes on important streets such as Lakeshore Road, Walkers, Guelph Line, etc.

Or do they????

Debased subway cars, ailing city

I first visited New York City in the late seventies to catch an inexpensive flight to Europe after graduation.  The New York that greeted me was an unnerving place.  Buildings were abandoned and boarded up.  Subways were strewn with graffiti - on their windows, ceilings, seats and floors.  When you rode the subways, the lights kept going off randomly for indeterminate periods.  You could forget visiting Central Park even in the daylight.  It was eye opening and I thought I'd never go back.  In the seventies a million people left New York City and it was on the verge of bankruptcy.

We've been back at least 10 times in the past 5 years!  Today's New York is exhilarating, vibrant and exciting.  The reason for the dramatic renaissance can be found in Malcolm Gladwell's thought provoking piece in the Tipping Point on the "broken window hypothesis."   Gladwell tells us the small things matter!  A policy of benign neglect in an isolated part of the city has adverse implications for the entire city.  In New York, the simple act of keeping subway cars clean, encouraged people to care about their city and this small transformation eventually led to reduced crime rates and a higher quality of life.

The little things count!

In 2011, Burlington missed opportunities, choosing not to include paved shoulders on North Shore Boulevard through LaSalle Park and on resurfaced sections of the North Service Road as well.  When questioned, the response was that bike lanes "were not there originally."  Another time worn excuse was that it "wasn't in the cycling master plan."  In 2013, foregoing bike lanes on Townsend Road is another example.

As Gladwell and the data points out, despite the political rhetoric, if you can't be bothered to fix the broken windows, you won't improve the city.  If you can be bothered to put bike lanes on smaller stretches of roadway, then the bigger more important roads such as Lakeshore Road won't get done as well!

The small things really do matter!

Burlington Cycling Friendly activities

Its a wonderful time of year in Burlington as the bikes wake up from winter hibernation.

Lids for Kids (facebook link) is an event hosted by Halton Regional Police with the Burlington Mall.  Mall Merchants donate 300 helmets and the HRPS adjust the straps on each helmet so it fits snuggly, properly on your child's head,  HRPS run a bike rodeo to teach the kids proper hand signals and signage.  With over 300 kids waiting for a helmet, the line ups are long but there's lots to do and the line moves quickly.  Bikes are inspected, brakes checked and bicycle seats raised to the proper height - it's all FREE!  This year parents are asked to obtain helmet vouchers at Guest Services from May 18-24th.  Lids for Kids is on Sat. May 25 (usually at 9am - 12 noon) and is held at the Burlington Mall.

Brian Smith Charity Bike Ride - Sunday May 26, 2013 is the date for the tenth annual ride in

support of the Halton Trauma Centre, YMCA Strong Kids and  Brian Smith Scholarship Fund.  The ride's popularity is growing so they are leaving from Hutch's on the Beach.  There are rides of varying lengths from 140 - 80 - 52km with support vehicles and rest areas stocked with refreshments.  There is a $50 fee provided you register before May 26.

MEC Burlington Bikefest happens on June 8, 2013, 11am to 5pm at the Christie Lake Conservation Area.  Lots of activities for cyclists of all ages.  There will be bike clinics, demos and 20 product and organization exhibitors including prizes and a bike give away from Giant!!
May is shaping up to be a great cycling month in Burlington.